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To what extent do protests shape government policy against discrimination and racism?

Shani Lasty

From my point of view, protests are a powerful tool for shaping government policy against discrimination and racism. Protests bring attention to the issue the protesters are fighting for, and often force governments to respond and take action. But, protests alone may not be enough to achieve the desired results, especially if the government is unwilling to change its policies regarding discrimination and racism.

Protests have been a significant catalyst for social change throughout history. For instance, the civil rights movement in the 1960s, which was marked by nonviolent protests, resulted in many significant policy changes in the United States aimed at ending segregation and racial inequality. Similarly, Black Lives Matter protests sparked by the murder of George Floyd in 2020, brought a renewed focus on racial inequality globally.

Protests are an effective way of bringing attention to issues of discrimination and racism. They provide a platform for marginalized voices to be heard, and force policymakers to take notice and respond. Protests often generate media coverage, which amplifies the voices of the protestors and helps to raise awareness of the issue. Social media has been particularly effective in spreading awareness about protests, and it helps to mobilize people and generate support for the cause.

Moreover, protests create pressure on governments to take action on the issue of discrimination and racism. When policymakers know that there is public pressure and discontent, they are more likely to take action. For example, after the Black Lives Matter protests in 2020, many US cities and states implemented changes in policing policies and passed laws related to criminal justice reform.

However, protests alone may not be sufficient to bring about meaningful policy changes. The government might choose to ignore the protests, as in the case of many protests in authoritarian regimes. In democracies, elected officials might be more responsive to the public sentiment. However, they might also feel compelled to consider the views of differing interest groups. Consequentially, they might water down the policies or not take any action at all, leading to perceived policy inaction.

In conclusion, protests play an essential role in shaping government policy against discrimination and racism. They provide a platform for expressing grievances, highlight problems, and escalate political pressure. However, protest alone may not be enough to bring about significant policy changes. It is essential to complement protests with other forms of activism and engage in direct dialogue with policymakers. It requires a sustained and consistent effort to change policy, and I believe by combining various methods, we increase the likelihood of effecting meaningful change.