The U.S.of A. in year 2022 is filled with protest and this is an attempt at theoretical understanding. We’re looking for background that may provide a broad answer to questions of why protest (?) and how come there’s so much protest in American society (?). A basic response to seeing protest by people not directly involved (in that protest) is disquiet and this should not be shrugged off. Protesters should be acknowledged and their message considered.
Democratic Government
There are various types of government possible for a nation. United States of America was constituted a representative democracy, a republic, by the founders. Democracy is rule by the people and the people who founded our country rebelled against British rule after protesting “no taxation without representation.” These residents of the original thirteen colonies defeated the British Army and Navy in a Revolutionary War after declaring independence from British monarchy in 1776. Our nation was established in protest and revolution, political processes filled with human energy directed against injustice.
Politics
Politics, in democracy, is hectic and chaotic because every citizen has a share in government. Needs, wants, ideas, feelings, of hundreds and millions of people play out for satisfaction and sanction in the political order and democratic political order is ruled by law, firstly, the Constitution. The U.S. Constitution determines the structure and relations of federal government and lists the rights of citizens and states in the Amendments, but its basic values are to be found in its Preamble. These are (1) “the people” make law; (2) “union” of the people and states is a prime goal; (3) “justice,” “tranquility,” “common defence,” “general welfare,” and “the blessings of liberty” now and for the future are the purpose of law. Politics, in the U.S., is interrelation of people to achieve these ends.
Protest
Protest follows unrest. Unrest goes against constitutional principle of social tranquility. Individuals and groups who are unhappy because of a social or political problem may demonstrate publicly their woe. At a minimum, protest in the streets tells others of the issue and may draw others to the cause of rectifying it. Protest is an initial step in restoring peace and justice. Unrest because of injustice and subsequent protest are in accord with constitutional principles of the Preamble; our Constitution envisions tranquility, so unrest must be redressed.
Particular Issues
Current issues that engender disaffection in U.S. citizens are many. Here are three, difficult to solve to the satisfaction of a majority of the population.
Racism
Racism is belief that a certain race is superior or inferior. Race is a term that refers to a class of people with shared history and traits. On basis of differences of appearance, antagonism and conflict between peoples has been perpetuated for decades or centuries. Prejudice and stereotypes are involved. Protests and movements to eliminate racism or to support it are ongoing.
Abortion
Abortion, a moral problem and social issue in America since 1700s, has spawned much controversy and protest which continues.
Gender or Sexual Rights
Inequity in treatment of people related to gender and sex identity on the part of private or public institutions has led to civil unrest and protest. Women’s rights and LGBTQ rights are unfinished issues in our society.
Questions
Why protest? People get together to protest injustice. The 1960s were a decade of social transition in America. Since then, more and more people have the “will to try for constructive change.”1
Why so much protest in America in 2022? The human situation is stressed by climate change and the covid19 pandemic. Perhaps more troubles are in store?2 A nation born in protest and revolution may pursue happiness and peace, but should expect social ferment3 along that way.
Notes
- Phrase from a speech by New York City Mayor, John Lindsay, ‘The Responsibility of the Rebel’ (1968), excerpted in Frank Kane, Voices of Dissent (Englewood Cliffs: Prentice-Hall, 1970), p 113
- See Mark chap. 13
- A good account of social ferment in early twentieth century America in the world of art and music is, Gail Levin & Judith Tick, Aaron Copland’s America (NY: Watson-Guptill, 2000).
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