What is a protest?

After studying various protests over the course of a semester I have found that most of my initial beliefs about protests have been supported. I said in my first post that protests could be made in many different ways with different groups of people, intentions, and techniques. If anything I have found protests to be more varied than I at first realized. As a class we have examined protests in the forms of speeches, marches, sit-ins, documentaries, art, fashion, music, and countless other forms. In all of these forms, what remains significant is the protesters decision to make a statement against something that they disagree with or wish to change.
One thing that I have learned about protests is that that is rarely all they are. Although some groups like Peta may make protests for a singular goal, many do not. Critical Mass is a protest for some but for others it is a way to have fun and be part of a community. Others see it as a safe way to exercise, while others embrace all of these as reasons to participate. A song may be a protest, but it also could be just a good song, and a piece of fashion or art may be intended to demonstrate ones individuality and look cool. Protests are deeply intertwined throughout all forms of human interaction- what is significant is the intentions and beliefs of the person making the protest and the audiences receiving it. And most surprisingly, the success of a protest is not necessarily only dependent on the number of people who participate or how televised the protest is. Sometimes all a successful protest needs is originality and a lot of peanuts.

Killin in the Name

Killing in the Name is a protest song by the American rock band Rage Against the Machine. The band is notorious for their politically motivated songs and their history of activism. They have been especially critical of US foreign and domestic policy and have been outspoken on issues over human rights.

The song Killing in the Name is off the band’s self titled album and is probably the band’s most popular song. It has received widespread acclaim as well as criticism for its lyrics. The song is primarily a protest against white supremacists and police brutality. The line “Some of those that work forces, are the same that burn crosses” references the Klu Klux Klan and associates them with police forces. The song is a reaction to the LA Rodney King riots. It adresses racism within police forces and white supremacist groups in America and urges revolting against a system that places racist persons in positions of power.

Concerning the power of music as protest, singer Zach de la Rocha has said “I'm interested in spreading those ideas through art, because music has the power to cross borders, to break military sieges and to establish real dialogue."

http://www.ratm.net/lyrics/kil.html

Coulter and Moore as Protesters

Ann Coulter and Michael Moore often appear to be as similar as they are oppossites. While Coulter is an extreme conservative with a history of using fallacious arguments to decry her opponents, Moore is an extreme liberal who repeatedly uses similarly problematic arguments to create what many have considered to be ridiculous conspiracy theories. They have both been extremely vocal in the last decade, having contributed immensly to political discussions and the opinions of voters. But are they protesters?

My final decision is that while Michael Moore is a protester, Coulter is not. The difference is not in their message or in their tactics. The difference is their relationship to the the party in power, or in the status quo. While Michael Moore villanizes and accuses current powerful corporations, institutions, and the Bush administration, Coulter defends capitalism and conservatism while they are both in positions of power. Coulter does, however, enter into the realm of protest in her discusions of abortion. Since abortions are legal under the current administration, she argues in this case against the powers that be. This allows her, for once, to take on the role of a protester.

Ann Coulter

Despite many American's attempts to decry Ann Coulter, she remains a significant writer with amazing influence on voters' opinions. Many of her ideas are actually very popular, as are her books. While many may argue that her ability to persuade readers is small, although her book sales appear to suggest otherwise. The main problem with writers such as Ann Coulter is that they encourage readers to assume that complex issues have black and white answers. Her arguements that liberals are either completely ignorant, foolish, unamerican or not Christian assume that her point of view is absolutely right, and that there are not chances for other interpretations. When readers accept this assumption the opportunity for serious discussion on important issues decreases. This degrades the potential for important conversation between citizens and politicians. These assumptions are also polarizing, and create hostility between conservatives and liberals. They also encourage americans to classify themselves as one of these strict labels, which discourages the opportunity to change opinions and develop better ideas.

