Signs of the times: ‘Fear the youth’

Crowd gathers at Edsa People Power Monument to protest vs Marcos burial at LNMB. Photo by NOY MORCOSO/INQUIRER.NET

An angry emoji paints a thousand words.

Often described as apathetic and narcissistic, millennials came out in droves on Wednesday night to protest the hurried burial given to the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos at Libingan ng mga Bayani.

They were carrying witty signs and placards, placing the “hugot culture” at the center of political action.

“Rally today, review tomorrow,” read one placard, as students from various schools, colleges and universities took the time out of a holiday to join the 3,200-strong crowd near Edsa.

“Skipped UAAP for this! #GoFightTamaraws,” said another.

A more heartfelt sign read, “This is for you mom and dad.”

Some included references to popular culture. “Once upon a time in a country far away, Marcos was no hero,” read another, in reference to the Star Wars films.

Features from social networking sites, such as Snapchat filters, were also seen.

A freedom board was also at the sidelines of the event, which invited protesters to write their message to President Rodrigo Duterte.

From serious ones like “Hindi ba dapat maawa ka sa lampas 4,000 na namatay?” to “Listen to the voice of the people” to more rage-filled “Yawa ka!,” colorful sticky notes filled the board.

But one simple message painted an echoing message through the night: “Fear the youth.” /atm