Description of Protest:
According to the Cambridge Dictionary, a protest is “an occasion when people show that they disagree with something by standing somewhere, shouting, carrying signs, etc” (“Protest (n)”).
Protest involves actively advocating for or against a particular subject or issue. Protesting is quite versatile, as individuals utilize various methods and platforms to convey their convictions. From peaceful demonstrations to strikes and boycotts, protests aim to raise awareness and pressure authorities to address grievances. While often a peaceful exercise of democratic rights, protests can also escalate into confrontations with authorities or counter-protesters. Despite the risks, protest remains a fundamental aspect of civil society that drives social progress.
Purpose:
Protest is a form of physical rhetoric in which individuals physically participate in the persuasion of an audience. Protests often arise when individuals perceive a disruption or threat to the interconnected systems that sustain life, whether they be environmental degradation, social injustices, or economic inequalities. Judith Butler analyzes the dynamics of public assemblies and defines mass protests as, “When people amass on the street, one implication is clear…they…manifest the understanding that their situation is shared…the call for justice is being enacted: the bodies assembled ‘say’ ‘we are not disposable’” (25). The act of individuals converging in the streets is more than a physical presence but a symbol of a profound understanding of shared struggles and a collective resolve to address systemic issues. Protests emphasize the acknowledgment of interconnectedness and the necessity for collaborative efforts to confront systemic challenges. Collective expression of a protest sparks dialogue, inspiring others to join the cause and compelling those in positions of authority to listen and respond.
The 3 primary purposes of protests are to pressure decision makers, raise awareness, and inspire action.
Mara, Melina. "Ann Arbor, Michigan Voters Attending a Rally." The Washington Post, 28 Oct. 2024, http://primevideo.com/detail/My-Fault-London/0T0W5IBN2BBDVHNONZV7O56801.
Protests pressure decision-makers through creating media attention, forcing officials to address the concerns raised by protesters. Protests can disrupt operations which compels decision-makers to engage with the demands of the protesters. Ruud Woutersa and Stefaan Walgrave argue that protests shape political representatives’ opinions as “bringing an issue out in the open by means of protest can influence elected officials directly, by changing their perception of what the public wants (be it accurate or not), or indirectly, by setting in motion and activating public opinion itself, which in turn can put pressure on representatives, either in line with what the protestors want, or against their claims, by encouraging counter-movement mobilization” (365). Woutersa and Walgrave analyzes that Protests also show representatives what the public desires, as “Protest actions provide representatives with specific bits and bytes of information that improve their understanding of what the public, or a specific segment of the public that they particularly care about, wants” (365). Decision-makers may reconsider their stance on a particular issue upon recognizing significant public concern regarding it.
Irby, Steven John. "Black Lives Matter Protest." The New Yorker, Apr. 2023, https://www.newyorker.com/news/our-columnists/has-black-lives-matter-changed-the-world.
Raise Awareness:
Protesting serves as a platform to raise awareness by bringing attention to social and political issues through public assembly. All forms of protest, such as marches, rallies, and sit-ins, expose the public to new perspectives and information, fostering education on unforeseen topics. By amplifying voices and initiating dialogue, protests encourage individuals to engage with societal issues. Melissa Hellmann et. al. discusses the protests occurring in Seattle regarding the “count every vote” idea and expresses that “Speakers echoed the demands protesters have made throughout the summer, including to cut money from the Seattle Police Department’s budget and redirect that money to Black communities” (n.p.). The residents of Seattle observe the demonstrations within the city, which exposes them to the “count every vote” idea. Furthermore, the demonstrators state their demands during the protests, disseminating information regarding the rationale behind the protest and thereby educating the public.
Bettmann Archive, Getty Images. "Civil Rights Protest in Memphis, Tennessee." 29 Mar. 1968. U.S. News & World Report, https://www.usnews.com/photos/2020/06/12/powerful-images-from-the-civil-rights-movement-echo-todays-george-floyd-protests.