Jesus Camp

While the directors of Jesus camp tried to stay neutral towards their subjects, there are some points at which they seem to suggest that the evangelical Christians are extremist and cultish, and that the children have been brainwashed. Some shots, such as one girl runnint out into the rain and shouting that she had to touch 10 drops of rain ten times before she turned 10, would normally be interpreted as a child playing. However, in the context of the film she and her family appear superstitious and extremist. This strengthens the preconceptions that many viewers are likely to hold towards evangelical Christians. The directors also chose to focus on some of the less logical parts of the religion and camp. For example, although one evangelical mother revealed that she was a creationist, little explanation was given to explain her belief. This allows viewers to assume more easily that she and other evangelicals are ignorant. By focusing on the emotional aspects of the religion in scenes such as the speaking in tongues, the directors gave less credence to the Evangelical Christians.

writing

My first step whenever writing a paper is to try to get a firm grasp on the topic. For timed writing assignments I am usually able to get a clear idea of the topic quite quickly. However, more extensive papers such as our Protest paper can take much more work before I can even begin preparing an outline. While doing research, I often try to consider viewpoints and frames that can support potential arguments. This not only allows me a chance to critically examine my own thoughts on the subject, but also allows me to begin organizing a potential outline in my mind. While I can usually see potential arguments while I research, some projects are more difficult. In these cases, I may be forced to take notes and try to organize points and potential arguments on paper.
Once my thesis is clear, I usually try to make some form of outline. While I can usually organize outlines for simple papers in my mind, more complicated ones may need to be put to paper. I usually try to make this part of the writing process take a short as possible it can sometimes take several hours. This was true for our protest paper, which took me quite a while to organize. However, the argument was no longer so complex that I had to write out an outline. Once I had a strong thesis statement the basic paper outline and supporting arguments were clear. I was able to write steadily for a few hours and write my paper without too much effort, since I new exactly what points I wanted to make and how I wanted the paper to flow. Afterwards I read through the paper once to make sure I hadn’t made any mistakes.

Punks and the Yes Men

Both the Yes Men and punks take advantage of appearance to affect the images they present to people. However, while the Yes Men use appearance to achieve what they call “image correction,” punks style uses images to set the group apart from social norms and force others to notice things about their own lifestyles. Both groups are similar in their sense of rebellion. The Yes Men, for instance, make use of pranks to bring attention to consumerism and the misdeeds of major conglomerates. Their appearance is largely a result of this, as they attempt to appear as legitimate business men in order to be associate with the groups they are fighting, and then use more obnoxious images (such as the golden suit and the hamburgers) to point out the problems of these groups. Punks are equally rebellious, but are associated to a much larger degree with degeneracy. They present hostile, shocking images through their use of hairstyle, clothing, and piercing. These shocking images poke fun at social norms, at point out issues of gender roles, stereotypes, and consumerism. The punk movement is far less organized than the Yes Men, and doesn’t have as focused of a goal. While this allows the Yes Men to focus their efforts more on the success of their projects and the attacks on specific people and organizations, the open minded sense of punk culture allows individuals to make it their own, and use it to express themselves through punk style in original, creative ways.

Peta and guerilla girls

After discussing the groups PETA and the Guerilla Girls so close to each other, certain similarities. Despite PETA being a group promoting Animal rights, and Guerilla Girls being a feminist group, both make wide use of billboards, posters, stickers, and other forms of signs to attract members and get peoples’ attentions. However, a further comparison between the groups reveals even more differences than at first noticed.
One difference between the groups is the use of comedy. Guerilla Girls pride themselves on their sense of humor, examples of which can be found throughout their works and website. PETA, however, is usually extremely somber, and often attempts to convert people by showing gruesome and tragic videos and images. Another difference that is especially important from the perspective of an audience member, is the actions necessary in order to align oneself with the groups. Although PETA offers less extreme options for members not prepared to commit fully, it advocates a drastic lifestyle change in its audience. In order to consider oneself a true supporter it is necessary to eat at least less meat, although it is expected for members to cut not only meat, but often all dairy products out of their diets. Guerilla Girls, on the other hand, seek largely to increase awareness of issues of oppression and under-representation of women and minority groups. They pressure major companies, industries, and museums to change, but demand little more than awareness from individuals. Their website even states that all it takes to be a feminist is to believe that men and women should have equal rights.

