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First Came AIDS Panic. Then Came Playboy. The magazine’s earliest reporting on AIDS asked for calm amidst hysteria.
To those who have the courage and ability to leave quarantine and make your voices heard at the anti-police-brutality protests sweeping the nation, we at Playboy applaud you. Even though the president’s actions and the brute-force responses of some elected officials may suggest otherwise, Americans have a constitutional right to assemble.
It’s a tradition that informs every democracy, but this spring, it appears to be effecting change. Caving to public pressure, all four of the Minneapolis cops involved in the murder of George Floyd have now been arrested and charged.
As many Americans gear up for another week of protesting, we want you to remember to prioritize your safety and health. Below are some quick tips on what you should know before you go, what to take with you and how to reduce coronavirus risk for yourself and others. Protesting in a pandemic is serious business, but as many have been saying in defense of the protesters, white supremacy and police violence constitute a public health crisis of their own, demanding action.
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Research the protest before attending to make sure the organizers are legitimate.
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Bring a buddy from your household, or someone you have been quarantining with, and let someone else know where you are going.
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COVID-19 is still spreading. Wear a mask, maintain social distancing as much as possible and consider isolating before and again after. If you or someone at home feels sick, stay home!
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Wear comfortable, nondescript clothing that can cover identifiable markers such as tattoos.
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Consider wearing goggles to protect against rubber bullets or tear gas. Ballistic-grade protective eyewear is available at a range of prices.
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Wear your eyeglasses instead of contact lenses; it might provide some small amount of protection for your eyes if you are tear-gassed or pepper-sprayed at close range.
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Be sure to have the following on hand: cash, a mask, hand sanitizer, water, snacks, a basic first-aid kit and a washcloth or handkerchief soaked in vinegar in case chemical irritants are used.
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Keep your phone on airplane mode to reserve battery, and deactivate face identification on your phone—use a passcode instead.
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Write important phone numbers on your arm in permanent marker in case of any emergency, arrest, or if you’re separated from your buddy. Consider also writing down the number of the local chapter of your National Lawyers Guild, which has been instrumental in posting bail for protesters who are detained.
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Do not instigate violence or destruction or engage with initiators.