https://www.google.com/amp/amp.timeinc.net/fortune/2017/01/21/womens-march-protest-trump?source=images

It’s a common belief that marching does not accomplish anything and if it does it is really hard to do so. Even the most common marches still have people with opposing opinions and may not cause much change but also with time and consistency marches an become more powerful. This idea has been happening for a while including the marches during the Vietnam War Protest that had about 70% of the population against and was not very effective at the time but eventually had only 50% against it during the 90s with many more supporters.

Why march?

People march for many different reasons whether it be personal or because they feel they voices are not being heard. I personally think that marching is not worth it since it usually will not immediately solve any issue and takes a lot of effort. I interviewed Bob Hoch and he had a very interesting answer to why he marches. He said he was part of “an anti-war effort during Vietnam and believed the war to be immoral”. I assumed that he wanted to do everything in his power to stop the war because he truly thought it was wrong. I also interviewed Seth Gorton and he said “The public is coming together to support a cause a fight something”. He seems to gain hope when being in this type of environment. A plethora of people do not match, but as you can see people who do have their own unique reasons for doing so.

Is it a good way to protest?

I have mixed opinions on this topic. I think there many better ways to protest but it really depends on what you are marching for. Bob Hoch had a similar opinion “sometimes it takes extreme measures to get the attention of people”. He is essentially saying that he uses it as a last resort if options are limited. Generally speaking when people are passionate about change, they will do whatever it takes to make it happen. Seth Gorton was more on the other side of the spectrum and said “It is not really a good way to protest and does not give the full effects activist”. He clearly does not think marching is affective.

Pros and Cons

Marching is usually perceived as very beneficial. Some benefits include persuading the government or even more people to join you. Bob Hoch claims “It’s a way to show the government they do not have the support of the people”. Seth Gorton said “He likes to travel and it is good way to meet people with similar beliefs and passions”. Both of them show to feel empowered when surrounded by people who share similar beliefs. Many people may think marching is very beneficial to the people but it has its negative side too. I can see marching as being very stressful and dangerous. Seth Gorton said “It gives a sense of false hope and the power is still in hands of government so it leaves you with a sort of sour after-taste”. The relates to the fact that he does not believe marching to be as effective as many portray to be.

Interesting Experiences

When you go on marching, almost anything can happen. I have heard many stories about people’s marching experiences including getting great changes to meet famous people and legends like Bernie Sanders. Bob Hoch is very familiar with the possibility of getting beaten or arrested. Even more shockingly Seth Gorton informed me of the horrors of street vendors when he told about a stomach ache he had after a cheeseburger. As you can see marching is it’s own universe and depending the person, they experience different parts of it.