Meet Lincoln's self-proclaimed 'middle class' Extinction Rebellion protesters
8 June 2021
"If we've got privilege, we're going to use it."
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Extinction Rebellion has had many labels thrown at it since it's come to wider attention, one of which is that it's a movement for middle-class white people.
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So what do protesters think about the labels? And how would they describe themselves?
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We took to the streets of Lincoln on Saturday June 5 as activists held a 'March for Wildlife' on the High Street and around to the Brayford.
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The event was family-friendly, with a theme of oceans and marine pollution. People of all ages were dressed up as fish and starfish, with seaweed hair and a blue and green colour theme throughout.
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Lots of people held banners to ensure the message of raising awareness of endangered species was clear.
Here's what those taking part had to say.
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Eddie Francis, Event Organiser
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Mr Francis was one of the organisers of the march and represents Extinction Rebellion for Lincolnshire. He took the lead at the front, offering leaflets to passers-by about the movement and information on environmental issues.
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He said that the purpose of the event was to highlight the loss of endangered species and how it is connected to climate change, in a public but friendly way.
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“One of the things we’re trying to show people is we aren’t the terrorists that the government want us to be.
“We’re ordinary people doing this because we’re really frightened.
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“What we do is always peaceful. Yes, we do block roads sometimes, yes we do occupy places to bring it to the public’s attention because what else can you do?
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“I am sorry that we have to disturb people’s lives, but if we don’t do that then no one is going to listen.”
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Mr Francis said it’s a shame for people who can’t afford to be sustainable, but he’s not pressuring them. He is calling on governments and multi-national corporations to take it on board.
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“Rightly, Extinction Rebellion was classed as a middle-class white movement to start with. If we’ve got privilege we’re going to use it.”
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University of Lincoln students
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Two students from the University of Lincoln, who did not wish to be named, were holding up bold signs on marine life and veganism.
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One of the students studies Zoology and the other studies Psychology.
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“I’ve been vegan for a couple of years now but climate change is a massive problem and we don’t have much time to reverse the effects we have caused.
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“This generation is the only generation that can push forward and sort the world out before it destroys itself,” the Zoology student said.
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The Psychology student said people can be narrow-minded.
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“As soon as you start to show it in a positive, fun, colourful way then people are more inclined to get involved and interact with you more, but you always get people who don’t agree with it.”
Nita Rao, Willow Sculptor
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Nita Rao has her own Fine Art business and specialises in willow sculptures. She created two eye-catching fish sculptures, with plastic bottles inside to represent the damage of marine pollution. She is from the Leicester group but joined for the day.
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“A lot of what I do is about climate change and emergency. It’s really nice to bring them out to the town.
“We should be using reusable water bottles,” she said.
Rosemary Robinson, Event Organiser:
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Ms Robinson explained her reason for being part of Extinction Rebellion as an older generation.
“A lot of flags have been thrown at the boomer generation which is us. Now it’s coming home to roost.
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“We only want to save the plant for our children and grandchildren. I’d rather do this than go to a pub, or go to McDonald's, or buy loads of clothes.
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“If you’ve got privilege, acknowledge it and use that.”
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Ms Robinson explained that they spent several weeks planning the parade and having meetings. She is currently working with Mr Francis and a group of "climate-conscious " people to develop a Climate Emergency Centre, called EarthLincs, in Lincoln city centre.