When nearly 8,000 suffragists marched down Pennsylvania Avenue past the White House to demand the right to vote in 1913, they had objects thrown at them. They were spit on and they were physically assaulted. (Imagine how they would’ve been treated if social media had existed at the time.)
But the violence these courageous women endured worked in their favor, waking the sleeping giant and furthering their cause in the national conversation. That’s what protest movements can do.
Throughout the 20th century and now into the 21st century, we’ve seen women connect with each other by calling for equal rights, stricter gun control, healthcare rights and an end to the silent rape culture prevalent on many college campuses. From breastfeeding in public, maternity leave for working women and concerns about chemicals and dyes in foods, mothers are especially activist-minded, particularly when it comes to protecting the health and wellbeing of their children.
Collectively, many women find satisfaction participating in a social movement that resonates with them. They find common ground with others and a sense of purpose. Kelly Daniels, a portrait photographer and mom of two grown sons, recently felt compelled to join the protest against the Dakota Access Pipeline.
Here’s what she shared about her experience on the Standing Rock Indian Reservation in North Dakota:
“I’ve never in my life been to a protest, but my sweet sister Lori, who has Down Syndrome, put a fire in my heart when it has to do with people being bullied or mistreated, people that have no one to speak for them–especially people who don’t have the ability, physically, or financially. And the Native Americans have had nothing but tragedy given to them by our governments for 500 years since Columbus landed here. I believe it’s time to stand up for a people who have had no voice.
“The people I camped with in North Dakota were not ‘protestors’ as many people envision. They were families camping in tents and tipis; elders being acknowledged around the fire while inspiring people to be strong and peaceful; women cooking large vats of food over open fires; children playing on logs; young men and women moving through camp on horses. These were people… A struggling people… with a purpose beyond self. The purpose to keep the water clean for their children.”
Protest is meant to make everyone from the policy makers to the voter more aware and a little uncomfortable. Peaceful protests and marches can work to advance civil rights and ultimately drive positive social change.
“Every little thing you do to make this world better makes a difference. Even good thought. Every good deed. It just takes showing up. And living your truth. Do whatever you can to make a change in this world for future generations.” ~ Kelly Daniels, in a speech at a DAPL protest.
How we go about adding our voices to the conversation is up to each of us personally according to what we each have at stake. If you run a business, for example, do you risk alienating your customers? You have to decide where and how it’s appropriate to share your opinions.
Personal safety can also be a risk. Protest can cause tensions to rise and tempers to flare. Some people are happy with the status quo. Others fundamentally disagree with the message. And sometimes the wrong people hijack an otherwise peaceful movement to drive their own personal agendas of hate and violence, which can detract from the group’s core message.
Rallies around a cause can effectively advance change by breaking barriers and creating empathy. Those of us on the sidelines can, at the very least, do our part by listening to protesters’ stories and experiences with an open heart and an open mind, realizing that in general, people simply want what’s best for their families.
Through listening and attempting to understand, we can lift up conversation and begin problem solving.
But before we can get to the table where productive, healing conversation can begin, sometimes we must first put one gentle step in front of the other.
*Parts of this post were excerpted from my September newsletter. To subscribe to my monthly newsletter, head here.
I appreciated your comment about how they might have been treated in the age of social media- women especially are often the targets. Protesting or advocating is definitely a great way to connect with liked minded people.
Definitely protesting or advocating is a great way to connect with like minded people. I wish we were more open to talking about issues and having real conversation as I am convinced that there are common values that can help us find solutions.
I agree, Sue. We’ve heard for so many years not to talk about politics, religion or unpleasant issues in polite conversation. While to a certain extent this is wise advice, it’s too bad that the art of discussing issues with the goal of creating understanding, finding common ground, and then compromising and solving problems seems to have gotten lost somewhere along the way. …Or even just having a conversation and agreeing to disagree without making it personal. I’m actually going to be attending a public forum about this very subject in a few weeks. I’ll be sure to share what I learn!