All I know is that I will forever remember 2020. From pandemics to protests and riots, who could forget? Today, we will discuss riots vs. protests (demonstrations) so you can review what you need to know about each!
Riots vs Protests
Protesting and rioting are two different things. However, what we have seen going on may make it seem like the two go hand in hand.
What is a Protest?
A protest is a declaration of objection to something. It usually happens because people can’t prevent or avoid what they are upset about. As Americans, they try to use their First Amendment free speech rights.
What is the Purpose of a Protest?
The purpose of a protest is for those with the same opinions to organize and make their views heard. This is an attempt to influence the public or government to make changes, often in front of government buildings. There is usually an intended audience like government officials to witness the protest so they can get the desired attention they want. Additionally, protesters may undertake direct action to enact the desired changes themselves.
What Should a Protest Look Like?
A protest should be a demonstration by a group or a collection of groups of people with the same opinion or priorities. Typically, a protest consists of people walking in a group or march formation. There is a beginning and a designated endpoint where they usually hear speakers.
During a protest, you should expect:
- Blockades
- Sit-ins
- Marches
- Speakers
- Signs and Posters
Protests should be peaceful. People gather to express their opinions and try to influence others so that change can occur.
What You Can and Can’t Do..
During protests, I saw things that made me ask myself, “Can they even do that?” Well, the truth is protesters have rules, restrictions, or regulations they have to follow as well. During a protest, here is what you can and can’t do:
You Can…
- Distribute leaflets, flyers, or other literature on your property, public sidewalks, parks, or plazas.
- You can picket or protest on public space like public sidewalks, parks, and plazas as long as sidewalks and building entrances are NOT blocked or cause interference. You can’t block off vehicle or pedestrian traffic.
- Sing or chant protest songs on public sidewalks, parks, and plazas.
- Many municipalities require a permit before a protest. This sets the stage for possible traffic control, etc.
You Cannot..
- Block reasonable access to buildings or sidewalks.
- March in the streets WITHOUT a permit.
- Disrupt counter-protests since they have rights too.
- Engage in obscene speech, false statements, or other actions that are likely to incite unrest, acts of violence, or public disturbances that can create a dangerous situation or present danger to others.
- Access private property without permission.
What is a Riot?
A riot is different from a protest because it occurs when protesters decide to no longer be peaceful and resort to violence. A riot is when people get angry and, instead of peacefully promoting change, do so with violence. It is an uprising, wild disturbance, or outburst of uncontrolled feelings and emotions that can lead to arson or other damage to public and private property and belongings. They often lead to looting of retail stores or other criminal activity. It also often leads to an immediate threat to life and the wellbeing of citizens.
A violent protest is a riot and no longer just a protest.
What Property Gets Targeted?
Riots typically involve the destruction of property and usually include damage or destruction of both private and public property. The targeted property depends on the riot and what the people are trying to get across. Targets include:
- Shops
- Cars
- Restaurants
- State-owned institutions
- Religious buildings
Why Do Riots Start?
Riots start for a variety of different reasons. Usually, it is a reaction to a grievance or out of dissent. Historically, riots have begun for the following reasons:
- Poverty
- Unemployment
- Poor living conditions
- Governmental oppression
- Taxation
- Conscription
- Racial unrest
- Frustration with legal channels, including questionable court proceedings
While most riots begin with someone attempting to lead or control them, most consist of disorganized groups that are chaotic and exhibit herd behavior. However, research has shown that riots are not always irrational.
Are Riots Legal?
Peaceful protests are legal, but riots are NOT. In fact, inciting a riot is a misdemeanor offense punishable with hefty fines or up to a year in county jail, depending on our location and legal jurisdiction. Additionally, if the person(s) inciting the riot did so while in jail or caused bodily injury to another person anywhere, it can be filed as a felony.
What is the Largest Riot in History?
The largest riot in history was the 1967 Detroit Riots. They were the most violent and destructive riots in United States history. By the end of the riots, burning, and looting, 43 people were dead, 342 people were injured, 1,400 buildings had been burned, and over 7,000 troops were called into service.
Riots Vs Protests: How to Prepare
When there are protests, you will often see riots as well. This is because peaceful protests usually get heated by those who disagree. Regardless of why it happens, you should always be on guard and prepared for a riot to follow suit.
Prepare for Martial Law
As mentioned above, 7,000 troops were called into service during the 1967 riots. When the troops are activated, martial law is declared. To learn more about this topic, check out my post, “Everything You Need to Know About Martial Law.”
Prepare Your House Against Looters
Once other properties, such as grocery stores, have been destroyed, looting may happen to people’s homes. When riots happen, looting typically occurs first in the retail stores. However, as the stores are emptied of food and supplies, people become desperate and begin looting homes for the things they want or feel they need to survive. Check out my post “How to Prepare Your House Against Looters” for more information!
Prepare Your Home for Food Shortages
Obviously, if people are destroying property, including our grocery stores, there will be a shortage of food in your area. Be sure to stock up on water and food so that you can remain off the streets and safe in your home. Learn more about food shortages in my post: Food Shortage: Why Shelves are Empty & What to Do.
Talk to Your Children
If you are seeing riots and looting close to where you live, it is essential to start talking to your children. Have a plan of where to meet. Make sure your children know not to open the door to anyone, to keep quiet if there is chaos in the neighborhood, and to know where to hide if need be. These are scary times for everyone, but it’s even more terrifying when you have small children you must protect. Keeping them informed and giving them a plan is the best way to keep them safe, protected, and as calm as possible.
Stay Informed
When there are protests, it is always important to stay informed. Know when the protest is happening, where it will be, and how long it is supposed to last. If you hear news of riots and looting breaking out, stay home and stay safe. One of the best ways to stay informed, even during a power outage, is to have a radio. I like solar-powered radios so I don’t need extra batteries and because they can work during a power outage. The more you know, the easier it will be to stay out of the chaos and on the down-low.
Final Word
We saw riots and protests break out earlier in the year, particularly on college campuses, and now we are seeing them happening again. I don’t see the protests ending until changes are made in our culture and the appropriate treatment of different groups in a way that most people are happy with. Social media seems to have made protests and riots more common since more people hear about them and react according to their own priorities and beliefs.
That said, I fully believe we are entitled to peaceful protests, but we should also be prepared for riots and looting when protests start. Remember, prepare for the worst and hope for the best. I hope you enjoyed my, Riots vs Protests: What You Need To Know. Please stay safe. We must be kind to one another. May God bless this world, Linda
Copyright Images: Multicultural Group of People Deposit photos_287982870_s-2019
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