Have you ever refrained from eating the school lunches for a few days or even longer? Participated in a walk-out in school for any number of reasons? Petitioned the firing of a teacher you or your friends loved? Maybe even petitioned the cutting of funds for sports or other extracurricular activities? Or possibly even went to the school board because you didn't agree with taking a particular standardized test?Believe it or not in all of these situations you would have been participating in a form of a protest. This type of demonstration is not restricted to only adults, for the most part any American can actively participate in one. All you need to do is be able to visually or physically express disagreement against a rule/policy to get your opinion out there. This form of expression is used to help educate others and open there eyes up to a new way of thinking about something.
You may see in the news, on an online source, or even just hear others talk about large groups of people gathering outside voicing their opinions. It could also be people walking around with signs, petitions, flyers, small groups, people being loud and rambunctious or just standing quietly simply wanting to be seen. All of these descriptions can be used to characterize a protest but are far from the only ones. Not one protest is the same and is looking for the same outcomes as another. Every organization/movement is different, some want to enforce a change and others just want to bring attention to an unjust law/government action.
Where can you protest:(1)
streets
sidewalks
parks
other locations the government sets
What can you hand out:(1)
leaflets (pages of information)
newspapers
petitions
solicitations for donations
The first amendment within the constitution states that you have the right to freedom of religion, press, and speech, the right to peacefully assemble, and the ability to petition the government (2). You cannot do whatever you want because this is a given right to all Americans, you still have to be respectful to those who are not participating and the people around you. Protesting as a whole has been used countless times over the years to bring change as the people and time period evolves. Although it has been around for so long, protesting is an art that still doesn't get much support and people are hesitant to participate. Protesting can be used to stand up for our civil liberties, a ruling in court that the people disagree with and for countless other disagreements we have against something.
Before you agree or decide to participate in a protest make sure you look into the group to find out their goals or even the values/morals they have. You don't want to involve yourself in an organization that might attract violence with their actions.
If you are looking to engage in this right, there are two types of protests to be considered; a peaceful protest or a violent protest (3). But within each of these categories there are many different options and choices people can decide between. Throughout history their have been quiet a few of each. Although a great number of them are peaceful protests they can be turned violent because of the actions of outside forces.
Another important factor within a protest is the consideration of police presence. It is typical for police to appear during any protest to ensure the safety of all those participating and the citizens within the area (4). However, it is up to both the demonstrators and the police to communicate and cooperate with each other to keep the peace and refrain from anything bad happening.
All protests have the ability to get their opinions out and into the world and do so peacefully. All those participating just have to remember the rules and be civilized and not engage with others who disagree with their values. So please if you decide to use your first amendment rights remember to remain calm no matter what and be responsible!!
References:
(1)American Civil Liberties Union. (n.d). Demonstrations and protests. In Know your rights: demonstrations and protest. Retrieved from http://www.aclu.org/print/free-speech/know-your-rights-demonstrations-and-protests
(2) National Constitution Center. (n.d). Freedom of religion,speech, press, assembly, and petition. In Amendment 1. Retrieved by http://www.constitutioncenter.org/constitution/the-amendments/amendment-1-freedom-of-religion-press-expression
(3) A Force more powerful. (n.d). 198 methods of nonviolence. In Nonviolent strategies and methods. Retrieved from http://www.aforcemorepowerful.org/resources/nonviolent/methods.php
(4) Smith, W. (2012). Policing civil disobedience. Political Studies. 60(4), 826-842.
If you are looking to engage in this right, there are two types of protests to be considered; a peaceful protest or a violent protest (3). But within each of these categories there are many different options and choices people can decide between. Throughout history their have been quiet a few of each. Although a great number of them are peaceful protests they can be turned violent because of the actions of outside forces.
Another important factor within a protest is the consideration of police presence. It is typical for police to appear during any protest to ensure the safety of all those participating and the citizens within the area (4). However, it is up to both the demonstrators and the police to communicate and cooperate with each other to keep the peace and refrain from anything bad happening.
All protests have the ability to get their opinions out and into the world and do so peacefully. All those participating just have to remember the rules and be civilized and not engage with others who disagree with their values. So please if you decide to use your first amendment rights remember to remain calm no matter what and be responsible!!
References:
(1)American Civil Liberties Union. (n.d). Demonstrations and protests. In Know your rights: demonstrations and protest. Retrieved from http://www.aclu.org/print/free-speech/know-your-rights-demonstrations-and-protests
(2) National Constitution Center. (n.d). Freedom of religion,speech, press, assembly, and petition. In Amendment 1. Retrieved by http://www.constitutioncenter.org/constitution/the-amendments/amendment-1-freedom-of-religion-press-expression
(3) A Force more powerful. (n.d). 198 methods of nonviolence. In Nonviolent strategies and methods. Retrieved from http://www.aforcemorepowerful.org/resources/nonviolent/methods.php
(4) Smith, W. (2012). Policing civil disobedience. Political Studies. 60(4), 826-842.
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