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What is the impact of protests on long-standing systemic racism?

Elijah Prott

The impact of protests on long-standing systemic racism is complex and multifaceted. On one hand, protests can raise awareness about the issue and put pressure on institutions to implement changes that address systemic racism. On the other hand, protests can also lead to backlash and further entrenchment of racist attitudes.

Protests can be a powerful tool for sparking change. When people take to the streets to demand action, it can send a strong message to those in power that the status quo is unacceptable. Protests can also help to raise awareness among those who may not have been aware of the extent or impact of systemic racism. For example, the protests that followed the death of George Floyd brought attention to police brutality and systemic racism in law enforcement, and helped to push for changes in police practices and accountability.

However, protests can also provoke a sense of threat or resentment among those who feel that their way of life is being challenged. This can lead to backlash and further entrenchment of racist attitudes. For example, some people may respond to Black Lives Matter protests by insisting that "All Lives Matter" or by framing the protests as an attack on law and order. This can ultimately serve to deflect attention away from the issue of systemic racism, and reinforce existing power structures.

In order for protests to have a lasting impact on systemic racism, they must be accompanied by broader societal change. This means addressing the root causes of racism, such as unequal access to education, housing, and healthcare. It also means dismantling the systems and structures that perpetuate racism, such as the prison industrial complex and the militarization of police.

In addition to protests, there are other ways that individuals can contribute to the fight against systemic racism. This includes voting, supporting anti-racist organizations, and engaging in difficult conversations with friends and family members. Ultimately, the key to dismantling systemic racism is taking action on multiple fronts, and recognizing that it is a problem that cannot be solved overnight or by any one individual or group.

In conclusion, the impact of protests on long-standing systemic racism is both positive and negative. While protests can raise awareness and pressure institutions to change, they can also provoke backlash and reinforce existing power structures. To have a lasting impact on systemic racism, protests must be part of a larger movement for change that addresses the root causes of racism and works to dismantle the systems and structures that perpetuate it.