Power to the People
That’s me, out on the water at the 2024 Rising Tide People’s Blockade
“PEOPLEEEEEE!!” I bellowed with every ounce of my being.
“Peoopleeeee!” my fellow rebels chorused back.
“POWERRRRR!” I shrieked, starting go hoarse.
“Powerrrrrrr!” they replied, matching my energy entirely.
“Power to the people…” I started again, and our ocean choir, made up of hundreds of gallant kayakers, echoed back my favourite rebel tune. As we floated nearby the world’s largest and busiest coal port, those of us who’d chosen not to risk arrest by crossing into the channel showed solidarity with our brave comrades through loud, supportive chanting.
It was the first time I’d led a chorus of any kind, ever. I was nervous about starting, wondering if I was overstepping and perhaps there were people more qualified than I to lead the calls. Then I realised that was ludicrous and simply not how thing worked here. Rising Tide was quite literally people powered, dedicated to democracy, inclusion and collective action. You didn’t have to be “someone” to share your voice. So, share my voice I did.
I don’t think anyone could have stopped me in that moment anyway. I was electrified - positively buzzing. My whole body was literally pulsing with energy. I was drifting in a kayak, bsking in the sun, paired with a new friend I’d made 5 minutes prior, encompassed by hundreds of fellow activists who all cared about the exact same thing and, crucially, cared enough that they were out here fighting for it. To me, this was heaven.
It didn’t matter an iota that I didn’t even know the lines before I started singing. A few times I belted gibberish and giggles till I got the hang of the lyrics. I didn’t mind, I knew no one was judging me. That’s probably my favourite part about going to these things…you can count on everyone being a kind-hearted person. All weekend there were swathes of people jumping up to lend a hand - wash a dish here, carry something there. And this was on top of the 1000+ volunteers that were already officially signed up for shifts.
Honestly, when I go to places like this, I feel like I can take off my mask and just breathe. Ahhhhhhhhh, what peace to be surrounded by people who get it. I don’t have to pretend like the world isn’t hurtling towards collapse and that the people responsible have names and addresses. I can just be.
That blissful stretch on the water wasn’t the only time I found myself yelling passionately that weekend. From the moment my mother found out I was going to the protest she was freaking out, saying it was illegal and I shouldn’t go. Her reaction really bothered me. Without realising it, she was siding with the media and thus the Government and evil fossil fuel industry instead of her fellow citizens - the protestors, who actually have her best interests at heart - and her own daughter.
However, instead of talking to her about it, I stayed silent and simmering until one day, post-protest, I exploded.
I begged her to think critically about the stories she listened to on the media and reflect on who’s side she was really on.
I implored her to see that protestors have no choice but to be bold, as the long history of playing nice has been all but ignored.
I enraged as I spouted facts about new coal ports being approved and plastic production set to triple.
I cried as I relayed the pain I share with so many over the broken world we’re inheriting and shattered futures that lay ahead.
Finally, my monologue tapered off and I went silent.
“You’ve never told me any of that”, Mum meekly replied.
I realised she was right, we’d never really talked about this stuff. Maybe I’d tried. Maybe I hadn’t. Either way, I was pleased we were finally having this conversation and grateful for Rising Tide and their groundbreaking, controversial protest that led to it. I’ve attended plenty of protests before but because they often stay within the lines and don’t ruffle any feathers, they largely go unnoticed - a point I hammered into Mum as to why people risk their livelihood to get arrested.
All in all, it was a successful weekend:
I took part in Australia’s largest act of civil disobedience for climate.
I bonded with like-minded people which builds community and stems the eco-anxiety.
I helped others understand the value and necessity of people power.
I yelled, I cried, I connected and I sure felt electrified.
I can’t wait to lead a chorus again soon, sans gibberish.
Power to the people (power to the people)
People got the power (people got the power)
Tell me can you feel us (tell me can you feel us)
Getting stronger by the hour (getting stronger by the hour)
Power (power)
People (people)
People (people)
Power (power)
