I went to go take pictures of the peace activists at Cutler Park this afternoon, and it was a great experience. I'm always a bit nervous about approaching strangers, especially when I also want to take their pictures, but they were so friendly! Judith, a woman who I've met at church a few times and whose political activism has always inspired me, greeted me. I told her about my project, and she was really excited about the whole thing. I was handed photocopied articles about their group and about one of their most devoted members, Ernie, who passed away in December. I also received a picture CD; one of the members takes a group picture every week. I took my pictures, and talked to everyone. We waved at the supporters, honkers, wavers, peace signers. We laughed off the obscene gestures: "It's half of a peace sign; we're getting there!" I got to know some of the activists: a photographer, a few veterans, some Catholics, a Canadian. At 1:00, we took the group picture, packed up, and said our goodbyes.
I'm really inspired by this group. There were only about eight people this week, but judging from the pictures, good weather and bad presidents bring larger crowds. Either way, such devotion. Judith has not missed one Sunday in the seven years of the group, and neither had Ernie before his death. After watching The War Room in class last week, I've been craving political activism. Society is never perfect; there's always some cause to fight for. And that cause is different for everyone. But whatever it is, we need to go out and fight for our causes. If you're not part of the solution, you are the problem.
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