

Protests are near constant. Do they work?
12 snips Jul 23, 2025
Guest Gloria J. Brown Marshall, a professor and author, dives into the effectiveness of protests throughout history and today. She discusses the ongoing impact of recent protests, from the Women’s March to racial uprisings, analyzing their role in achieving social change. Marshall emphasizes how collective action has shaped America, highlighting the unique strength of youth in activism. Personal stories illustrate the moral complexities involved and the crucial need for informed engagement in the fight against systemic oppression.
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Teen's Doubt on Protest Impact
- Katie Hamill's 17-year-old son questions the purpose and effectiveness of protests.
- He feels frustrated and anxious about societal issues and protests failing to cause change.
Broad Forms of Protest
- Protest history shows how people fought for rights and lasting change in many ways.
- Protest does not always mean street marches; it includes various forms like boycotts or symbolic acts.
Coal Miner Protests History
- Coal miners in West Virginia protested brutal working conditions and company control.
- Led by Mother Jones, workers faced evictions and harsh retaliation to form unions and fight for rights.