Protest

Really, anything that creates conversation about an issue or idea is a protest. Before taking this class I thought protests were characterized only by pickets and big groups of people, but now I see it differently. A protest can be a form of dress, an organized movement, or a lifestyle.

After studying various forms of protest during the semester, political or otherwise, it seems all are challenging the status quo. For example, the Punk Fashion movement protested popular consumerism and mainstream music. The Dixie Chicks protested against a widespread belief (supporting the war).

After analyzing Critical Mass I understood that not all protests have to be highly organized or have only one mission. This protest example really got me to realize that each individual entity is involved in a protest with regard to their individual thoughts, feelings, and preferences. This was also a prime example of how governmental intervention can spoil a really great and genuine movement.

Above all, I've learned that pretty much everything is a protest. We are all somehow pushing a certain agenda with the choices we make in our lives. Whether they are seen blatantly or not, we are protesters in our daily lives.