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A demonstration is the display of the common opinion of a group of people. Demonstrations are a form of activism, usually taking the form of a physical gathering of people. Thus, the opinion is demonstrated to be significant by gathering in a crowd associated with that opinion. Demonstrations can be used to show a viewpoint (either positive or negative) regarding a public issue, especially relating to a perceived grievance or social injustice. A demonstration is usually considered more successful if more people participate. Topics of demonstrations often deal with political, economic, and social issues.
Forms There are many types of demonstrations, including a variety of elements. These may include: Demonstrations are generally staged in public, but private demonstrations are certainly possible, especially if the demonstrators with to influence the opinions of a small or very specific group of people. Demonstrations are usually physical gatherings, but virtual or on-line demonstrations are certainly possible. Times and locations Sometimes the date or location chosen for the demonstration is of historical or cultural significance, such as the anniversary of some event that is relavent to the topic of the demonstration. Locations are also frequently chosen because of some relevence to the issue at hand. For example, if a demonstration is targeted at issues relating to foreign nation, the demonstration may take place at a location associated with that nation, such as an embassy of the nation in question. Peace and violence Some demonstrations and protests can turn, at least partially, into riots or mob violence against objects such as automobiles and businesses, bystanders and the police. Police and military authorities often use non-lethal force weapons, such as tasers, rubber bullets, pepper spray, and tear gas against demonstrators in these situations. Sometimes violent situations are created by the pre-emptive or offensive use of these weapons. Demonstrations and U.S. law The First Amendment of the United States Constitution specifically allows peaceful demonstrations and the freedom of assembly as part of a measure to facilitate the redress of such grievances. "Amendment I: Congress shall make no law ... abridging ... the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances." * A growing trend in the United States has been the implementation of "free speech zones," or fenced-in areas which are often far-removed from the event which is being protested; critics of free-speech zones argue that they go against the First Amendment of the United States Constitution by their very nature and that they lessen the impact the demonstration might otherwise have had. See also | ||||||||
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