At Harris’ rally on Oct 29 in Washington DC. Before entering the rally site, all participants had to pass through airport-like security checkpoints. Even reusable water bottles (full or empty) were prohibited. I thought we might be thirsty for the next 6 hours. However, once in, we were given American flags and bottles of water for free. Apart from water, we were also offered various snacks, such as CLIF KiD bars, belVita biscuits, and Lance Toasty sandwich crackers; in particular, cotton candy which I had not eaten for 30 years.
Harris’ supporters were having a cheerful party, eating, singing and dancing. One popular song was YMCA (Young Men’s Christian Association). The YMCA organization was founded in 1844 in London aiming to put Christian values into practice by developing a healthy body, mind, and spirit for young men. The YMCA song was made by American disco group Village People in 1978, celebrating a place where one could have fun and have a good time, also where, if one so desired, one could hang out with all the boys. This is not only a song for everyone, but a gay song.
On the rally site, Harris’ followers were eating the same snacks and signing the same songs both of which bound everyone in their shared memories of their childhood and adulthood. There erected many banners but delivered only one message “Freedom,” “Freedom,” and “Freedom”. Freedom was once the main slogan used by Trump’s campaign against the COVID lockdown. But this time Trump’s camp launched a fierce attack on freedom, including abortion rights, same-sex marriage, etc. As such, many American citizens felt anxious at losing their freedom. I witnessed that they were indulging in atmosphere of freedom, and nostalgia – a sentimental yearning for a free state of being. This rally seemed frozen in time to consolidate USA and its way of life
