KQED's Forum What Protests of the Past Can Teach Us About Protests of Today
Jun 12, 2025
Omar Wasow, an assistant professor at UC Berkeley specializing in protest movements, and Andrew Couts, a cybersecurity editor at WIRED, delve into the dynamics of activism. They discuss the historical context of protests, emphasizing the lessons learned from past movements like the civil rights era. The conversation examines the emotional complexities of protests today, the impact of surveillance technology, and strategies for nonviolent demonstrations. They also explore how modern media shapes public perception and the importance of inclusivity in activism.
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Dual Purpose of Protests
- Protests mix goals: some express grief or anger, others aim to persuade the public about injustice. - The civil rights movement used protest to dramatize injustice for wider public awareness.
Media Shapes Protest Perception
- Media fragmentation shapes public perception of protests, producing differing narratives based on the media consumed. - This influences whether protests are seen as calls for rights or as violent disorder.
Impact of Protest Tactics
- Nonviolent protests in the 1960s had headlines linking them to civil rights; violent protests led to 'riots' headlines. - Protest tactics influenced media coverage, public opinion, and voting behavior significantly.