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Critical Mass

After watching We Are Traffic, I found that there where several aspects of Critical Mass that most impressed me. I found the biker’s unique form of protest amazing, especially the ways that they were able to make a protest without anger. Their joy and excitement in the ride was obvious to me and hopefully to the drivers who saw them. Although their protest was unorganized, Critical Mass clearly had statements to make, especially on environmental issues. However, the aspect of Critical Mass that impressed me the most was the concept that the bikers could make the streets a place for community. Riding in masses, the bikers could talk and meet each other, unlike drivers who were boxed away from everyone else on the streets. I was also impressed by the clip from Return of the Scorcher. It was fascinating how the bikers could make their way through the streets without the use of traffic signals, but could ensure their own safety by forming enough bikers to push through the cars.
Although Critical Mass does not have a clear goal, and it seems unlikely that the movement will ever sufficiently change the world in terms of state policies, it has what is perhaps a greater power. Critical Mass has the ability to change the mindsets of people, and, with the spread of Critical Mass, to affect the lives of millions.

which ethos

Ethos can be one of the most persuasive rhetorical strategies, and most protesters are keenly conscious of the ways in which they present themselves. As observed in the speeches of Civil Rights Activists Fanny Lou Hamer and Stokely Carmichael and the modern protests of Malachai Richter and Cindy Sheehan, a wide variety of ethos can be useful. Fanny Lou Hamer and Cindy Sheehan are both try to appear to be everyday, ordinary people who have been strongly affected by the forces they are protesting. They appeal to a sense of familiarity and normalcy, in the hopes that their audiences will be moved by their commitment. Carmichael, on the other hand, speaks with intelligence and experience, citing his activity with well known civil rights groups.
In some ways, however, the ethos of Sheehan and Carmichael are more similar to each other than to that of Hamer. Hamer tells her tragic story and hopes to appeal to the goodness in her audience. Sheehan also presents herself of having first hand experience of the tragedies of war, as her son was killed in the Iraq war. However, she speaks loudly and attempts to incite crowds to radical changes in ways that Hamer does not, often blaming politicians and the White House for policies. Stokely is similarly radical, sternly blaming the racial problems of America on stubborn and ignorant whites. The ethos Malachai Richter’s protest is far more difficult to discern. His self immolation definitely presents him as being extremely committed to his cause, so much so that he was willing to endure excruciating pain and death in order to convey his message. His protest is problematic however, as it raises questions of the morality of suicide, even of self sacrifice, and of insanity.

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Ethos, Pathos, and Logos in the Civil Rights Movement

Discovering the rhetoric used by certain protesters is an excellent way to analyze the way in which they make their arguments. The rhetorical concepts logos, ethos, and pathos, are often used to strengthen or create an argument. Exploring the ways they are used by certain protesters or within certain arguments allow for a better understanding of them, and can be helpful in trying to understand what makes protest or argument successful. Fannie Lou Hamer and Stokely Carmichael were both civil rights activists who sought equal rights for African Americans. Their different uses of these concepts of ethos, pathos, and logos demonstrate the differences between their approaches and arguments.

Both Hamer and Carmichael put clear effort on creating a specific ethos. Hamer, in a speech before the 1964 Democratic National Convention in Atlantic City, told her story about registering to vote in Mississippi. She spoke plainly and clearly, preferring familiarity over formality. This created a strong ethos of honesty, suggesting that she only wanted tell the truth, devoid of flowery language. Carmichael, however, in a speech at Berkeley University in 1966, spoke with confidence and formality. His speech was deeply structured and clearly well prepared, and he referenced famous existentialist authors Camus and Sartre. This created a completely different ethos; one of an intelligent and educated man. He also repeatedly referenced his affilation with the SNCC, which was very well known and added to his credibility. Both these uses of ethos, although very different, were suited to the different audiences. Hamer, who hoped to be elected to congress, wished to appear trustworthy and honest, while Carmichael, who spoke before educated college students at Berkeley, wished to appear equally educated and intelligent.

