Why do some people cover their faces for marching?

[jessicastonetroy]

I'm asking out of complete ignorance and not any kind of judgement. I assume it is to make some kind of social statement, I just don't know what it is. Why do some people cover their faces with bandanas and what not during the marches? Just thought I'd ask. Thanks!

[shurroth1]

There can be a few different reasons for this. For one, is some do not wish to be visibly identified. Another reason may be as a form of breathing protection, perhaps to protect others from a cough they have or protect themselves from a cough others have, or to protect themselves from gas-based attacks. Third is sort of an extension of the first, but specifically to exist in the protest anonymously, specifically as Anonymous personified.

[jessicastonetroy]

Why wouldn't you want to be identified? To me, I want to be identified as supporting the Occupy movement because I am proud of it. Are they afraid of losing their jobs or something if they are seen there?
I guess the gas protection thing makes sense, except I can't imagine a bandana really doing much for gas protection. I've only been tear gasses a few times, all of them in Basic Training, but I don't think a few layers of cotton will hold much of that back. That stuff is the worst!

[meldroc]

Some are afraid of being identified by the police. They are watching. And yes, they'll target and compile COINTELPRO style dossiers on non-violent legal protesters.

[johnny]

It also keeps your face warm!

[johntoad]

I do it because I keep finding myself with a camera in my face. My employer is freaked out by labor unions and by Anonymous, so I lead a double life. So many times I've seen my pic in the photos, so decided it may be a good idea when cameras are around.

Also, it scares the shit out of conservatives, christianists and normal people.

[senormysterioso]

I don't often cover my face but I have a time or two. I am not afraid to be identified. The last time the police came out I was having a conversation with one officer that said you can identify the trouble makers by the bandanas around their faces. I happened to have one on at that moment but I took it off to tell him that is not true, I was wearing it, as were many others that day, to provide the bare minimum protection against breathing in tear gas and pepper spray. This was in front of a police cameraman and I wanted them to see my face to let them know I had nothing to hide and that they were targeting people that were just trying to protect themselves.

Also, as a Coloradan I figured out a long time ago that a bandana worn bandit style is a good way to keep your face warm on a chilly day