The Protest Effect

I think the reason I am so interested in The Art of Protest is how far into the history of protest movements the book goes. The Civil Rights Movement has not only influenced my life but it has influenced the world (or maybe just a Western section).

In my last blog I discussed how shocked I was at the myths of the movement. Chapter two now has me mystified at the Blank Panther influence and affect during the movement's era. Growing up I can remember television and movies using the Black Power fist as a joke or a common display of pride. In today's time I don't think it really has any meaning. I think the dramatic gesture went with the dramatic times. Now that there is less (not nothing, just less) to fight for, at least specifically in our country, our generation doesn't appreciate or understand everything that has preceded and provided our luxuries.

While the Civil Rights Movement was necessary, I feel that certain aspects of the Black Panther movement were not. I am not a fan of violence in any way; I believe it is only necessary when your life, or the lives of loved or innocent ones, are in danger. The Panthers, I think, used violent language and action because they did not have the right words and actions. Cursing and guns are verbal and physical ways to make up what you lack, but its like a shell: hard on the outside with nothing actually in it. "The black power movement attempted to give shape to the inchoate 'black rage' that fueled the riots, and turn it into empowerment rather than self-destruction" (44). The movement did provide a way to shape all the hostility and hurt and anger in the black community into something useful and empowering but they did it in a way that furthered segregation and at the same time stereotypes.

I am thankful that such movements existed because it freed a people (and I'm sure was a role to others) from feelings of helplessness and despair, and gave a sense of lasting hope that things could get better. It's ironic however that a big reason for the movement's end came from internal battles. I did not know that Panthers killed fellow Panthers and other black activists. I did not know that during its time of winding down a big issue was hierarchy and infiltration by outside police forces. I think that's the biggest disappointment. Their goal was to better their society and celebrate their roots but they existed in a money-run bubble of paranoia and violence they created by themselves. Can't blame that one on white people.

To tie this all together, I just feel that the Black Panther Movement didn't employ enough of the advantages, artistic and dynamic, they had on their side. Instead they used the skillful and talented artists, poets, orators, playwrights, authors, and people to create violence and havoc, while at the same time making a lasting and irreversible impression in the African American culture.