Boston Women's March (January 21, 2017)
Nierman, Meredith. "Boston Women's March." GBH News, 21 Jan. 2017, https://www.wgbh.org/news/local/2024-11-01/hundreds-expected-at-womens-march-on-boston-common-saturday.
Protests can inspire action by exciting individuals to participate in collective efforts that will develop a change in society. Witnessing the power of collective action and the potential impacts protests can make, individuals feel empowered to protest by advocating for change and contribute to broader social and political changes. Helen Cox identifies the various motivations for engaging in activism and delibrates that individuals encounter protests both online and in physical settings, which prompts a heightened sense of urgency regarding these political and societal issues (“What Motivates Us to Engage in Activism”). Demonstration of solidarity through protests communicates a sense of urgency which motivates people to make an effort towards addressing them. The solidarity of protests not only underscores the urgency of the issues but also fosters a collective commitment to addressing them. This collective urgency serves as a powerful catalyst that inspires individuals to take meaningful action towards enacting positive societal change.
Identifying Protest:
Both ethical and cultural dimensions of a society or community can be better understood through the actions following social injustice. Protests can be divided into three types: communicative protest, symbolic protest, and social protest.
Communicative Protest: Communicative protest is a form of social or political influence in which written, visual, and spoken disagreements convey opinions that are presented publicly. Some examples are bumper stickers, flags, masks, or yard signs.
Alamy Stock Photo. Bumper Stickers Car Political,
Bumper Stickers create a form of protest in which individuals can communicate a perspective through a visual, non-confrontational way. Endersby and Towle discuss the outlet of expression through bumper stickers and reports that “Individuals use bumper stickers for purposes such as showing allegiance to an organization, spreading the message of an interest group, and communicating candidate preferences in a campaign” (1). Bumper stickers use clear, written, and visual advertisements to convey a message, whether in support or opposition of particular views. These stickers represent a tangible form of expression that can spark dialogue and awareness within communities.
2. Symbolic Protest: Symbolic protests refer to nonverbal, non written forms of communication such as flag burning, wearing armbands, and burning of draft cards. Symbolic protests are effective because in scenarios of protest, sometimes symbolic actions are more powerful than words. These protests can include symbolic actions such as a walk-out or kneeling during the national anthem, or could include symbols themselves, such as the Black Lives Matter fist or the Three Finger Salute popularized through the Hunger Games and adopted by protestors in Southeast Asia. Symbolic protests are effective in constructing a unified group rallying behind a common objective. Participating in a symbolic protest creates a sense of unity and solidarity amongst protestors due to them being tied to a certain symbol or action.
For instance, the Black Lives Matter movement is a very popular movement in contemporary America that gained even more traction following George Floyd’s death. A prominent part of the BLM movement was symbolic protest, which involved the raising of the fist in solidarity with George Floyd and the unjust treatment of black people in America. However, this symbol was actually used since at least the early 1900s, as a symbol for resistance and unity against an oppressive power. The Black Panthers popularized the raised fist as a symbol of black power and fighting against the persecution they were facing from white Americans. The raised fist is now ubiquitous with fighting and striving for racial equality. An article on the meanings of the raised fist declares that “Sometimes, the depth and breadth of symbols, especially those related to America’s complex racial history, have meaning that transcends individual intent” (Joseph 7). He continues that “The raised fist is such a symbol, one whose ultimate meaning, however fraught and contested, remains a harbinger of an undiscovered country where black lives do indeed matter,” (7). The BLM protests were largely successful as American society started to become more aware in ways black people still dealt with persecution, even in the 2020s. The BLM protests also led to attempts in the US to reform the police force and erase any prejudicial practices that might be perpetrated through police training.
3. Social Protest: Social protest is a form of protest that seeks to have a social or political impact by “influencing the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of the public or the policies of an organization or institution,” (Loya and Mcleod, 1). A prominent example of a recent social protest was when Roe v. Wade got overturned.
