Protest (v): Something said or done that shows disagreement with or disapproval of something; (n): an event at which people gather together to show strong disapproval about something.
Neither of these Merriam-Webster definitions states that a protest is supposed to be disrespectful, violent, and disastrous or to harm those in our paths. So why are we, as American’s, protesting in these ways so often?
Yes, we are living in the land of the free and the home of the brave. Yes, we have all of our amendment rights. And yes, the right of the people to peaceably assemble exists. So why are we ignoring the “peaceably” part of this amendment?
Maybe there is frustration by those who feel persecuted, and there is no reason not to feel frustrated when you do not feel that you are being treated fairly. There is no reason for violence though.
If we want to live in a peaceful country, where kids are not being shot and blockades are not occurring in the streets, we need to be the change. Looting, robbing, murdering and harming those in our paths when we are unhappy is not going to give us the change we want to see.
All over the country people are protesting all the time, but it does not make news unless it is seen as disrespectful or harmful.
The Colin Kaeperinck protest is one of the ongoing protests that is remaining a prevalent issue in the media. His choice to kneel during the national anthem was indeed peaceful, but it was just as disrespectful. President Obama addressed this during a CNN Town Hall Meeting and defended both sides. He reminded people that Kapernick and his followers do have the right to protest, but that it may upset those in the military or those who truly value every aspect of their country.
Why do things like this matter so much? Children and people everywhere are seeing these protests, whether violent or not.
Rockford, Illinois high school students showed their protest for change by kneeling before a football game during the national anthem, just as Kapernick did. This led to no violence, but has become a piece of national news due to their act. This is a way for them to spread awareness, but has left a disrespectful taste in the mouths of some people.
Moline, Illinois students also chose to show their desire for change, but in a more favorable way. During the national anthem, these high school football players chose to stand arm in arm. They were able to show that as a country we need to stand together in a way that was less offensive to those around.
We the people need to find a way to make our opinions known. We need to stand together to fight adversity and to help show what we want and need. The trouble seems to be finding the right ways to do so. So, continue to fight for your rights, continue to stand up for what you believe in and PLEASE continue to remain non-violent.
Stand up for what you believe in, but be sure not to stand on what others have worked so hard for and to preserve.
Images cited within story. Main Image