To Riot Now or Riot Later? Americans Debate the Perfect Time to Start the Post-Election Mayhem
To Riot Now or Riot Later? Americans Debate the Perfect Time to Start the Post-Election Mayhem
With the looming prospect of civil unrest following election night, Fake News Corp consults our best experts and forecasts to address the burning question: When should we kick off the chaos? Should we be ready to rage as ballots are counted, or reserve energy and hit the streets fresh on Wednesday morning? Conflicting schedules and planning quandaries leave the nation’s would-be rioters in a tizzy.
Outrage on Election Night or Save It for Morning? Schedules for Civil Unrest in Disarray
As Election Day looms, citizens from coast to coast debate whether to launch their protests on election night or catch up on sleep for a bright-and-early start the next day. “Look, I’m not as young as I used to be,” said Gerald S. from Michigan, a veteran of the ’99 downtown skirmishes. “I plan on getting a good night’s rest and tearing things up around 9 a.m.”
Night Owls vs. Morning Larks: The Timing of Civil Unrest Divides the Nation
While some activists are itching to get started as results roll in, others prefer to be “well-rested and ready to storm” come Wednesday. Self-proclaimed “nocturnal naysayer” Krista R. insists that “getting a jump on the outrage gives us the strategic edge. We’ll be ready to hit the pavement by 11 p.m.” But across town, Samuel B. expresses more caution, stating, “I’ll sleep first. This isn’t my first riot. If we’re gonna do this right, I’m gonna need at least eight hours.”
Confusion Over Protest Venues: Who’s Heading Where?
One of the biggest logistical issues at hand is the confusion over where protests will take place. Suburban participants wonder if they’re supposed to head downtown, while urbanites debate the merits of “taking the unrest to the heartland.” “We’ve got buses on standby,” says Danny T., a small-town coordinator, “but it’s unclear if we’re headed downtown or if the city folks are on their way here.”
Meanwhile, social media remains a critical tool in coordinating efforts—or at least attempting to. Twitter/X, the platform everyone is relying on for updates, has only amplified the confusion. As Linda S. from Idaho puts it, “I keep refreshing the hashtag #UnrestFest2024, but there’s just a bunch of folks talking about tailgate recipes. Who’s coordinating this thing?”
Old-Timers Prefer ‘Organic’ Riots to Today’s Scheduled Chaos
Some civil unrest veterans argue that this new “scheduled approach” to rioting feels too contrived. “Back in my day, we just gathered up the neighborhood and headed for the action,” reminisces Hank J., who’s been “demonstrating creatively” since the ‘70s. “We didn’t have hashtags; we had hunches.”
Midweek Purge Suggested for an Efficient Unrest Experience
In a radical proposal to streamline efforts, some participants suggest declaring an official “Unrest Wednesday” as a compromise. “Let’s just treat it like a midweek purge, reset, and we’re back to normal by Friday night,” says self-described “efficiency expert” and local instigator Drew L., who thinks it’s about time civil unrest conformed to “regular people’s schedules.”
Planning Your Post-Election Unrest? Here Are the Top 5 Articles to Help You Coordinate Your Schedule
“The Early Bird Gets the Tear Gas: Why Some Are Starting Unrest on Election Night”
Get an inside look at those who plan to skip sleep and start protesting before the final ballots are counted.
“Wednesday Warriors: Sleep First, Rage Later”
Experts argue that a rested protester is an effective protester—should you start your civil unrest at dawn?
“Urban or Rural? Finding the Right Protest Location for Your 2024 Unrest”
With so much confusion over venue, we break down where you should head based on where you live.
“Hashtag Havoc: How Social Media Might Be Undermining Our Ability to Riot”
Riot coordinators grapple with uncoordinated Twitter/X updates as protests lack clear direction.
“Declare a Purge? Some Suggest Midweek Unrest for Maximum Impact”
Could one intense day of protest make the rest of the week more peaceful? We explore this novel concept.
“Riot Like It’s 1999: Old-Timers Speak Out Against ‘Planned’ Chaos”
Veterans of previous civil disorders decry today’s over-scheduled unrest—nostalgia for the riots of old reigns supreme.
Final Word
Whether you’re a night owl, an early bird, or a nostalgic rioter, we’ve got you covered with everything you need to plan your civil unrest around Election Day. And remember, all eyes on Twitter/X for the latest chaotic updates!
Thank you for subscribing to the newsletter.
Oops. Something went wrong. Please try again later.
Read untrusted, non-award-winning journalism. Just a few dollars.