Marissa Black || Contributing Writer

Megaphones, signposts, and crowds of protestors stand in solidarity of a cause in one of the most classic forms of unity over a common conflict. Whether it’s kneeling during a national anthem, gathering in large cities to protest a pipeline, or lying in the middle of a street, physical protests are still a common way to express dissatisfaction and a desire for change throughout America. So how effective is this method of public objection? Does it get what it desires, or just cause more strife and dissent? Does the marching and the televised action help or hurt the cause it is advocating for?

This past summer, gun violence and citizen shootings intensified as the conflicts between police and black citizens in America continued to increase. According to ABC News, the repercussions of Louisiana and Minnesota’s shootings of black youth sent the protests international as people gathered in solidarity in Ireland, South Africa, Britain, and around the world in honor of #BlackLivesMatter (BLM).

Some argue that American protests began back at the conception of our nation in the 1700’s, as a TIME magazine article states that the Boston Tea Party was one of the first all-American public demonstrations, as colonists sought to be represented by Parliament before being taxed on their tea imports. Americans are not strangers to taking action when we are upset by something we believe to be unlawful or unethical. We are not a “grin and bear it” sort of society. We take action, which can be both a beautiful symbol but also a curse of violence.

One of the main fears that comes to mind with protests is the chance that it could turn violent. A crowd does not take much urging to transform into a mob, and neither the hands of police or BLM protestors are clean. Blood has been spilled on both sides, and while there have not been equal amounts of lives taken, lives are still lives. Violence and death are never justified in public protests where citizens have joined together to make a statement and utilize their right to the first amendment. According to a CNN article, the mother of Philando Castile, a black male who was shot in his car by a Minnesota police officer, begged those who were protesting to do so peacefully.

“When demonstrations become violent, it disrespects my son and his memory. Philando was a man of peace and dignity.

“I ask you to at all times remain peaceful in your expressions of concern regarding his death at the hands of the police. I promise that we will not rest until justice prevails” said Castile’s mother, Valerie Castile, in a CNN article.

Threats, violence, and abuse are not uncommon outcomes of public protests, but they aren’t the only results of demonstrations. Literally standing up for what you believe in is a powerful show of values and a call for justice. Protests provide a space for those who stand in solidarity with a cause or belief to join together and make a point on a larger platform. They bring those from different sectors of society into one place where they can agree on one thing. Protests are a way we express our opinions and challenge society to re-think its stances. And as long as there are injustices in America, there will be those who gather together to demonstrate. And while there are both violent and peaceful reactions to discrimination and prejudice, protests will continue to be both a beautiful symbol and an ugly curse.