The American Dream in Action - Great Learning Experience

A protest (also called a remonstrance or a remonstration) is an expression of objection by words or by actions to particular events, policies, or situations. Protests can take many different forms; from individual statements to mass demonstrations. Protesters may organize a protest as a way of publicly making their opinions heard in an attempt to influence public opinion or government policy, or they may undertake direct action in an attempt to directly enact desired changes themselves.^[2] Where protests are part of a systematic and peaceful campaign to achieve a particular objective, and involve the use of pressure as well as persuasion, they go beyond mere protest and may be better described as cases of civil resistance or nonviolent resistance.

Civil concern is an important part of the American dream.  We believe that conditions can be better then they are.  Thus, starting with the American Revolution and moving through various stages of American history including Civil Rights and War Protests, civil disobedience has been an important part of public discussion.

Today many of our students demonstrated concern with the actions of a silent sit-in.  Poetry and distributed paper reports were all part of the demonstration.  The students wanted to feel and to learn.  It was an important time of reflection.

Learning happens in numerous ways.  Although this particular event does not show up in lesson plans, it is an important learning opportunity.  I believe we can all be proud that our students are concerned and conscious of world events.

The important lesson is what happens next?  All too often we get excited and hurt and disgusted, express the moment and then it is gone.  The violence that has become too much a part of evening news has to be stopped.  The hurt we do to one another is beyond belief.  We must protest the killing, harm and damage we are doing to one another. 

This particular moment is about African Americans and should not be forgotten.  Too many are dying and harmed in the course of a day and week.   We must ask ourselves why these situations occur and how can they be prevented?

It is easy to jump to conclusions and make generalities.  It is harder to say violence is wrong - to one another, domestic, racial, personal hate or whatever.  When are we going to stop it?