The article explores how children use the gaming platform Roblox to engage with real-world social issues, particularly immigration policies and protests against ICE. It highlights instances where young players cosplay as ICE agents, initiating virtual raids and sparking protests among players who hold signs with messages similar to those used during real-life demonstrations. This phenomenon illustrates how children absorb cultural and political messages and express their beliefs in creative ways, demonstrating their desire for activism and connection to current events.
For some, including 17-year-old Simon Guterriez, the digital protest was a way to show solidarity - and feel heard - when they were told they couldn't go to a protest on the streets.
Reporter Taylor Lorenz recently covered the phenomenon on her Substack User Mag, and indeed, dozens of videos are available across TikTok sharing clips from protest events. Players' avatars are holding signs with messages like "F ICE," and "Families Belong Together."
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