City Journal Audio What Drives Protest Culture?
Oct 21, 2025
Tal Fortgang, a conservative commentator and expert on privilege, teams up with Daniel Di Martino, who has firsthand activism experience from Venezuela, for a lively discussion on protest culture. They delve into the motivations behind activism, contrasting generational differences and the legitimacy of various protest movements. Tal critiques contemporary campus activism versus historic civil rights protests, while Daniel shares insights on the stakes of protesting under authoritarian regimes. The conversation challenges the coherence of modern protests and examines media portrayal, revealing the complexities of today's activism.
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Older Demographic At No Kings Rally
- Raphael Mangual observes many protesters are older and lack younger participation.
- He questions whether contemporary protest causes resonate with today's youth.
When Protest Is Justified
- Tal Fortgang argues protest is a shortcut unless democratic access is blocked.
- He says civil-rights-style protest is justified when legal avenues are closed.
Pro-Israel Rally Experience
- Tal Fortgang attended a pro-Israel rally after October 7th and felt disconnected from the ritual.
- He agreed with the substance but didn't feel moved by protesting itself.