I took the photos in this post back in August 2021 — when I passed through an anti-mandate rally at Columbus Circle/Central Park.
While I was there, a band played mellow music. Much of the crowd sang along and danced while I wandered around taking photos.
As you know, I’m not a believer in what passes for “activism” but I will admit it felt good that day to see people publicly gathered against repressive and anti-science measures.
That was a rare scenario in 2021 NYC.
On the fringes of the event, I noticed a man. He appeared to be South Asian and dressed to go running in the park. Perhaps he lives in that swanky neighborhood. This man stood perfectly still in silence. His facial expression was contemptuous as he gazed at the many signs on display. (FYI: He was not wearing a mask.)
A teenage boy, maybe 16, was giving out postcards to promote an upcoming anti-mandate event. He approached the South Asian man and politely reached out to offer him one.
The man’s face contorted into a mask of disgust as he violently slapped the boy’s hand. Perhaps a hundred postcards scattered onto the asphalt.
Before any of us could do anything, the South Asian man took off running full speed into the park. But, in a flash, about 10 rally-goers and other passersby rushed over to help the teenager pick up the cards.
As this disparate group did their good deed, they were all laughing about the whole thing.
I was very encouraged by how this episode was resolved but I couldn’t help thinking how that angry man was a manifestation of what had happened for 18 months (at the time of that rally).
All of us were purposefully divided by disinformation and fear.
Sadly, plenty of folks — on all “sides” — embraced this as an opportunity to further close their minds and slip into a place of hate. That day in Central Park, I was grateful to witness how it can all end, in a millisecond, when we collectively decide it’s over.
“True charity consists in bearing all our neighbors' defects — not being surprised at their weakness, but edified at their smallest virtues.” (St. Therese of Lisieux)
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It would have been more believable protest had they not been wearing masks. That was probably what the man thought too. Glad the conflict did not escalate. But the sheep seem to think that we should make up. Not going to happen. This group Wes a half sheep?
I find it odd that the protesters were masked