Protest and Resistance: A History
We live in an age of protest – in politics, in religion, in society and culture. Alongside traditional forms of protest - such as public demonstrations and marches - in recent years social media has transformed the ways in which protest can be voiced, organised, and spread, as shown only this year with the viral #MeToo campaign against sexual abuse and harrassment. But what can the history of protest tell us about the different forms of resistance against religious, political or cultural authorities? Is protest always designed to bring about change, or tackle inequalities, or lead to greater freedoms? When can violent protest be justified? And what can history tell us about the reasons why protest movements can succeed - or fail?
In this session, historians from Royal Holloway will discuss the history of protest, using a range of examples from ancient history through to the modern world, and explore the complex legacy of past protests for the world we live in today.
Time: 1.45pm to 2.45pm
Venue: Library