The Effect of Protests
Another No Kings protest will occur on the 18th. This protest as well as so many others, have caused some to question the impact that a protest has on wanted change. The main question that may come to mind is, “What good can come from a protest?”.
This question is reasonable, and is worth examining. From the standpoint of cause and effect. One must remember that an unpopular law is still a law, or circumstances wanted or not, are still circumstances. Here are some simple examples. You go to the grocery store and you notice the price of coffee has increased significantly. You don’t like it, but not liking it did nothing to change the cost. One could expand this realization to city zoning, school zones, or a landlord raising rent. Liking or disliking has no effect on these outcomes. Another fact is that most protests do not interfere in the operation of government. Protests are held on weekends. No government official is likely to see them. Another fact is that all the protesters are already in agreement with the issue at hand. Those who would oppose the protest would not be present. No one’s opinion will be changed, because the opposition most likely will not be attending. Other questions are raised, “Why bother?”, “What’s the point?”.
At first glance, a protest seems useful only to blow off steam. Further inspection reveals another fact. If No Kings protests are ineffective, why does Trump and the Republicans vilify them by calling them “Hate America protests.” Speaker of the House, Mike Johnson, has also called the protests “The pro-Hamas wing.” It would appear that the No Kings rallies intimidate the Trump administration. Why call out the National Guard if protests are a waste of time?
Greater introspection and a historical perspective reveal that rallies and political gatherings are a show of strength. An examination of the effect of protests have proven effective at influencing elections. Protests also show a government grievances held by their constituents. Governments have sought to suppress demonstrators and to apply pressure to those who want to be heard to remain silent.
The effect of a protest serves to galvanize a population whose grievances have not been heard. Trump has disenfranchised many of his supporters with high costs and tariffs. Farmers who voted for Trump now face real financial hardship and some have turned against him.
Studies of history have shown that if 3.5% of a population is mobilized against a government, it is not likely to survive. Trump’s support is weakening, whereas, the No Kings protests are gaining traction. The Republicans would like the public to believe that they are helpless and in the minority. This viewpoint is necessary to break the spirit of those who oppose Trump.
Here is the greatest effect of No Kings demonstrations. Protests do not directly effect the government, nor change any tariffs or laws. It will galvanize the American people. Voices are heard, ideas are put forth, and plans are made. Effective strategies can be formulated to apply economic pressure to the powers that be. Such examples like the Montgomery bus boycotts, buy nothing week, and the public pressure that got Jimmy Kimmel back on the air. Protesters, and artists had no direct effect on Disney programming. Their indirect effect, a $5 billion drop in Disney stock, did. Protests work!