Connection Paper

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Connection Paper

Social Movements

Slavery of the African Americans, their discrimination in the society, unequal social and economic status of the women and not granting them the right to vote were some of the most important issues of the previous centuries. They were not resolved just because the people in government and the policymakers realized the discrimination in the society and granted equality of rights to the African Americans, as well as the women in society. However, the suppressed units of the society took part in the protests and led the social movements, in order to claim their rights and get them from the dominating society. The abolition movement and the suffrage are the examples of the struggles, as well as the sacrifices, of the oppressed units of the society, which earned them recognition, as well as their rights in the society. So, social movements have always been a part of society and have played a very important role in shaping the images and future of the countries. The present society may seem as modern and much developed; however, it is still facing some issues which motivate the people to take part in the social movements and claim their rights from the officials, which include the issue of gun violence.

The course reading highlighted the fact that the people who initiated the social movements were declared to be dreamers, idealists and the sociologist who had the potential of harming the society. However, the radical ideas of these people enabled them to struggle for the rights of the oppressed people, as well as make society more peaceful and progressive for such people. The people, who supported the cause, joined the social movements and emerged as greater strength and force, which could not be ignored by the policymakers and they had to accept the demands of the protestors. The course reading supported the claim by mentioning that “Understanding social movements require an analysis of the battle over interests and ideas. All movements face opposition from political and/or corporate elites, grassroots counter-movements, or both. Movements win victories when they can take advantage of their opposition’s weaknesses (Dreier).”

On the other hand, the research article sheds light on the struggle of the students who left their classrooms, in order to raise their voice and concern against gun violence. In the past few years, there have been multiple incidents of school shootings in which a number of innocent students and teachers lost their lives. There have been protests against such incidents; however, one of such incidents motivated the students to start the movement against the gun control laws and the media personnel, as well as the general public joined them in the cause. The article included the description that “The first major coordinated action of the student-led movement for gun control marshaled the same elements that had defined it ever since the Parkland shooting: eloquent young voices, equipped with symbolism and social media savvy, riding a resolve as yet untouched by cynicism (Yee, and Blinder).” The movement also created great hype on social media sites, and people from different parts of the world shared their support towards the cause. Although, there have been multiple other incidents of mass gun shooting at places other than schools or college, however, the policy makers have not yet talked about amending the gun control laws, which is making the general public quite furious.

The article sheds light on the course reading in the way that it is presenting the details about the scenarios which give rise to the need for social movements. In addition to it, the article is highlighting the fact that social movements do not need to be started or led by influential people. However, they are led by the general public, who are clear about their purpose and emerge as stronger power. When the people are clear about their cause, as well as its fairness, they have the power of supporting their point of view through evidence, which helps them to get more and more support from the general public, as well as the community, is being affected by the issue. The course reading highlighted the fact by providing the details that “Movements are usually more successful when they can persuade a significant slice of the public that their cause is just and should be supported. Thus, they have to engage in the battle of ideas to influence public opinion (Dreier).”

The article is connected to the course readings in the ways that it has shed light that how the protest and movement which was started by a few students, expanded to other schools of the state, as well as to other states. Although the issue has not been resolved yet and the government has not amended the policies, there is enough pressure on them, and it can be expected that the issues would be resolved in the near future. The article shows the power of the general public, who can force the governments to change their policies.

Social movements have always been an important part of history, which have not only changed the societies but shaped them as well. Although the issues of modern society does not seem to be more deteriorating the past, still they are causing problems for a great majority of the public. The modes of communication have advanced in the form of advanced media and the social media sites which have given even more power to the general public, and they utilize these mediums to raise their concern. The social movements of this era have become more powerful and have the strength of changing society.

Works Cited

Dreier, Peter. "Social movements: How people make history." (2012).

Yee, Vivian, and Alan Blinder. "National school walkout: Thousands protest against gun violence across the US." The New York Times (2018).