For many, pedestrian bridges are ways to make it across busy highways without having to play Frogger with your own life. A group of activists calling themselves the Visibility Brigade see it as a way to get their message across to more people.
In the New Jersey borough of Paramus, a group gathers every week on the Route 4 walkway connecting the Bergen Mall to EJ Korvette’s, placing letters against the windows spelling out messages such as “MUSK RAIDED TREASURY” or “LOVE IS LOVE”
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The Visibility Brigade states that their model was created in 2020 out of frustration with the lack of physical messaging in the real world regarding current social and political issues.
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The bridge stands over Route 4, an exceptionally busy highway that sees over 126 thousand vehicles pass every day, making it a perfect spot for campaigns such as these.
With freedom and civil liberties in the United States coming into question, it only makes sense that the Visibility Brigade would want to spread their message far and wide.
Recently, they released a toolkit providing instructions for how to get involved and spread the word of activism in our growingly apathetic society.
In posts on social media, they link a Google Doc highlighting a bunch of tips and knowledge imploring everyone to share
The guide instructs people on suggestions for recreating the protests these groups are known for in other ideal locations. Generally, if you live in an area that has a busy overpass, you could make your statement.
Ideally, you’d want an overpass offering adequate screen protection to negate accusations of throwing items at drivers and accessibility ramps for those with disabilities who want to join in. The brigade also goes over how to build the letters and tips for the messaging.
Sadly, there are many dangers when it comes to protesting in the U.S., especially if you’re anti-fascist. This guide covers ways to minimize risks by going over interactions with law enforcement and angry conservatives and ways to create anonymous group chats.
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