Three years ago today, I joined in the largest single-day protest in the history of America as I participated in the Women’s March (from Los Angeles) following the inauguration of President Donald Trump. Today I examine the impact of protests and whether or not they are an effective demonstration.
When it comes to discussing modern protests, one name stands out. Though you’ve likely already heard the name, Greta Thunberg is a 17-year-old Swedish climate activist world-known for her angry and accusatory speeches demanding change to better the planet. Named the Time Person of the Year in 2019, Thunberg praises the power of protest in youth, placing its importance as greater than receiving an education. The young activist has started school strikes for the climate, forming “Fridays for Future” which sees young students skipping school on Fridays to instead protest for climate change. While millions of people are inspired by Greta, I admit that I (controversially) don’t understand the praise. Though many are moved by her speeches, I instead hear an angry youth demanding change without providing any solutions. Her message seems entirely focused on outraged blame and her belief that protest is more important than education puzzles me. Wouldn’t it be more effective to receive an education and enact the change you desire rather than blindly demand it? Today I explore the power of protest as I realize the partial hypocrisy of my beliefs.
Why Do We Protest?
If protesting can be perceived as pointless complaining, then why is it so popular? Surely there must be a purpose. Well, indeed there is. The Women’s March that I participated in, for example, was organized to advocate for both legislation and policies that are related to human rights issues, such as the rights of women, immigrants, the LGBTQ community, and more. It was enacted to send the message that “women’s rights are human rights.” Therefore this protest was both centered around championing a cause and fighting for something to be done about a perceived injustice. Rather than merely gripe about a perceived problem, the organizers behind this movement and many others use their platforms of protest to push for change. On the other hand, I have come to realize that protest has importance beyond affecting outcomes. It allows us to participate in the immeasurable act of bearing witness. Through protest, we can draw attention to, acknowledge, and bear witness in a nonviolent way to things we can simply no longer tolerate. Though it is difficult to evaluate if this act is more significant than receiving a traditional education, the power of bearing witness is profound.
The Power of Witness
Many protestors are aware that people don’t want to listen to their voices. That is often why they are out in the street demonstrating in the first place. Protesting alone fails to provide a solution for the issue at hand, but it does commit the powerful act of allowing people to join forces to advocate for a shared cause. I participated in the Women’s March not because I thought that my actions would cause any change. I knew that a man who expressed many anti-women and anti-minority sentiments was taking office and that chanting my body, my choice in the streets of L.A. would do nothing to change this. However, I wanted to be a part of how history was remembered. I sought to use my voice to demonstrate that I, along with millions of others, was opposed to what was occurring in my country. This is a right of mine that I am extremely grateful for and that I would not take away from anyone in the world.
The ability to express yourself cannot be undervalued. I had already done my part in voting against the elected leader, and I had to respect the outcome of my country’s electoral system. However, I did have the ability to link my voice with the popular vote that I was a part of and chant my beliefs in a sea of supporters. This is an experience that has lived with me over the last three years and remains a vivid and important part of both my memory and current views. While some people expressed anti-Trump sentiments at the protest, many found powerful and creative ways to instead focus their energy on advocating for the empowerment of women, trans people, and other minority groups. No, I don’t believe that we changed any legislation that day, nor did we alter the outcome of the election. However, we did participate in a beautiful act of history and unity that resonated not just throughout every state, but around the world. I will always remember the strength and empowerment of having a sea of people stand up for my rights and respect my choices and freedoms. This is a form of togetherness and support that cannot be purchased or demanded.
Downside of Demonstrations
On the other end of the spectrum, there is a valid criticism to be said about protesting. While many demonstrations can be executed with peace, of course, it is often the violent demonstrations that make the headlines. Law enforcement clashing with protestors can have a decidedly grim and even fatal outcome that breeds senseless violence and draws attention away from the goal of the protest in the first place. Furthermore, many people view protesting as senseless whining. Some see protestors as little more than groups of people throwing a tantrum and find that there are more effective ways to enact change, such as by posing suggestions, lobbying, and working harder to infiltrate the system they are questioning to enact the change they so deeply want. Additionally, large-scale protesting can lead to littering, harassment, and disruption that many wish to have no part of. Additionally, anything that takes away from youth education, such as the Fridays for Future movement, can be difficult to stand behind. Perhaps there is a better solution that allows youth to stand up for their beliefs while still being able to receive the education necessary to enact change. However, this solution might not have made itself apparent yet.
Final Thoughts
Protesting can be a powerful platform when done properly. It brings together people to form a sense of sister and brotherhood that forges. allies and communal support, which is something that marginalized groups often lack. However, there is a right and wrong way to protest. People need to respect both the land and the people around them. Protesting should always remain contained and non-violent, and harassment should not occur if people disagree with the message being shared. An important lesson that many people need to learn is that their beliefs will not always be shared. In my opinion and the options of many, equality is a human right that should under no circumstances be compromised. This is a serious matter, though other demonstrations are less critical. However, the reality is that people are never going to see unanimously on issues that are both big and small. Therefore, it is critical to know when to tolerate other people’s options, accept them, agree to disagree, or simply disengage. We can’t change the entire world, but with the right tools, we can make a positive and beneficial impact.