On my drive to the protest, Stop the Boats, and counter protest, Stand Up to Racism, I received a phone call from my mum begging me not to go over concerns for my safety. I told her that I needed to go to bear witness and document what was taking place in our home city.
Geared up with a groin guard, bicycle helmet, and a pair of protective goggles, I felt well protected for any potential violence.
With the confidence my armour gave me, I threw myself into the mess of the civil discourse. My mind too was well armoured. When those from both sides approached me with "what paper are you shooting for?", in a tone without curiosity that made it clear there was a right and there was a wrong answer, I would reply, "I'm freelance." This tended to mollify my inquisitors with the exception of the Stop the boats protesters who would follow up with "make sure you show both sides."
I assured them "I will."