Tear gas used to disperse protestors outside Arizona Capitol building
Social protest aims to make significant changes in groups of people through influential action. When Roe v. Wade was overturned, “hundreds of protesters descended on the U.S. Supreme Court on Saturday to denounce the justices’ decision to overturn the half-century-old Roe v. Wade precedent that recognized women’s constitutional right to abortion” (Singh et al. n.p.). People gather in large numbers to create social change, regarding the case of Roe v. Wade. Due to the enormous social urgency the ruling made, masses of people came together to speak up for women’s rights. Protests regarding Roe v. Wade highlighted the need for attention to women's rights. During the protests, “crowds carried posters with slogans such as “Abort SCOTUS.” One protester carried a placard that read, “limit guns, not women”, referencing another Supreme Court decision this week expanding gun rights” (Singh et al, n.p). Physical props, such as signs, deliver the message that opposes the court ruling clearly, therefore administering a protest of social influence. Since the ruling affects civil rights and society as a whole, the Roe v. Wade protests cause those with the same views to converge, joining together to raise a singular and collected voice. As Blanco mentions, the “common demand” of protests stemming from Roe v. Wade is the basic need for women's rights, which also highlights the subject of gender equality. To resolve humanistic and societal tensions, social protest often emphasizes the urgency of many societal issues to establish a balanced environment and correct any political ignorance.
Euronews AP, 03 July 2024, Euronews, https://www.euronews.com/2024/03/07/poland-sees-its-most-violent-farmers-protest-yet-as-anger-grows-across-europe.
4. Nonnormative Protests:
In continuance from social protests, two types are varying beginning with non-normative. This form of protest is characterized as disruptive and deviated from social norms. Typically, these are viewed as violent and attention drawing which is why so much awareness is brought from the audience with this specific formation. Various examples include:
Civil Disobedience
Strikes
Sit-ins
Property Destruction
all forms of implementing violence on societal grounds. This is a reason why they do not fit standards and get out of control. However, they implement change because of the collective action performed by large groups of people (254). Amanda Onion explained an example of a nonnormative protest would be the Watts Riot that took place in the year of 1965. With the event lasting 65 days, there were a severe amount of deaths and injuries, involving over 34,000 people. This protest was clearly damaging and left a significant movement in history. Highlighting key changes in racial and socioeconomic inequalities that have lasted over decades of years of change in the community.
5. Normative Protests:
Controversy to nonnormative, there is normative protesting occurring more often in society. This is where the practice of peaceful protesting is viewed because the standards are followed. The status of improvement is more likely achievable than not so control is obtained by society. These protest examples include:
Peaceful marches
Rallies
Petitions
With nonviolent protests, the governmental authorities and higher positions, do not get affected or involved as much as opposing or fighting against. They view the people as calm and collective with a peaceful approach that will not endanger or harm the public. A recent example of these modern-day protests was based on immigrants’ rights and bringing awareness to this topic. They occurred throughout the nation even on public school grounds, including Cal Poly. There was a silent protest that gathered an abundance of students sharing their voices through posters and marching on campus.
AFP Contributor, 01 Oct 2024, National Geographic, https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/protester/.
Protests Shaping Societal Changes:
Protests have a direct result on shaping society through influence and spreading knowledge using an effective form of communication. Protests are directly related to activism and using campaigning to incorporate social or political change. The importance of protests is observed through long-term societal shifts as a result of historic and modern protests.
Within the communicative protest involving flags, yard signs, and coffee mugs, an individual leverages an item as a rhetorical figure to communicate a personal argument. For instance, in the example of yard signs as a personal protest, the individual who owns the yard sign has a motive to deliver a certain message. If a political yard sign is purchased, the assumption can be made that the owner of the yard sign protests the voting of their selected candidate. The motivation behind implementing yard signs often stems from a passionate desire for national change. The result could be measured by how the neighbors and other passersby react to the yard sign, and if the voting pool in that district sees change.
