The 27 Stages Of Counter-Protesting Haters, As Told By Georgetown Students

How exactly does one counter protest the Street Preachers and the Westboro Baptist Church when they visit campus?

1. "What's going on here? This is unexpected."

2. I see the signs. And I hear the...preaching?

and they ain't pretty.

3. [approaches apprehensively] "This has to be some kind of joke."

Because, like, no one could actually believe this, right?

4. I mean, look at that! It's bad. So bad, it's kind of comical.

THIS IS A JOKE, RIGHT? Just look at it. Are you hearing this??

5. Alright, let's hear your reasoning...since you're talking to me now I guess.

...so there are a couple of problems with your reasoning. Like, it kind of, um, doesn't exist.

6. And they're all,

"THIS IS THE TRUTH." Um, no. (Clearly we did not go to the same Sunday School.)

7. Okay I listened to what you had to say (as upsetting as that was). So how about I share some sane arguments now.

....and you stopped listening as soon as I opened my mouth, didn't you? This is getting really frustrating.

8. Actually you know what? This is really fucking offensive. YOU NEED TO GTFO.

I am so offended on so many levels right now. AND YOU NEED TO STOP. NOW. I AM SO DONE.

9. I don't have time for this. [thinking of all the better things to do with my time.]

I really really really really really really really really really really really really don't like you.

*Not a GU student, but HUGE shoutout to GUPD and MetroPD for being there.

10. And frankly, this is so so crazy that it actually is kinda funny. [backs away]

I know you're wrong. I know you're ridiculous and hateful and just really terrible. But I can't take you seriously. I just can't.

11. But you know what? I'm going to choose positivity instead of anger and agitation. Not worth it.

Because that's the best way of fighting against hatred. I laugh in the face of such ridiculousness. #overit

12. I am not listening. Clearly, confrontation is not productive.

But that doesn't mean I'll back down from standing against you, because what you're saying is some of the most awful, ignorant, hateful crap ever.

13. "Oh look, I'm not alone. There's an entire community of people who are standing here like me."

The WBC arrives at around 4pm. So many Hoyas!

14. Maybe I'll make a sign too!

"God hates megaphones" lol. Well, I'd def believe he hates them when you're yapping about how catastrophic our school's support of the "gay agenda" is.

15. Some go with words of wisdom.

clever.

16. Others go for melancholic compassion.

and high tech, too!

17. Others see the humor in the situation and take the passive-aggressive route.

Ouch. #burnnnnn

18. ...Some are less subtle than others...

That poetry tho.

19. ...While others make a point of talking about religion the right way.

Especially since we're a religiously affiliated institution!

20. Because we know that inclusivity is important.

21. (We also like pandas and bunnies because we don't waste all our time hating other people.)

Breaking bear-iers. Haha I get it

22. Also, patriotism.

Because America is NOT about that WBC lyf. Not if we have anything to say about it.

23. And so much Hoya love.

24. I guess the real takeaway is that despite all the negativity that organizations like the WBC can bring to our school...

*understatement

25. ...what really matters is standing in solidarity with my friends...

26. and being Hoyas for others.

27. (And the haters do--finally--go home.)

Thanks for maybe sorta kinda listening to one thing we had to say? It was great having you! Don't come back! Kthxbai.

Hoya saxa.