吃瓜大本营

For , Americans have taken to the when they鈥檝e had to share. We鈥檝e taken to the streets to make our voices heard, to effect change, and to feel and display the power and solidarity of mass gatherings. But with physical distancing and shelter in place orders prevalent throughout the U.S. and the world, how do we responsibly exercise our First Amendment right to protest, which remains as essential as ever?

Undoubtedly, there is a to keep ourselves and our neighbors safe, and our hospitals from becoming overwhelmed. At the same time, public debate about urgent political questions 鈥� from construction of the Keystone XL pipeline and southern border wall to when and how to reopen the country 鈥� remains more vital than ever.

Current physical distancing measures have presented challenges, but people have found some creative ways to make sure their voices are heard. Here are just a few examples:

In , construction of the controversial Keystone XL oil pipeline has begun in earnest after it was declared 鈥渆ssential鈥� by the governor, but public gatherings are prohibited. Community members have long argued that the pipeline will degrade the land and water, and that 鈥渕an camps鈥� for pipeline workers are a threat to indigenous communities. So, of people 鈥� in accordance with the state鈥檚 ban on gatherings of more than 10 people 鈥� from the Fort Peck Assiniboine and Sioux Reservation gathered for a prayer circle, holding a length of traditional sinew to symbolize their physical distancing while maintaining their social cohesion. Their ribbon skirts and resolve, set against the Big Sky, inspire us to continue to protect the environment and indigenous communities.

University of California graduate student activists have been mobilized around cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) for months, demonstrating at public events and even going on grading strike on several campuses. Ph.D. candidates tend to have very little income, and students and their families depend on campus resources 鈥� many of which are now shut down 鈥� to survive. With classes moving online and campuses largely shut down, student activists have shifted their movement online, too, with , an innovative platform for sharing their concerns with decision-makers and garnering public support.

Drive-by protests have been used by a variety of movements. While being in a car does not necessarily alleviate all health-related concerns and the degree to which such protests can be safely done may vary, this tactic has the advantage of looking in many ways like a traditional street protest. Officials from to to cannot ignore the masses gathered outside their offices.

Individual spending choices can also be a form of public protest. We have seen people speak out with their wallets in a variety of ways: donating to pandemic relief efforts, giving to friends and neighbors in need, and patronizing local and responsible businesses. In these small ways, we can show what we value and provide assistance to the millions who鈥檝e lost their livelihoods, even as we demand that our government strengthen its safety net. , many of whom are often people of color, have made their needs known, and many are joining together to help.

Voting and filling out the are two more ways that people are making their voices heard, and should be possible without risking one鈥檚 health. are working tirelessly to ensure that election processes are as accessible as possible, while also reminding people that everyone can and should fill out the census, because the national headcount will have important implications far beyond the current crisis.

During the pandemic, windows have become a key forum for expression. In New York City, we scream and clap at every day to show our appreciation for essential workers. People confined to their homes are also of solidarity and beauty with passersby, and people in detention have written on their windows. And powerful curbside messages have also been sent using and .

The future of in-person protests remains uncertain, because even as lockdown measures are lifted in the coming weeks and months, physical distancing and bans on large gatherings are likely to persist. We may need to rely on creative means to protest for some time, but to ensure that any safety measures put in place are temporary and do not outlive their necessity.

History has taught us that people in power have strong incentives to use crises to consolidate power and silence dissent. It is often and Brown communities and the most who bear the brunt of medical emergencies, as well as to implement restrictions on public life.

So, speak out, act up, and exercise your First Amendment right to protest. But be responsible, stay safe, wash your hands, and don鈥檛 risk your health and the health of your communities.

We鈥檒l see you back in the streets just as soon as it鈥檚 safe to be there.