Regarding the Black Lives Matter movement, the protest was initiated due to the increase in police brutality and the historic pattern of systemic oppression of black Americans. The generational trauma inflicted by the targeting of black Americans has caused black people, as well as many other Americans, to unify against police and governmental ignorance. The Black Lives Matter movement has increased both the awareness and urgency of not only black discrimination but minority discrimination entirely as well. The symbolic protest unifies all groups who argue against systemic racism and inequality.
To put into perspective, the protests surrounding Roe v. Wade are not only about abortion but also about the concerning issue, a depletion in women's rights. While the direct cause of the protests was the overturn of the landmark case, the indirect cause is rooted in generations of sexism toward women in the United States. As a result, large groups of primarily women have joined together to demand control over their bodies, creating a much-needed conversation about the right to choose. Unfortunately, the overturn of Roe v. Wade has also highlighted the division between state and federal law and the separation of religion and government.
The different types of protests the public performs also contribute to the varied time intervals that a certain effect or influence will last on society. Both short- and long-term effects can make a positive difference, but what good is that difference if the results eventually come to an end? The awareness and attention brought to the protest determine the true change made upon a situation, whether the change is temporary or long-lasting. For example, Eric Shuman and other researchers claimed they discovered the most effective protests, “Across fields, there are many findings indicating that normative and nonviolent protests generally tend to be most effective, however, there is also empirical evidence that social protests are more effective when they are nonnormative but still nonviolent” (Shuman 252). When the public unites together against situations that are out of the norm or extensive there is potential for drastic change that is more fulfilling compared to those that are more within normal standards of political issues. This demonstrates the importance of standing up for rights even when feeling belittled or part of marginalized communities. The more that come together, the greater the possibility that change can be enacted instead of disregarded. In addition, when the noneffective protests are observed, the researchers indicate, “Action that was nonnormative or violent (or involved violence from radical flanks within the movement) decreased mobilization, for example, research on participation in nonnormative action (compared to normative nonviolent action) that was not supported by the broader group led to disidentification with the group” (Shuman 257). Through the data gathered, information infers that violence is truly not the answer. The different forms of protests share the concept of forming normative public gatherings. The literature through these protests clearly transfers messages in a greater context and is more effective to the contribution of shaping societal conflicts.
Credibility and Implementing Protests in Academic Writing:
There is a potential clash between discussing protest and maintaining credibility when writing. Protest is naturally very divisive, there will inevitably be two or more parties passionately disagreeing over a topic. Controversial subjects like economic justice, racial equality, and sexual freedom all form common themes in modern protests. Given the relevance and influence of protest academic writing often approaches the subject, however, discussing protest can undermine credibility very easily, because of the author’s inclination to insert themselves in the argument in a clearly biased manner. Extreme bias hinders the ability to engage in critical thinking to produce complex analysis. To prevent the loss of credibility specific precautions can be taken.
Spies, Doris. “How to Reduce Bias in Talent Review Meetings.” Chief Learning Officer, 25 May 2021, https://www.chieflearningofficer.com/2021/05/25/how-to-reduce-bias-in-talent-review-meetings/. Accessed 14 March 2024.
Students can choose to write objectively to sustain credibility when incorporating controversial subjects in academic writing, such as protest. Writing objectively implies refraining from biases and avoiding influences of personal opinions and beliefs. Protests generally consist of clearly divided, and opposing sides; so avoiding taking a stance on an issue can be challenging.
Objectivity
One technique for implementing objective academic writing to prevent bias is by presenting both sides of the argument; by doing so, this establishes neutrality. When only presenting one side of an argument, an issue that may arise includes misunderstanding or disagreement from readers. When all perspectives are included, readers are more likely to remain interested as their opinion is being considered.
Implementing neutral language in academic writing also serves as a method to write objectively. Using aggressive or negative language reveals a student’s view on an issue, such as issues presented by protests, weakening the student’s credibility as a writer. Additionally, instead of using personal pronouns such as “I” and “you”, the topics and subjects being argued should be the focus of a paper.
