The Art of Protest

Protest- noun- a statement or action expressing disapproval of or objection to something.

Art- noun- the expression or application of human creative skill and imagination, typically in a visual form such as painting or sculpture, producing works to be appreciated primarily for their beauty or emotional power.

2-the various branches of creative activity, such as painting, music, literature, and dance.

The intelligence, spirit and creative impulse within us compels us to express our longings for progress and change. Once awakened to an injustice, it is in our nature to try to facilitate change.

If we believe that, like ourselves, others will do better once they know better, our first attempt to ‘express disapproval of or objection’ may be to educate others.

We gather facts, cite studies, hand out leaflets. Appealing to the reasonable side of others may prove effective if they are minimally emotionally attached to the behavior we wish them to change. For others, however, knowing better will not mean doing better, at least not right away.

Just as it didn’t, initially, for us, at some time.

Our efforts to collect carefully gathered facts are met with resistance. Our rationale is met with false justification and excuses. When it comes to some issues, we learn, some people aren’t compelled by logic.

If we believe, then, that a picture will paint a thousand words, we may swap the leaflet for a powerful graphic image. A political cartoon, meme, sign, billboard. Trusting in the visceral, timeless reaction of humanity to the power of visual art.

Bypassing the defenses and excuses of logical functions and aiming straight for emotional response, as all good art does.

And as is the case with all good art, our audience may turn their backs or cover their eyes. As was the public reaction to unsettling artists of the past- cubists, fauvists, the Jackson Pollocks and Andy Warhols, we may be called obscene and crude.

Art moves people, but the direction it moves them in is not within our control.

When the still image does not seem to be enough we may recall that actions speak louder than words. We may turn to civil disobedience or street theater.

Only to be told to stop making a scene.

Often by people who would, in other circumstances, proclaim their respect for the ‘courageous’ people whose acts of defiance, like the Boston Tea Party, form the mythology of their patriotism.

Civil disobedience in particular is easier to glorify when it is not making one late for work or ‘ruining’ one’s night out at a restaurant.

We are told to sit down and be quiet.

So we try other tactics, such as vigils, or respectfully taking a knee.

Yet again, there will be some who respond with judgment.

“How dare you ruin my sport!”

Yet with every moment, you know your oppressor is taking one more life. You know the situation to be critical.

So you take matters into your own hands, for spectacle, to raise awareness, to create direct intervention, or a combination of the above.

And you are called a criminal, radical, extremist, terrorist.

Your death is called for, because you didn’t follow the rules and protest politely.

Because you caused a disruption to the peace your oppressor works to lull you to sleep and distract you with.

And the public asks “Why can’t you just make your point calmly, through facts, and logic?”

From educating and leafleting, to street theater, demonstrations, vigils and letters writing, types of protest are as varied as expressions of art. Also like art, all media of expression are fair game for communicating and raising awareness about your cause.

The labor movement took shape to the tune of folk songs like those of the IWW (International Workers of the World). The hymns of the Civil Rights movement embodied the spirit of change as well and songs from both of these powerful times of change are still sung and reinvented today. Musical propaganda has been used by our oppressors to spread war fever, but also used by the people to encourage revolt or in protest of protest Vietnam and other wars.

Visual art has been a vehicle for various movements including animal rights. This is not limited to photography and painting but also includes film making. Street theater has been important for this movement as well, as the sight of a woman painted to look like a tiger and confined in a cage carries a powerful message about the absurd cruelty of animal confinement and exploitation in circuses.

Sometimes silence is golden, as is the case with the scene of vigils, where the absence of chants and music speaks volumes.

Slogans are a powerful way to raise energy and awareness and serve a purpose as well, as does conversation and leafleting.

Those who chain themselves to construction equipment at the scene of a future pipeline understand that their body is not worth as much to a corporation, or country, as the potential for oil money, but the message it sends and the disruption it causes, even a few hours of lost labor is damaging to the corporate machine, make these direct actions worthwhile when appropriate.

And who is to say when it is appropriate?

If left to the oblivious public or those holding their puppet strings, the answer is ‘never’.

Aside from basic suggestion of following the guidelines of an event’s organizing body, there may be no solid rule regarding what ‘works.’

Most people will express their preference for nonviolence, yet is it more effective?

Ponder this question next week on Labor Day as you recall the labor activists who were injured and killed fighting for an eight hour day and end to child labor.

And as you enjoy the fruits of their labor, and the fruits of the labor of exploited farm workers, financially suppressed retail workers and the sacrifice of animals still being slaughtered, consider your favorite means of expression and how you can channel your creative gifts to fight oppression.

Just as there is room in the world of art for photography, realistic drawing, sculpture and abstract splashes of paint on canvas, so is there room- and necessity- in the realm of social justice movements- for any and every form of expression of discontent and demand for reform.