Editing Protests (section)

=== In Person Protests ===
The most common type of protest that the word evokes in the mind is the in person protest. Where people gather together and march, listen to speakers, or occupy a space and refuse to leave. 

In person protests are actually not the most effective form of activism, but they are an effective form of activism. When we look back at the Vietnam War and the [[wikipedia:Opposition_to_United_States_involvement_in_the_Vietnam_War|protests against it]]. It's easy to think that college students were against Nixon's policies. But the [https://news.gallup.com/vault/230501/gallup-vault-1969-college-students-resistance-vietnam.aspx majority of college students actually supported it.]. And even the majority of those who disapproved didn't protest.

However, when we look back we see not only the images of the protesters, but how their disapproval was so strong It helped create change. 

As humans, we are social creatures and often want to [https://youarenotsosmart.com/2024/10/15/yanss-298-why-one-psychologist-believes-the-tribal-instincts-that-divide-us-can-be-leveraged-to-help-bring-us-together/ follow what others in our society do]. By physically protesting we signal to others what a group wants, and by positive amplification of the protest online and through media we can be the loudest voice to inspire others to reconsider their current standing. 

We also send a message to leaders that there is strong visible opposition. An opposition that will actually show up and not just post memes to oppose their policy choices and actions.

In person protest is incredibly important but shouldn't be looked at as the only action we take and isn't our only action available if we can't attend in person. As much as we want them to, protests don't solve problems in a day. Civil rights wasn't solved with the [[wikipedia:March_on_Washington_for_Jobs_and_Freedom|March on Washington]]. It was a culmination of years of protests and effort both pushing from within policy and from outside. It is a tool in our toolbox but building a house requires more than one tool.