Factual evidence from credible sources should be presented to support claims, rather than personal opinions. Sources are able to enhance the objectivity of the analysis of protests by adopting a research driven approach. Such sources can include direct quotes from individuals relating to protests, government websites, and neutral news sources like, Reuters, AP, and NPR. Furthermore, students should adhere to academic conventions, emphasize clarity, logical structure, and rely on empirical evidence to strengthen the credibility of their protest analysis. Overall, writing objectively when implementing protests in academic writing sustains a student’s credibility as a writer and strengthens the paper’s overall argument.
Challenges to Objectivity
Credibility is not solely derived from neutrality on a topic, authors can maintain their ethos while still having personal biases. There are many cases in which the author will be given the opportunity to write about any subject which interests them, so naturally if choosing to cover protest the author will most probably identify with a certain side of the conflict. Extreme objectivity becomes impractical if an assignment requires the author to make an argument based on facts which are then analyzed through their opinions.
The author should understand that some conflicts cannot be covered objectively and require the insertion of bias for obvious moral reasons. For example when evaluating a Klu-Klux-Klan demonstration and a counter protest for equality one cannot present the merits of both sides since racism in fact has no merits. In this case the use of objectivity would undermine credibility as the equal comparison of a hate group to one that espouses racial harmony demonstrates a lack of moral character, critical thinking skills, and a clear white supremacist bias. A contemporary example of such a mistake is Trump’s discussion on the Charlottesville protests.
President Donald Trump On Charlottesville: You Had Very Fine People, On Both Sides | CNBC
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JmaZR8E12bs
By assigning blame and praise equally to both groups Trump failed to understand the moral complexities behind the conflict, creating a situation in which he either intentionally or unintentionally showed sympathy for violent racists. Heavy criticism for his comments ensued. When writing an essay the student is expected to encourage growth and positive change, stances like Trump’s inhibit that form of complex analysis.
Emotional and Rhetorical Effects of Protests:
Protests are driven by emotion, such as anger, hope, and urgency, rallying people toward change. Throughout history, social movements have relied on powerful emotional appeals to capture attention, inspire action, and create a sense of unity among those fighting for the same cause. Protesters carefully choose their words, slogans, and speeches to create a tone that amplifies their message. A chant filled with frustration fuels resistance, while a speech grounded in hope can inspire unity and action. The emotional weight behind protests is what makes them so powerful. People are not just stating facts but demanding to be heard. When individuals come together in protest, they do so because they feel deeply connected to the cause.
The language used in protests plays a crucial role in shaping their influence. Words and slogans are not just expressions of belief; they are tools, influencing the public's perception and response. For example, the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s used messages like "We Shall Overcome" to create a sense of hope and perseverance. On the other hand, more confrontational slogans like “No Justice, No Peace” used in protests against racial injustice emphasize the consequences of inaction, demanding immediate change. The tone of a protest, whether peaceful, defiant, or optimistic, sets the stage for how the protest will be received by the public and the media. A protest that emphasizes hope and unity may encourage broader support, while one fueled by anger can create a sense of urgency that pressures leaders into action.
History has shown that protests with similar tones often lead to similar outcomes. The women's rights movement and Roe v. Wade protests both used urgency and emotional appeals to demand change. Similarly, early 20th-century labor movements used mass demonstrations and passionate rhetoric to demand fair wages and safer working conditions. More recently, climate activists have combined hopeful calls for a sustainable future with stark warnings of environmental catastrophe to push for policy changes. Whether the message is one of fear, hope, or defiance, the ability to evoke strong emotions is what makes protests a catalyst for social change.
At their core, protests are about human experiences. Whether through spoken words, written signs, or chants, the way emotions are communicated shapes not only the protest itself but also how the public and policymakers respond to it. Words have the power to ignite action, and the emotional tone behind those words determines whether a protest will simply be heard or whether it will truly create lasting change.
