Worrying too much about ‘optics’ can render you powerless.
That is exactly why they put all those cell phones in laser focus on the confrontation.
So surrender? Can’t let anyone be in a ‘bad light’ for propaganda.
No, you do the right thing and work harder in your message.
Will you please dry up and blow away?
I think you’re out-of-step with the particular moment and the purpose and meaning of it.