On my last trip to the doctor I was asked about a couple of minor, not at all painful, scrapes on my leg.

Contrary to what my doctor probably believed, these scrapes didn't come from a traumatic fall. In fact, they were from an AWARE-sponsored “die-in” protest that had taken place the day before. I brilliantly explained that a die-in is when “a bunch of young people run into the middle of a busy intersection and lie down.”

Even though this appointment was around 9 a.m. during the summer, that was probably the worst explanation I’ve ever given in my entire life.

Just in case you missed the last OG article on this, die-ins are a very safe, reasonably unconventional way to demonstrate. Participants choose an intersection with walk lights that are active on all sides at the same time, so traffic is stopped in every direction. When the walk lights turn on, protesters run out and “die,” hold signs, or chalk bodies onto the street. There are people on the corners who count down the time left for crossing, so everybody gets back to the sidewalk on time.

Die-ins have been used to protest the war in Iraq, genocide in Sudan, and other human rights causes. The idea is to remind everyone that people are still dying, and that the problem won’t “just go away” without some type of action. Many people who drive by honk to show their support, and some people even join in the protest.

The reason I am writing about this now is because there will be a die-in from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday at the intersection of Green and Wright streets. This die-in will be sponsored by the Campus Antiwar Network, or CAN. CAN is a nationwide organization and is holding a “Week of Action.” Several local organizations are co-sponsoring the event.

Due to my terrible explanation, die-ins have been added to the list of things my doctor has officially forbidden me from, along with valet parking, vegetarianism, and a high school football career. But if you’re concerned about the political situation in Iraq I would suggest that you go.

As to how effective these types of protests are, I’m not really sure. But at least the people driving by will know that there are young people who care and are somewhat organized. And I’ll try and show up, since the intersection isn’t superclose to Carle Clinic.