Are riots and picketing effective?
Do you get worked up over certain topics? Does your blood start to boil when you think about certain issues? Riots are becoming more common these days, and for what reason? Didn’t mom and dad teach you that throwing a temper tantrum isn’t the answer?
Pros and Cons
One pro from the picketing is that it will raise awareness about the issue if done correctly. But walking around with signs shouting chants is doing nothing but that. It is not actively making a difference for the issue. For example, there have been multiple groups walking through West Chester recently chanting, “Yes means yes, no means no” with big posters due to recent events on the campus. I partially understand the thought behind the concept, but the university has already made an effort to raise awareness to prevent these events from happening again. Just because someone hears your chant, you are not going to change their mind. You are not providing any evidence or facts for people to read into.
Alternatives
Instead of walking around yelling, it could be more effective to provide alternatives, and safe opportunities to put these acts to stop. It would make a greater, better impact on the issue instead of just chanting about your feelings.
I am not saying that picketing is a completely terrible thing, but if it is your only form of action how is it really helping your issue. It is a great step to raise awareness, but then take the next step and do something about it. Be the leader in the movement. You can’t walk around yelling about something and expect people to follow you, or act on your thoughts when you aren’t doing so yourself. The more committed that people see you are to an issue, the more influenced they will be to join you in that movement.
Picketing is a stepping stone in creating a change, but again if not done properly you will not get the results you are looking for. You have a catchy chant that will get stuck in people’s heads, now what? Do you think that really changed their views or inspired them to join your movement? If you really want to gain an audience and followers you need to do something proactive. Take a stand, and make a change. Put the markers down and save your voice. Make an impact, not a scene.
