Selena Syrup shares their experience as a protester in the Pacific Northwest and discusses the toxic culture and extremism within the protest community. They highlight the pressure to conform to radical ideologies and the celebration of violence. Selena also discusses the cult-like behavior and sexual pressure within the community. They raise concerns about the recruitment of individuals sympathetic to terrorist groups and the funding sources for these movements. Overall, Selena emphasizes the importance of questioning and critically examining the actions and beliefs within protest communities. This conversation explores various aspects of the protest movement, including allegations of paid protesters and monetization, funding and money laundering, gang presence and potential foreign involvement, lack of diversity and privileged participants, scandals and misuse of funds, and the importance of spiritual awakening and a non-violent approach. Takeaways Toxic culture and extremism can exist within protest communities, leading to the celebration of violence and the pressure to conform to radical ideologies. The recruitment and support of individuals sympathetic to terrorist groups is a concern within some protest communities. Cult-like behavior, including sexual pressure and the expectation of polyamory, can be present within protest communities. Funding for protest movements can come from various sources, including mutual aid groups and individual donations, but there is also a risk of embezzlement. Protests can attract individuals who monetize their participation, either through paid protesting or by using the platform to promote their personal businesses. There are allegations of funding and money laundering within some protest movements, with concerns about the lack of transparency and accountability. Gang presence and potential foreign involvement have been reported in certain protest movements, raising questions about the underlying control and motivations. The lack of diversity and the presence of privileged participants within the protest movement can lead to a skewed representation and potential conflicts of interest. Scandals and misuse of funds have been observed, with some individuals using mutual aid organizations as co-ops rather than genuine charitable initiatives. A spiritual awakening and a non-violent approach can be important guiding principles for individuals involved in protests, emphasizing the value of dialogue and understanding. Follow Selena on social media: Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@selenasyrup  Follow me on social media: Twitter: ⁠https://twitter.com/a__pet⁠  Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/a__pet/⁠  Podcast Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/greatworkpod/⁠  Tik Tok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@a__pet⁠  All of my links: ⁠sprouter.app/greatworkpod⁠