Protest in the Digital Age:
Methods of protest have undergone a transformative shift in the dynamics of social movements, primarily instituted by the widespread influence of technology and social media. The emergence of Social media during the Digital Age, has become a powerful tool for distributing information, organizing events, and fostering solidarity among like-minded individuals on a global scale. Prior to social media, protests were at much smaller scales, and more limited in terms of contributors, however, the instantaneous and far-reaching nature of online platforms allows for movements to surpass geographical boundaries and enables amplification of voices. Online activism has become an incredibly important aspect of contemporary protest, providing an accessible avenue for individuals to express opposition, share narratives, and advocate for social change.
Harmanci, Reyhan. “Occupy San Francisco Is Nothing Like the Old Days.” The New York Times, 13 October 2021,
https://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/14/us/occupy-san-francisco-is-nothing-like-the-old-days.html.
Prior to the digital age, most protests were limited to physical displays and less widespread coverage.
Javage Logan/Xinhua via Getty
Demonstrators live-stream a protest in Chicago on June 1, 2020
With the emergence of Social Media, protests are able to reach more audiences, and people are able to contribute online in addition to in person protests.
The digital landscape however, also poses challenges, such as the spread of misinformation and the potential for unwanted surveillance. Lucas Melgaco explains that, while activists have utilized social media platforms to increase visibility of their demands, “agencies of state surveillance have likewise mobilized new organizational and technological practices to surveil and control these movements” (9). The use of surveillance by state entities can be perceived as a means of control and suppression, which can potentially infringe upon the very rights that social movements are advocating for. This power dynamic imbalance creates challenging environments for activists, raising concerns about privacy, autonomy, and the potential for state interference in legitimate expressions of opposition. This relationship reflects a broader societal struggle between transparency and control, in addition to highlighting the complexities and challenges faced by contemporary protest movements in navigating the digital age.
Examples of Tech Enabled Protest
BLM:
Mzezewa, Tariro. Posting a Black Square but Not Black Faces, The New York Times, https://www.nytimes.com/2020/06/20/travel/travel-brands-black-lives-matter.html
The mass posting of a “black square” to a user’s instagram during the Black Lives Matter movement shows how technology enables people to voice their opinions and support a movement beyond physical protest. This trend of “casual protest” has given rise to both praise and criticism as many view the practice as either more inclusive or disingenuous.
The Arab Spring:
Ugarte, Pedro. An Egyptian protester holds his national flag as he shouts slogans against President Hosni Mubarak at Cairo’s Tahrir Square in 2011, Council on Foreign Relations, 3 December 2020, https://www.cfr.org/article/arab-spring-ten-years-whats-legacy-uprisings
The Arab Spring was a two year long transnational movement in which several countries in the Arab speaking world rebelled against their respective governments due to repression and economic stagnation. Technology played a heavy role in the spread and effectiveness of the movement by circumventing traditional state controlled media outlets and giving direct access to information to the people.
Justice for Luigi Mangione:
Morris, Chris. Screenshot: GoFundMe, Fast Company, https://www.fastcompany.com/91243533/luigi-mangione-gofundme-campaigns-suspected-ceo-shooter-removed
The movement in support of Luigi Mangione not only used social media to spread positive messaging regarding the suspected killer of Brian Thompson, but also employed digital platforms like GoFundMe to crowdfund support for his legal fees, providing quantifiable proof of the protest’s popularity.
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Cozzi, Angelo. Gold medalist Tommie Smith (center) and bronze medalist John Carlos (right) showing the raised fist on the podium after the 200 m race at the 1968 Summer Olympics; both wear Olympic Project for Human Rights badges. Peter Norman (silver medalist, left) from Australia also wears an OPHR badge in solidarity with Smith and Carlos. 4 Jan. 2019. Mondadori Group, https://www.mondadorigroup.com/. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.
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