Protest! : Respect It Defend It Use It

Rivers that don’t catch fire. The choice to marry who we love. Clean air and water. Even weekends off. Peaceful protest—which, in the U.S. as in many other countries around the world, is protected as a crucial part of an inclusive, thriving participatory democracy – helped bring about each of these victories. Free speech, dissent, and public mobilization are essential tools for advancing so many causes, including environmental protection, workers’ rights, human rights, self-determination, and climate, social, and racial justice.

Though protest has brought so much progress — or maybe because of it — the right to speak freely, dissent, and even do basic public outreach and organizing, is increasingly under attack. We have come to expect crackdowns in authoritarian countries, but anti-protest sentiment is spreading in established democracies as well. Activists are being vilified, retaliated against, and even criminalized. In the U.S., anti-protest laws have been enacted in 49 states. SLAPP suits – meritless legal action taken to silence dissent -- are on the rise. New legal concepts, such as “negligent protest,” are being used to hold organizers liable for damages. At the same time, violent actions taken by anti-democratic forces have been reframed and pardoned.

Our right to peaceful protest is under attack, and we must act now!

Protest! Respect It * Use It * Defend It presents a clear understanding and appreciation of the critical role peaceful activism has always played in advancing public good, and to spotlight the need to safeguard this democratic right. The book describes more than 40 iconic, inspiring campaigns from around the world. Photos, artifacts, inspiring quotes, and more make this a compelling testament to the power of public dissent. Guest essays from leaders such as Jane Fonda, Tennessee Representative Justin Pearson, Dolores Huerta, Nemonte Nenquino, and others reveal the role that protest has played in their commitment to fight for change. This book, through storytelling and first-hand reflection, encourages readers to themselves engage in peaceful activism — right here, right now.