The Importance of Protests: Student Perspectives on Speaking Out

In today’s political and social climate, protests have become one of the most visible ways for individuals to express their beliefs, gaining popularity among the younger generation. Whether through walkouts, marches, or demonstrations, students across the country are finding ways to make their voices heard.

By Leslie Nunez

Four students were interviewed and asked to share their honest thoughts and experiences about protests.

While each perspective was unique, together they painted a deeper picture of what protesting means to this generation.

One of the most debated questions surrounding protests is whether they truly make a difference.

One anonymous student noted that this answer is complicated.

They believe protests are powerful in shaping public opinion, emphasizing that people have a right to speak up and challenge systems that attempt to control their voices.

However, they expressed doubt about whether those in power would take the time to listen to their people.

“No matter what we say or do, they won’t listen to us. Why? Because their job is to take orders from someone who only cares about themselves.”

In contrast, another anonymous student views protests as a crucial tool for both raising awareness and influencing policies.

They explained that protests bring attention to issues that might otherwise go unnoticed, forcing people to confront uncomfortable realities.

In their interview, they stated, “For example, with strikes and walkouts, like the anti-ICE ones, I always felt as though they were a way to show how much our country depends on everyone, and when a specific group of people is being treated unfairly, strikes can really be a show of how much we need them in our community.”

From this student’s perspective, simply talking about injustice is not enough; action is required to make a lasting impression.

Similarly, two more students both agreed that protests can inspire change by encouraging others to get involved and by signaling leaders that people are paying attention.

The third anonymous student said, “Protests are effective because this allows people to inspire others and the government to make change.”

On a similar note, another student said: “I think protests are a really good way to influence since they bring attention to issues and can lead to a real change while also spreading the word, which could lead to changing opinions.”

Beyond their effectiveness, personal experiences with protests varied among those interviewed.

One student described that their motivation towards participating in the walkouts and protests was due to witnessing the mistreatment of immigrants.

“Thousands of people harass these people daily just because of where they were born. Instead of looking at each other and seeing that we are all humans who breathe air and live to survive. I remember seeing throughout elementary school posters of people of all backgrounds holding hands on top of the Earth, symbolizing unity and togetherness. That was the future we were promised; now we are far from it. That moment right there was what motivated me to protest,” they said

Overall, his motivation stemmed from a sense of injustice, expressing that people are often judged based on where they are born rather than recognized for their shared humanity.

Another student shared a similarly personal connection.

“I’ve participated in two ICE protests so far, and what motivated me to do so is that my mom is an immigrant who came here at eight years old and wasn’t considered a citizen for fifteen years,” they said

For them, protesting was not just about politics; it was about standing up for their family and for those with similar stories.

Two of the students have not yet participated in protests but have expressed interest in doing so.

Their perspective highlights an important reality: even those who have not taken part still recognize the potential impact of collective action.

Despite their importance, many participants agreed that protests are sometimes dismissed as simply trying to skip school.

One of the students said, “I do feel they are misunderstood because people see a bunch of teenagers in the street and they can say that we just do it to skip school, or from their perspective, they believe we are standing up for ‘criminals’, and honestly, that isn’t the reason. We do this to stand up for our people and community.”

Expanding on this idea, another student noted that people frequently form opinions without fully understanding the issues being protested.

They said, “I also believe people barely take the time to actually research and find out the true causes and issues being protested, and simply go based on conjecture. Sometimes they believe that protests are unnecessary without truly researching the issue first.”

They believe the lack of research and reliance on assumptions can lead to unfair judgments.

Another student added that personal biases and the arguments and protests that occur in daily life often shape negative perceptions, causing people to view protests as problems rather than a meaningful form of expression.

When discussing whether protests unite or divide people, responses became more complex.

On one hand, a student describes how protests can bring people together, explaining that even one person’s bravery can inspire others to join, eventually creating a supportive and unified group.

They said, “I feel like protests bring people together because one person can be scared to protest alone, but after a while, more people join a person who was brave enough to do it alone, and that’s when we all get together to help out our community.”

Another student echoed this idea, emphasizing the sense of connection that comes from standing alongside others who share the same beliefs.

“I think protesting brings people together because it allows people who share values to share a sense of emotional connection within their community.”

On the other hand, another student acknowledged that protests can create division.

“The thing about protests is that, yes, they can bring people together like others who think like them and build friendships, while they can also create a shared purpose. It can divide them by bringing really strong emotions and anger, and making disagreements worse and more intense,” they said.

This dual nature suggests that while protesting can strengthen communities, it can also highlight existing divides.

Another important aspect that emerged throughout these interviews was the risk involved in protesting.

All four students recognized that demonstrations can sometimes be unpredictable.

One student said, “I think there are many risks to protesting, one of them being the risk of getting targeted by cops and getting arrested. Or even getting into an argument with a bystander, and there’s a chance that the interaction could turn into a fight or even worse than that.

His perspective reflects a broader concern about safety in highly charged environments.

Similarly, another student explained that large crowds can quickly become dangerous as tensions rise.

“Any one person can set things off or make an environment dangerous, especially when people start getting scared, like if police start to get involved or something happens. It’s important to stay safe and close to someone you trust if you have one with you,” they said.

A student also pointed out that protestors may face legal consequences depending on their actions.

They said, “Yes, there are definitely risks in protesting. For example, people can be unpredictable, and it can risk your safety because people who disagree can sometimes get violent. Protestors could also get charged for doing illegal things, such as blocking roads or being extremely violent.”

These risks highlight the reality that protesting, while meaningful, is not without challenges.

Given these concerns, each student offered thoughtful advice for those considering attending their first protest.

Safety and awareness were recurring themes.

One student said, “I would say to obviously take some water with you, take someone you trust if you can. Always stay safe, make smart, thought-out decisions, and know when to get out of a situation that can cause you harm. Don’t behave irrationally and don’t do anything that can cause others to be in danger.”

By planning and staying aware, you can ensure a positive experience for yourself and those around you.

On a similar note, another student said, “Some advice I think would be helpful is to fully understand why you are going with a group of people and not just by yourself. You should also bring snacks and water. It’s important to stay peaceful so they don’t see us as “violent enemies” and stay in the crowd too.”

Ultimately, preparing with essential supplies, maintaining a peaceful demeanor, and prioritizing group safety are key to participating effectively while staying secure.

Another student gave some words of affirmation to those interested in protesting, “To whoever wants to join a protest, feel free, no matter your age, you can help make a difference, and people will appreciate it. It may sound scary at first, but you won’t regret it.”

This student focused on encouragement, urging others not to feel embarrassed or discouraged from participating.

They described protesting as both helpful and brave, reinforcing the idea that every voice matters.

A student offered a simpler but equally powerful message.

They said, “Speak out and share your opinion, it matters more than you think. For what seems like nothing to you can change the lives of the people around you.”

Ultimately, these interviews reveal that protests are more than just public gatherings; they are an expression of identity, belief, and community.

While they may be misunderstood or viewed as controversial, they continue to serve as an important outlet for people, especially young individuals, to demand change and make their voices heard.

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