Are Americans Pro Protest?
Critical Analysis
Based on the data from the visual above, in 1965 what portion of Americans reported that they ever felt the urge to join in a public demonstration about something?
Describe the change in the desire of Americans to join in political protest since 1965?
Why do you think that is?
What section of The Bill of Rights guarantees the constitutional right of public protest?
Before 1965 there were major demonstrations and protests such as the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom when over 250000 people gathered to hear Dr. King’s I have a dream speech. Identify some major American protests since 1965.
Identify any major policy changes that are the result of public protest?
Describe a time you ever felt the urge to join or did join in a public demonstration about something.
According to the visual below* how does political ideology, party identification, income, education, and gender impact support for political protesting?*
According to the visual below* what issues are most likely to generate support for political protest?*
Since 1965, in the United States as social media use has increased, so has the likelihood of protest. Explain a connection between these two forces.
What would happen if there was a protest against protests?! Who would show up and who would win?
Write and Discuss
Take ten minutes to write about the question at the top of the page and then discuss with your classmates.
Act on your Learning
Make a list of three things you would be willing to protest. Use your list and the lists of your classmates to build a top five causes to protest for list for your classroom.
Get Creative
Imagine all the things Americans hate: traffic lights, dryer lint, sunburns, hangnails, speeding tickets, Elon Musk. What would be the most popular American protest you can imagine.
Learning Extension*
Read the Gallup report about changing attitudes towards political protest.
