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Modern Protest Cultures
Protest, an important indicator of dissatisfaction in a democracy, helps discern the general discontent among its people and what they wish would be done about it. Protests have been a part of culture from time immemorial and have evolved in their format and arrangement over the years.
It has been instrumental in bringing about change in the community and has contributed to overcoming many of the oppressive laws that once existed in the world. From taxation to voting rights, protests have been conducted to bring about a difference in the world.
How Are Protests Arranged Today?
Protests today have taken on a different avatar from what they used to be. They are more symbolic today, drawing from literature and popular culture to make a statement. More thought goes into organizing protests today, as it is also crucial to draw the attention of people from all over the world to initiate a change.
Most, if not all, protests are non-violent and use no physical means to convey their message. An interesting example of how modern protest culture has shaped the way protests are designed is the “October revolution” that took place in Lebanon.
Though it began with only a handful of protestors, it grew to be one of the biggest anti-government protests Lebanon had seen in a long time. The protests were conducted to fight against the corruption and nepotism prevalent in the Lebanese government.
The protestors demanded social and economic reforms. What demands attention here is how the protestors went on to take the theme of the Joker to represent their plight. Joaquin Phoenix’s Joker is used to signify the power struggle that existed in the Lebanese community.
Since the elite branded the protestors as clowns, Joker became their way of rebelling. This example highlights how protest culture has evolved to suit modern times. It also allows one to understand the influence of pop culture on protest culture.
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FAQs
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What are some common types of protests?
There are several forms of protests, including sit-in protests, marches and rallies, hunger strikes, and violent forms such as vandalism and riots.
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How do you protest without violence?
There are several ways one can protest without violence. Marches, sit-ins, boycotting, and symbolic public acts are all effective ways of protest.
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What are the biggest protests in recent history?
The Indian farmers’ protests and Black Lives Matter protests were two of the biggest protests in recent times.
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Are marches considered protests?
Yes, marches are considered a form of protest. A march or a rally is a non-violent form of protest that involves a group of people coming together with signs and posters providing information about their cause. There have been cases when marches have turned violent, but they are only a few in number.
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Can you be arrested for protesting?
While the laws differ from country to country, people cannot be arrested for participating in a protest. However, individuals have been arrested for civil disobedience and unlawful activities during protests.
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