As the Democratic National Convention (DNC) rolls into Chicago, the city’s business district is already looking like a fortress. Storefronts that typically showcase high-end fashion, bustling cafes, and local boutiques are now hidden behind layers of plywood. It’s not the welcoming image you’d expect for such a high-profile event, but it’s a scene that has become all too familiar when large political gatherings loom.
This isn’t the first time Chicago businesses have had to board themselves up. The photos in this article show what happened in 2020 during the George Floyd riots. Next week could see more damage and destruction as the left-wing of American politics continues to battle itself.
Downtown Chicago’s ‘Plywood Chic’—A New Normal?
Let’s be real: It’s unsettling to see a vibrant city like Chicago preparing for the worst. The DNC hasn’t even started, and yet businesses are already battening down the hatches as if a storm is about to hit. The fear? That protests could spiral out of control, leading to looting, vandalism, or worse.
Compare that to the Republican National Convention (RNC) in Milwaukee earlier this year. Businesses there didn’t seem to feel the same need to turn their storefronts into makeshift bunkers. So, what gives?
Milwaukee’s RNC: The Calm Before… Nothing?
Milwaukee’s RNC came and went with minimal fuss. There were no widespread reports of unrest, no chaotic scenes, and certainly no mass boarding up of businesses. So, why the stark difference?
One could argue that the nature of the events themselves plays a role. Historically, protests around Democratic events have been more intense, often drawing larger crowds with diverse causes. And let’s not forget, Chicago has a history of political unrest that dates back decades, from the infamous 1968 Democratic Convention to more recent Black Lives Matter protests.
But it’s not just about history; it’s about perception. The Biden-Harris administration and mainstream media have often portrayed Trump supporters as a major threat to democracy, framing them as potential instigators of violence. Yet, when it comes to actual events like the RNC, the reality doesn’t always match the hype. Milwaukee didn’t see businesses scrambling to protect their properties because, frankly, the fear wasn’t there.
The Politics of Fear and Preparation
So, what does this say about the state of America under the Biden-Harris administration? Critics argue that this is a sign of the times—a reflection of a country that’s more divided than ever. They claim that the current administration has failed to unite the nation, instead fostering an environment where unrest is expected, even anticipated, when political events occur.
Supporters of the administration, on the other hand, might say that preparing for the worst is simply smart governance. After all, if businesses don’t board up and something does happen, the outcry would be even louder.
What’s Next for Chicago and the DNC?
As the DNC kicks off, all eyes will be on Chicago. Will the boarded-up storefronts prove to be a precautionary measure, or will they end up as a necessary defense against chaos? One thing’s for sure: The contrasts between the RNC in Milwaukee and the DNC in Chicago offer a stark look at the current political landscape in America.
Whether you see it as prudent preparation or a symptom of deeper issues, the plywood-covered windows of Chicago are a telling sign of the times—and they raise serious questions about where the country is headed.