Protest : an expression or declaration of objection, disapproval, or dissent, often in
opposition to something a person is powerless to prevent or avoid.
Why protest?
opposition to something a person is powerless to prevent or avoid.
Why protest?
- To express grievance, disquiet, anger
- Take collective action
- Vent collective emotion
- Establish collective identity
- Advocate for change
- Raise awareness
- Cause disruption and general mayhem
- Overthrow a corrupt ruling party, monarchy or government
- violation of rights (civil, democratic, human)
- invasion, brutality
- oppression by an authority over another
- oppression by a government of its people
- where there is abuse - physical, verbal, sexual, overt, subtle
- corruption and abuse of authority
- letters, blogs, petitions
- song, art, theatre
- propaganda and campaign material
- publications
- picket line
- demonstration march or rally
- 'sit in'
- occupation
- boycott or sanction
- legal action
- petition
- striking
- direct action
- civil disobedience
- breaking the law
- peace camps
- whistle blowing
- riots
- hunger strikes
The Protest Song
‘But the point of protest music, or indeed any art with a political dimension, is not to shift the world
on its axis but to change opinions and perspectives, to say something about the times in which you live, and, sometimes, to find that what you’ve said speaks to another moment in history…’ – Dorian Lynskey, 33
Revolutions Per Minute
Share the protest song that you have listened to since our last
lesson with the class.
What is a protest song?
A protest song is a song which is associated with a movement for social change.
§ Most social movements have an associated body of songs.
§ Protest songs are frequently situational.
Protest music helps people realise they are not alone in feeling a spirit of dissent against certain injustices. Protest songs are effective in creating a sense of community and helping groups organise to affect change.
In 33 Revolutions Per Minute, a book about protest songs, British writer Dorian Lynskey defines a protest song as a song that 'addresses a political issue in a way which aligns itself with the underdog'.
on its axis but to change opinions and perspectives, to say something about the times in which you live, and, sometimes, to find that what you’ve said speaks to another moment in history…’ – Dorian Lynskey, 33
Revolutions Per Minute
Share the protest song that you have listened to since our last
lesson with the class.
What is a protest song?
A protest song is a song which is associated with a movement for social change.
§ Most social movements have an associated body of songs.
§ Protest songs are frequently situational.
Protest music helps people realise they are not alone in feeling a spirit of dissent against certain injustices. Protest songs are effective in creating a sense of community and helping groups organise to affect change.
In 33 Revolutions Per Minute, a book about protest songs, British writer Dorian Lynskey defines a protest song as a song that 'addresses a political issue in a way which aligns itself with the underdog'.