Introduction to Protesters and Protest Rights

This book is based on the assumption that freedoms of thought, conscience, political association, assembly, and speech are essential human rights. Accordingly, this volume begins with the definitive statement of protest rights in the United States, the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. The editors intend this chapter to spark discussion on several fundamental questions about policy and protest. What makes an individual an activist? When is protest useful or necessary? Are there any places or occasions inappropriate for protest? What forms of protest can, or should, individuals use? When, if ever, are illegal acts an acceptable form of protest? What does protest achieve?

Examples of protests against government policy span the ages and the globe. While the most modern protests may look strikingly different from the (often violent) protests throughout history, the act of protest itself is almost timeless. Today, protest actions take many forms, from marches to music ("This Land is Your Land"). Protest imagery is often poignant ("Buddhist Monk Sets Himself on Fire"), sometimes controversial ("Burning the American Flag in Protest"), and occasionally absurd ("Pie in the Eye").

Introduced in this chapter are the modern philosophical and practical underpinnings of protest, with an editor-chosen emphasis on non-violence. Highlighted here are Henry David Thoreau's classic ode to civil disobedience, a thoughtful compilation of Methods of Non-Violent Protest and Persuasion, and the pamphlet "Your Rights to Demonstrate and Protest." "Direct Action", alternatively, argues that violence and property damage are sometimes necessary or justified means of protest. The tension between policy makers and protesters is briefly addressed, both through claims of media bias in the coverage of protests, and controversial laws that corral protesters into "Free Speech Zones."

Finally, the themes and protests forms presented in this introductory chapter are raised throughout this volume. For example, most of the 198 "Methods of Non-Violent Protest and Persuasion" appear at least once throughout the book. Often, one protest movement or assembly combines several methods. Subsequent chapters are divided based on the motivations and issues that drive various protests. Whether a non-violent protest for civil rights or direct action to promote environmental justice, the fundamental questions posed here are equally vital to understanding the protesters and protests.