With all the media coverage of the protesters, I was wondering ... Do the protesters really make a difference? Do they swing votes? Do they change people's minds?
As a commuter into NYC, they have just annoyed me all week but then I was thinking - well what are they actually protesting?? I haven't even paid attention to what they were protesting only that they were in my way! So I watched the news a little more closely this morning to what they were protesting and to be honest - the news doesn't really cover the WHAT - they just cover where and how violent/peaceful it was.
What do you think?
Sassyz75
Posted:
Member since
Re: QOTD - Do protesters really accomplish anything?
I don't know if protestors change anybody's mind.. and they are annoying- but as someone who has sat down in a few intersections in her day I have to say- the point is to let the powers that be know that you aren't happy.. and that you are watching them...
Think of all we've accomplished with protests... from civil rights to pulling out of Vietnam- it certainly does work..
reallybehind!
Posted:
Member since
Re: QOTD - Do protesters really accomplish anything?
i would say no only b/c i feel like most people don't really pay attention. i know any time i've ever seen a protest i might read their signs but i don't really think about the issue or try to understand their position. i honestly feel that large scale protests like these are a waste of time, but that's just me.
prncssrachel
Posted:
Member since
Re: QOTD - Do protesters really accomplish anything?
I think that depends on what they are set out to do and how they go about it. So my answer is this...Can they accomplish a lot? YES. Do they accomplish anything? Not always.
eogara
Posted:
Member since
Re: QOTD - Do protesters really accomplish anything?
I think it's important to express the opposing view. However, I think that protesting only works in certain situations, especially when it is combined with another method such as civil disobedience (as in the civil rights movement) or boycotting. Also, the protestors must have a specific goal that they are trying to reach and make that goal apparent.
I would assume that the RNC protestors are doing so simply so that it is apparent that people, enmass, are unhappy with the current administration. I don't think their ultimate goal is to change my mind or your mind if you don't agree with them, although I may be wrong on this.
DjPiLL
Posted:
Member since
Re: QOTD - Do protesters really accomplish anything?
Its really sad that weeks before this convention... people were so scared that something would happen (a terrorist attack).
Now that the convention is here... our biggest problem is our own f'in people!
BMD'sPeanut
Posted:
Member since
Re: QOTD - Do protesters really accomplish anything?
eogara
Posted:
Member since
Re: QOTD - Do protesters really accomplish anything?
Posted by DjPiLL
Its really sad that weeks before this convention... people were so scared that something would happen (a terrorist attack).
Now that the convention is here... our biggest problem is our own f'in people!
This is what the cops were more worried about, to be honest. My brother's a dectective in the terrorist interdiction unit of the NYPD and he said the closing of the city, checking of the subways, guards, etc really isn't so much for terrorism (although it's obviously always a possibility) but more for the couple of lunatic protestors that were bound to come out.
A couple of bad apples ruin the barrel, and I think that's sad. The vast majority of these protestors are just trying to voice their opinion in a peaceful manner. I don't agree with their politics but I respect their right to act on them. Then you get the few who are belligerent, violent and downright stupid and they place a stigma on all protestors/protesting so that people don't want to do it, even when they feel strongly about a topic.
HearzBellz
Posted:
Member since
Re: QOTD - Do protesters really accomplish anything?
I dunno, but I really wonder what the naked protesters think they are accomplishing
marymoon
Posted:
Member since
Re: QOTD - Do protesters really accomplish anything?
Many people are comparing this convention to Chicago 1968. there are a lot of similarities. They at least accomplished exposing police burtality at that point. I think protesters do accomplish a lot, even if they don't realize their ultimate goal. Protesters are ot there every day being the living proof of our first amendment rights. They're out there reminding us that we do have freedom of dissent and the right to express ourselves. They remind us, whether we agree with them or not, that thre are people out there who do not agree with the current state of things who are willing to fight for what they believe in. Did the vietnam era protesters end the war any sooner? Probably not, but they did bring attention to their cause and show that young people cna make a difference. Rules and policies were changed at universities across the country (not to mention the role of groups like SNCC and even SDS in the civil rights movement). It was such an amazing time. The political climate today is similar to the climate of the 1960's. Of course it's a world away, but we are seeing a lot of dissent. Even if you disagree with the protesters and al they do is annoy you, they are proff of our constitution at work, and when they are stifled, or when we can't see protesters anymore, we have to wonder first about how well our constitution is being upheld and second, where all of the independent thinkers have gone.
RedHead
Posted:
Member since
Re: QOTD - Do protesters really accomplish anything?
IMO...nothing really.
babygirl
Posted:
Member since
Re: QOTD - Do protesters really accomplish anything?
Posted by HearzBellz
I dunno, but I really wonder what the naked protesters think they are accomplishing
That was my thought exactly I am not thinking oh he must have a serious point to get across I am thinking who is the loon naked and where is the man with the white coat & Net!
franksbride
Posted:
Member since
Re: QOTD - Do protesters really accomplish anything?
Is causing traffic jams an accomplishment?
babygirl
Posted:
Member since
Re: QOTD - Do protesters really accomplish anything?
Posted by franksbride
Is causing traffic jams an accomplishment?
marymoon
Posted:
Member since
Re: QOTD - Do protesters really accomplish anything?
Cynics!
I can definitely see that I am the hippie of the group.
OctGroom
Posted:
Member since
Re: QOTD - Do protesters really accomplish anything?
Posted by DjPiLL
Its really sad that weeks before this convention... people were so scared that something would happen (a terrorist attack).
Now that the convention is here... our biggest problem is our own f'in people!
EXACTLY.
Half these people are valid good Americans with a valid gripe (or two or three)..
the other half are dregs of society. completely useless in this world. That may sound mean, but these people would gladly ruin your day just to run around like a bunch of '60s revolutionaries which they stupidly admire.
NYPD #1!!!!
marymoon
Posted:
Member since
Re: QOTD - Do protesters really accomplish anything?
Posted by OctGroom
Posted by DjPiLL
Its really sad that weeks before this convention... people were so scared that something would happen (a terrorist attack).
Now that the convention is here... our biggest problem is our own f'in people!
EXACTLY.
Half these people are valid good Americans with a valid gripe (or two or three)..
the other half are dregs of society. completely useless in this world. That may sound mean, but these people would gladly ruin your day just to run around like a bunch of '60s revolutionaries which they stupidly admire.
NYPD #1!!!!
boosh78201
Posted:
Member since
Re: QOTD - Do protesters really accomplish anything?
I dont think they accomplish anything besides holding up traffic. I cant wait till this thing is over!!! One more day!
RedHead
Posted:
Member since
Re: QOTD - Do protesters really accomplish anything?
IMO...the do the complete opposite from what they want to accomplish... They look like mental cases...people in serious need of medication..kinda turns me off to anything they may have to say!
OctGroom
Posted:
Member since
Re: QOTD - Do protesters really accomplish anything?
Posted by marymoon
Posted by OctGroom
Posted by DjPiLL
Its really sad that weeks before this convention... people were so scared that something would happen (a terrorist attack).
Now that the convention is here... our biggest problem is our own f'in people!
EXACTLY.
Half these people are valid good Americans with a valid gripe (or two or three)..
the other half are dregs of society. completely useless in this world. That may sound mean, but these people would gladly ruin your day just to run around like a bunch of '60s revolutionaries which they stupidly admire.
