Has protesting really benefited anything?

Question

Or is it just a way to push your opinion so others have to see it

Answer 1

It gets ur opinion out and it helps put some pressure on whoever or watever ur protesting so there can be change

Answer 2

Well, let's see , hmm.

It got women the right to vote.
It brought a change in opinion to America on the Vietnam war.
It brought civil rights.

There are many more examples of public protest bringing about change.

I can't help but think that the Founding Fathers felt this was an important issue, otherwise they wouldn't have written it into the Constitution. To be sure, in today's world people are more interested in Paris Hilton than in our troops dying in a foreign war. And the media rarely covers protest these days, it just doesn't get ratings.

But Abraham Lincoln certainly saw the value in protest when he said:
"To sin by silence when one should protest makes cowards out of men"

Answer 3

I was a kid during the Vietnam War, and none of the protests yet organized are even remotely like the anti war demonstrations then. This country was very divided back then. Most of the anti war movement today has not translated into the street demonstrations that occurred 30+ years ago. Our population has even increased by 1/3.

Answer 4

You've asked an excellent question.

My view is there are pro & cons.

It costs $10000's of dollars is overtime pay and standard pay alone for security from police forces when people protest. It also creates a situation where protestors inhibit the normal flow of human traffic in a specific area such that business owners don't get the sales they might have gotten due to protestors blocking areas or scaring off customers. Protests lead to arrest thus arrest records and in many cases criminal charges and records. People who had no record now have one.

In the case of these people protesting @ the fallen USA soldier's funerals.........I have no words for that one. My mind goes numb and blank thinking of who could do such a thing.

I guess one marginal good reason for protests is that it makes politicians aware of a specific groups feelings and thoughts on a particular subject.

For the most part I think it's a total waste of time to protest. Don't we have more important things to do?

Answer 5

Protesting has accomplished many things. Look at the civil rights movement when it came to segragation. Peaceful yet effective. It does push the opinion, but it also gathers those that share the views and are willing to put their time and effort in. Once someone has enough courage to lead towards what is right others soon gain the strength to follow.

Answer 6

I see it as a way of exercising our free speech. It might not change anyone's mind, but you have the right to state your opinion and get together with other people who share it. It can also get the attention of lawmakers and media, which could lead to something being done about whatever you are protesting about.

Answer 7

Are you asking have demonstrations or acts of civil disobedience have had a direct change of policy? when it comes to matters of labor and managment yes. during the civil rights movement yes the bus boycott changeed montgomery's policy on african americans riding buses when it saw how much money it lost. thats one example i can think of . the rest of the time it doesn't directly change policy. but its a sign of a healthy democracy. it shows that something is not quite right with a people and it can reach the hearts and minds of others it also can have a negative effect if demonstrators act violent it makes thier cause look bad

Answer 8

quote you
"Or is it just a way to push your opinion so others have to see it"

Isn't that the point?

"Pushing"?
No demonstrator ever MADE me listen to anything...hasn't happened yet....from say...1968 to the present.

Answer 9

well at least we get it of our chest, and feel better for o few days (hours).

Answer 10

The squeaky wheel . . .