Protests

Why Protest?

You may have seen people, including our members, protesting in Lincoln at the Gazebo and wondered why they are doing so. Haven’t they got anything better to do on a Saturday?

Protesting is not just a constitutional right; we believe that protests are a vital component of a functioning democracy, and we are committed to actions that uphold and promote our democracy. Protests provide citizens with a crucial tool to hold governments accountable, express dissent, and demand change. Through organized, peaceful demonstrations, people can challenge existing power structures, influence public discourse, and ensure policymakers hear their voices. Protests ultimately serve to deepen democratic engagement, particularly for marginalized groups that lack traditional political power.

Protest as a Democratic Tool

• Accountability: Protests allow citizens to hold their government accountable by raising awareness and demanding action on issues. 
• Dissent & Expression: In a pluralistic democracy, protests provide a legitimate avenue for individuals and groups to express their differing views and interests. 
• Citizen Participation: Protests are a form of citizen engagement that promotes social change and encourages participation beyond simply voting. 
• Giving Voice to Marginalized Groups: Historically, protest movements have been critical for advancing civil rights and racial justice for communities lacking political power. 

The Impact of Protest

• Catalyst for Change: Peaceful protest movements can pressure governments to meet demands and foster policy changes. 
• Civil Disobedience: When a significant portion of the population engages in sustained, peaceful civil disobedience, it can disrupt the system and force governmental action. 
• Deepening Democracy: Non-violent protests, in particular, can strengthen democracy’s reach and its chances of survival.
• Connection with Others: Protests bring together people who are passionate about the same issues, fostering a sense of community and a larger movement. 

Further Reading:

We believe in sourcing information so that you can evaluate claims and facts from their sources. If you want to know more about the role of protest in democracies, here are the sources we used:

Brooking Institute (podcast and article): Can democracy exist without protest?

Amnesty International’s “Protect the Protest” campaign

Harvard University’s Davis Center “There is no democracy without protest”