The word occurs when interest groups take out advertisements and hold marches. It is a way for people to get their message across in a big, public way. Protests can be used for many different reasons. People often use them as a means of protesting against things they disagree with or pushing for change that they want to see happen in society. However, it’s not always the case that protests are peaceful demonstrations where everyone agrees on what should be happening–sometimes there is violence because some protestors don’t like other people’s ideas about how the world ought to work!
Protests have evolved over time; we will explore this article discussing modern-day protesting!
When protests happen in the modern world, they don’t look like the protests that happened decades ago. Instead of just holding signs and chanting outside a building or near a politician’s house, people will often organize marches as well! These are usually held during daytime hours when there is more crowd participation because at night it would be hard to see what was going on. There might also be some other type of demonstration such as blocking traffic with cars, sitting down in front of doors so no one can enter, carrying symbolic items like coffins or flowers around an important establishment (or past someone’s home), taking over public spaces like parks by planting their banners where all could see them–there are many possibilities for making sure your voice isn’t just one in the crowd.
Perhaps a recent example of this would be the Women’s March which happened on January 21, 2017, following Trump’s inauguration as president. Millions of people participated because they were against some of his policies and wanted to show him that there is an opposition group willing to fight back if he took away certain rights or freedoms from anyone!
Just as these protests have evolved over time, the tools of their trade also changed. In medieval times, for instance, protesters would take to the streets and shout from rooftops or windows until they were hoarse while others might carry candles in a silent vigil. While every era had its most effective methods of protest, it’s clear that adapting to each new technology has helped activists stay relevant throughout history.
And finally, we come to present-day protesting–what is often referred to today as “slacktivism.” This modern form doesn’t require any physical participation which can be seen by scrolling through one’s Facebook feed where you’ll see people holding up signs on behalf of another person who couldn’t afford bus fare or sharing articles about the latest injustice.
This is the perfect example of how protests have evolved and adapted with each new technology, making sure that interest groups are always relevant in their time. With social media being at its peak–it’s no wonder this form of protesting has become so popular among those who want to be a part of but don’t know where or how to begin. If you’re looking for an easy way to join the movement without leaving your desk chair, consider using one of these five tools:
The first is Change.org which allows people from anywhere in the world to create petitions demanding that something is changed like working conditions or prison sentencing practices;
MoveOn mobilizes people by sending them text messages about events happening nearby as well as actions they can take on topics they’re passionate about;
The ACLU sends users alerts whenever there is an urgent action they can take in defense of our rights and liberties such as a pressing legal issue or potential policy change;
Fuse offers links to actions people can take right now, like signing petitions or donating money. They also offer ways for your friends to sign something you’ve signed on Facebook without leaving their newsfeeds.
Finally, the National Women’s March provides users with daily text reminders about upcoming events happening near them so that protesters keep showing up at town halls, protests, presidential inaugurations, and other demonstrations.
Human beings have always found reasons to protest since time immemorial–from hunger strikes during medieval times to labor movements protesting working conditions in recent years–and these causes are not obsolete just because we live in an age of digital activism.
Protests may have evolved to meet the needs and wants of people living during a time when information is shared instantaneously, but they are still grounded in old-fashioned ideas about what it means to be heard by those who make decisions that affect our lives.
