By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Protests, a frequent feature of American political life, have demonstrably shaped the course of history, influencing elections, fostering civic engagement, and altering cultural perceptions. Studies reveal a direct correlation between protest participation and an increase in female candidates and shifts in voting patterns. Nonviolent tactics are highlighted as the most effective, as violence often backfires and harms public support. Ultimately, protests empower participants, fostering a sense of agency and contributing to long-term societal changes, even if the impact is not immediate.
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Protesting, as historians and political scientists will tell you, is remarkably effective. It’s a fundamental tool for change, a way for people to voice their concerns and push for a better future. The effectiveness, of course, isn’t guaranteed with every demonstration. Much more than just showing up on a Saturday is required. However, the consistent message from those who study the impact of social movements is clear: protesting, when done strategically and with purpose, can and does lead to real-world change.
The effectiveness of protest isn’t just about showing up; it’s about making a statement, demanding attention. It’s about signaling to those in power that there are consequences to ignoring the people’s needs. The very act of protesting, even if it doesn’t immediately lead to policy changes, can represent a large group of people who are not able to protest and can bring authenticity that is difficult to ignore. The effort and personal investment of protestors, the risks they take – all of this gives their message weight.
Think about the Parkland students, the George Floyd protests, the movements against Trump. These actions are more than just rallies. They are the visible tip of an iceberg of dedicated effort. Often, the protests are coupled with behind-the-scenes organizing, relationship-building, and long-term goals. These efforts, although less visible, are absolutely critical in bringing awareness. While gun control or police reform didn’t happen overnight, it doesn’t mean the protests were ineffective. In fact, they were able to move the conversation from obscurity to a point that caused significant change.
Of course, the effectiveness of a protest isn’t simply measured by immediate policy changes. It’s about planting a seed, shifting the narrative, and setting the stage for future actions. In many cases, it’s about making sure that the issues are never again out of the public eye. Incrementalism can also be a key component in a successful protest. Smaller victories build momentum.
Protests need to be disruptive and confrontational. Holding up traffic, blocking buildings, and potentially breaking the law are the things that send an undeniable message. This is often more effective than any protest conducted within the constraints set up by the system that is being protested. The Civil Rights movement is a great example of this. Boycotts, marches, and freedom rides – all of which were planned and coordinated by activist groups – brought the country to its knees. Their work and actions paved the way for the end of segregation.
It’s tempting to dismiss protests that don’t immediately achieve their goals, or that don’t have a clear message, but that’s like saying a seed is useless because it doesn’t instantly become a tree. A protest is not just the end of the line, it is a way to make the goal clear and bring more support. These actions show numbers and will to make the changes needed to be seen and considered. Protests are an essential part of the change. They’re a tool for demanding change or creating a climate where change is inevitable.
Sometimes, it takes time. Sometimes, it takes a threat, even the threat of violence, to shake the foundations of power. But the idea that protest is ineffective is simply not supported by the evidence. No one likes to be protested or to have their actions protested. It is so effective it brings out opposition from those in power.
We can see this in the fact that those who are in power often attempt to reframe and undermine protests. They know the power of the people gathering. They know that a persistent voice, even a small one, can grow into a roar that cannot be ignored. And it’s not just about protesting; it’s about voting, too.
Voting and protesting work hand-in-hand. Protests can energize voters and force elected officials to respond to the will of the people. And in the face of injustice, a consistent voice is needed. It’s about holding those in positions of power accountable. Even if it seems difficult, it is never impossible. The key is to keep going.
Yes, there will be setbacks. Yes, there will be disappointments. But the fight for justice, the fight for a better future, is a marathon, not a sprint. And protesting, when combined with other forms of action, is a powerful weapon in that fight. Remember, even Noam Chomsky, a well-respected figure, has noted that a single letter can cause a shift in stances.
This isn’t about some weekend event. Protests need to be more. They should be sustained and they should be disruptive. They need to create a sense that the current order will not stand. They need to show the kind of power that those in France show. They get it. If they are willing to take the time off from their jobs, they shut down the country.
Protestors that focus their efforts on those who are in power are more likely to create real change. When those supporters are held accountable, a message is sent. So the next time someone tells you that protesting doesn’t work, remember the stories of past movements, the constant attempts to silence the protestors, and the simple truth: protesting, at its core, is an act of defiance, an act of hope, and an act that, according to historians and political scientists, is very effective indeed.