Both protesters similarly used the devices of pathos and logos in creating their arguments. Hamer gave implicit details on the more devastating portions of her story, intricately explaining how terribly she and the other blacks who attempted to register with her were treated. The speech is emotionally stirring and is designed to help the audience relate to her plight as a black woman. Carmichael speech also had a strong emotional appeal. His repetition of short, important lines brought attention and emotion to them. He harshly attacked white leaders, calling them sick and accusing them of the murder of women and children. The success of these appeals is evident in his speech through the signified applause at the most emotional moments.

Hamer and Carmichael also used logos in their protests, but again in different ways. Hamer quoted the screams of victims and the taunts of her white captors word for word, emphasizing that she was not exaggerating or inventing her story. Carmichael’s elegant and intricately developed speech used powerful reasoning and clear, straightforward, arguments, and referenced current events such as the Vietnam War and the actions of President Johnson.

I believe

I believe that Campbell’s chicken noodle soup is very good but has far too much salt in it. I believe that Krispy Kreme doughnuts are not real doughnuts and that Shipley’s Doughnuts are far superior. I believe that you should always have your friends’ backs, whether you think they deserve it or not. I believe in making time for what’s important to you, and I believe in not trying to control everything.
I believe in God and I believe in Jesus Christ, and I that Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles was one of the best TV shows ever. I believe the movies were pretty awesome too, but not quite as amazing. I believe that you should too make sure enjoy today rather than getting ready for tomorrow. I believe you should prepare too, but you should never expect that tomorrow will turn out the way you want it to. I believe in multiple perspectives and that they all have significance. I believe in the inherent worth in every human being. I believe that there is beauty in everything, but I can’t tell you how to find it. I believe the cup is half empty and I believe that no person can fairly judge another person. I believe in making your own luck and always asking for help, and I believe in looking out for those less fortunate than you. I believe in causes and I believe that Hillary Clinton should not be the next president. I believe in myself, I believe in Rock n’ Roll, and I believe that music can save your mortal soul.

What is a protest?

Many variables are considered when exploring different examples of protests. The variety of protests makes it difficult to decide what criteria are necessary for a protest to exist. It is crucial to understand these basic criteria, so that we can better understand and analyze individual examples of protests.
One essential criteria of a protest is that protesters, whether as individuals or groups, object to an existing institution, belief, or statement. Secondly, protesters must take some action against that which they object to. While it is not necessary for this action to be in the form of violence, or a public display, it is necessary for the protesters to make the decision to act out against that which they protest. For example, a protest could involve someone deciding not to purchase certain items, or telling their friends about the problems they see in certain institutions. Furthermore, protests are usually made by a group with little power against a group that is in power. Protesters, therefore, seek to affect things that they would otherwise have little influence over.
Other aspects of protests involve how many people are involved, whether they are violent or not, whether or not they involve a public display, and whether they are successful. These qualities can help to describe individual examples of protest. Understanding these qualities can help us form models for making protests we hope will be successful. For example, in most cases a protest will be more successful if it is larger or has more members, or if it makes a statement that is visible to the public. Another quality that can help a protest is the support of powerful members, such as government leaders or celebrities, who can both aid protests through their own abilities and add to the protests visibility. While these qualities can be extremely significant in a protest, there is no minimum size qualification or measurement of success that defines a protest. Therefore, even a single person with little real power can attempt to change or alter institutions through their own decisions and actions. While they may not always be successful, their actions are still a protest, and can still have significance for that person.