Many Americans think that mass public protests and demonstrations began in the 1960s. Actually, they’ve been around for hundreds of years, and they’re used throughout the world. Although we often use the terms interchangeably, protests, demonstrations, and rallies are different. Protesters oppose a particular situation, incident, or policy. Demonstrators may support or oppose an issue and want to make their views known. There are many ways to protest and demonstrate. A rally is an event designed to instill enthusiasm about a topic in those who attend.
Since the 60s, most Americans have had a baffling fear of protests, rallies, and demonstrations. Somehow, protesting became “un-American”. I was a bit too young to participate during the 60s, but I’ve attended many such events since then and I enjoy them. Protests and demonstrations are on the list of things that everyone should experience at least once in life.
Protests are a necessary ingredient for social evolution. No significant social, economic, or political change has ever happened anywhere in the world without some form of protest or demonstration. Once we decide that we want change, we must get our message to the powers that be. Typically, those in power are monumentally oblivious to public opinion. So our message must be loud and clear. Protests and demonstrations have accomplished many changes, including:
· American Revolution
· French Revolution
· abolition of American slavery
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· women’s suffrage
· temperance and prohibition
· repeal of prohibition
· labor movement
· Indian independence from Great Britain
· anti-Vietnam War movement
· civil rights
· American Indian Movement
· women’s rights
· reproductive rights
· peace movement
· drunk driving laws
· gay rights
· end of South African apartheid
· Iranian election results
Some of the most important and respected world leaders have used protests and demonstrations to make their points, including Harriet Tubman, Frederick Douglas, Sojourner Truth, Susan B. Anthony, Mother Jones, Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King, Russell Means, Cesar Chavez, Molly Rush, Harvey Milk, and Nelson Mandela.
Sometimes, a demonstration includes civil disobedience. That’s an action in which protesters try to make their political point by deliberately breaking the law. No one is ever forced to commit civil disobedience. In fact, the organizations that conduct civil disobedience actions hold training sessions for their members so the people know what to expect.
Contrary to urban legend, few protests are violent or dangerous. Most are peaceful, friendly, and invigorating. The percentage of those arrested at protests is actually quite small. Unfortunately, things do occasionally get out of hand. Sometimes, demonstrators try too hard to make their points. Sometimes the police are too eager to make arrests. Sometimes both things happen at once. But that’s extremely rare. Really, I’m a big chicken. If I thought it was dangerous, I wouldn’t be there.
Now I don’t recommend protesting as a lifestyle, but when there’s a demonstration on an issue that you truly care about, don’t be afraid to participate. Spread your wings. Try something new. It’s a great American tradition. Hope to see you there!
For more info:
· The Thomas Merton Center publishes a calendar of peace and justice events on its website, www.thomasmertoncenter.org.
· There’s a good article on the history of protests on Wikipedia, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Protest
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” – Margaret Mead –
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