I thought that chapter 5, The Strategy and Tactics of Social Protest, was actually very interesting. Just like the title says, this chapter focuses on different strategies and tactics that various social movements have employed over time. First, the author defines a strategy as, \u201ca combination of a claim (or demand), a tactic, and a site (or venue)\u201d (82). He then goes on to define three common types of tactics. The first is a candlelight vigil, which demonstrates commitment to a cause. The second type can be called disruptions. These are usually impossible to ignore, and demand a response from others. The third example of a tactic that the author gives is something like The Quilt used to protest AIDS. This category is somewhat like a candlelight vigil, but gives participants something concrete to show in protest. These are only three of the many tactics that may be used, and the author says that often, social movements \u201cemploy multiple tactics at the same time\u201d to work towards their goal (84). The context and situation determines which strategies will be most effective and which are even possible (the \u201cmatch of tactics to resources is critical\u201d) (86).<\/p>\n
The author then goes on to describe 4 distinct audiences for social movement tactics: authorities, activists, bystanders, and the media. He says, \u201ca tactic sends a message to authorities about a group\u2019s commitment, size, claims, and potential to disrupt. A tactic also sends a message to activists about the same things. And a tactic sends a message to bystanders about a group\u2019s concerns, intentions, and worthiness. In every case, activists hope and plan for responses\u201d (87). \u00a0He also asserts that the bystanders are the most important audience for a social movement. Do you agree?<\/p>\n
The end of the chapter focuses on the role of the media in social movements. Social movements generally rely on the media to disperse their ideas and let others know about what they are doing. As many of us probably already know, the media tend to cover breaking news and dramatic events rather than societal conditions or issues. Thus, activists and social movements sometimes need a news opportunity, or \u201cnews peg,\u201d in order to talk about these things.<\/p>\n
This chapter had a lot of information in it, and brought up some other questions for me as I was reading:<\/p>\n
1. What do you think about the use of violence in social movements? Is it sometimes necessary or should violence never be used as a means to an end?<\/p>\n
2. Of the three main tactics that the author presents, which do you think is usually most effective?<\/p>\n
3. The author says, \u201calthough such dramatic action can sometimes draw attention to the issues activists care about, it also carries the inherent risk of deflecting attention away from those very issues\u201d (97). What do you think? Is dramatic action good or bad for a movement?<\/p>\n
4. The very end of the chapter brings up the idea that there are distinct patterns in the tactics that social movements use over time, and movements do not tend to use a wide variety of strategies. Why do you think this is?<\/p>\n
–Kristen Bailey<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
I thought that chapter 5, The Strategy and Tactics of Social Protest, was actually very interesting. Just like the title says, this chapter focuses on different strategies and tactics that various social movements have employed over time. First, the author … Continue reading