This year has been defined by protests. Many have taken the form of social media activism, while more and more young people are getting involved in the grass roots style of the physical political protest.
Demonstrations have been increasingly popular following the inauguration of President Donald Trump — over 2.6 million people across the globe participated in the Women’s Marches that took place on Trump’s first full day in office, and several marches have popped up throughout his first 100 days.
The most recent demonstration was the March for Science on April 22, Earth Day, to protest the current administration’s lack of action against climate change, among other debates within the scientific community.
“The fact that there even has to be a march feels exhausting and liberating because essentially the march represents the fight between facts and delusions,” said Natalie Bozzetti, a public policy major with a concentration in environmental studies.
However, attending protests and marches has become a new social gathering. Chicagoans can find a march to go to every weekend, just like they would see a comedy show or a play. This phenomenon has people worried that their abundance may desensitize people, and that they are starting to lose the activist roots that created them in the first place.
In regards to the March for Science, the participants were a mix of scientists and science supporters. It seemed like many of these supporters had no real understanding of science or the consequences of having an administration that doesn’t prioritize science-based policy. Rather, they write vague appraisals of science in order to feel a part of a movement, or in many cases, to protest Trump.
“Many of the individuals at the March for Science were more there to protest Trump rather than to stand up for climate change or science-based evidence,” said Kristen Nicole, a junior marketing student. “With that all being said, everyone was incredibly positive and energized for the march at hand.”
There is nothing inherently wrong with wanting to feel a part of something, especially movements that are gaining traction and as young people are becoming politically active. The problem arises when the fundamentals of the demonstration are lost unto the participants in favor of maintaining politically active persona.
America shows low performance when it comes to science and science education compared to other countries.
The Programme for International Student Assistant (PISA) worldwide ranking of math, science and reading skills reported in 2015 that 40 percent of American 12th graders ranked “below basic” in science and the United States was ranked 25th in science proficiency. This nation’s less than average understanding of math and science was evident in the signs and protests of the supporters in the march.
However, it doesn’t negate the power of the protest. Even if the fundamental understanding isn’t there, there is something to be said about many people, especially young people, getting involved in public matters that affect everyone.
“I feel a lot of pride as an American to see other Americans stand up with so much passion and demand better of their government that is designed to work for the people, not against the people,” Bozzetti said. “I think these protests and marches will inspire Americans of all ages to become more politically active.”
A 2011 Harvard study discovered that protests and demonstrations were effective in creating political change. While they might not change policy just by marching, participants will feel the urge to become politically active outside of these marches.
“The act of protesting itself makes people more committed to the proposed policy agenda and political attitudes shift as a result of having protested,” the study said. This is especially common with the generation that voted for the first time in the presidential election in November and are starting to feel the weight of their voice.
“I think the massive outcry is effective in pushing people to be politically active,” Bozzetti said. “I’ve never thought to call my representatives when I do not agree with a policy or I have a concern. We forget that these people we ‘elect’ are supposed to work for us and represent us; therefore it’s more than logical to pressure and question their actions; especially if they are the voice for thousands of people in D.C.”
The Harvard study found the action of organizing and participating in a march isn’t inherently productive, it’s the social impact of it. Large gatherings of people won’t directly change policies or change the minds of policy makers, but the demonstrations themselves will spark something within the participants to engage in political change. “Protests lead to subsequent protests, as well as an increase in membership, monetary contributions, and media coverage,” the study said. “Political activism does not derive its usefulness solely from the provision of information, but that the interactions produced at rallies and protests can affect citizens’ social contexts in ways such that a movement for political change persists autonomously.”
Protests are powerful, but it’s important to remember why people march in the first place.
If the motive lies in performing a socially conscious persona for Instagram, the demonstration fails to be successful. Participants need to understand the motives for the marches they go to, as well as their own and know political action doesn’t stop when the march is over.
