Protests hold a special place in American history, despite many being vehemently against them during the times they took place. Think back to Rosa Parks sitting on the bus, the Selma march, the 1968 DNC anti-war protests, and even the Boston Tea Party. Often, we learn of these forms of activism as early as elementary school and find the protestors strong, ahead of their time, and determined. We are taught to view them as heroes, leaders, and those whom we should aspire to be.
So, why are we painting the college students currently protesting out to be terrorists?
Within the past two weeks, an influx of protests and encampments have erupted across American universities. Students are calling on their colleges to financially divest from Israel, and cease interaction with companies who work with Israel. Some of the colleges at the forefront are Columbia, UCLA, NYU, and UT-Austin. This is a response to the grave humanitarian crisis and immense suffering occurring in Palestine, at the hands of Israel, which the U.S. is currently funding.
It should be noted that violent protests are not the answer. However, recent protests have been carried out almost entirely peacefully, and in the occurrence they weren’t, counter-protesters and police have led the charge in that regard. Students have been brought out in zip ties by police, pro-Israel protestors attempted to break down barricades at UCLA, governors and mayors have called police to peaceful protests in riot gear, and hundreds have been arrested at multiple campuses across dozens of states.
However, for some reason, the Pro-Palestinian students are deemed to be the problem.
America seems to have forgotten how deeply ingrained protests are in our society. Especially college protests. Many of the rights we have today would not have occurred without some form of protest or activism. Of course, those who protested for civil rights, women's suffrage, and LGBTQ+ rights were all villainized at the time of their actions. So, it is really no surprise that the Western media and politicians have framed college students in such a negative light.
Since over 396 congressional members receive an average contribution of between $67,000 and $190,000 towards their campaigns from AIPAC, formally known as the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, it would naturally be in their best interest to deem the protestors “terrorists” and “members of Hamas”, and to weaponize the word anti-semitism to fit their own political agenda further, that is, securing their next big donation.
Additionally, the House has just recently passed the “Anti-Semitism Awareness Act”. Based on the name, it sounds great! Anti-semitism should never be allowed anywhere. However, further inspection of the bill shows serious flaws that could infringe on the First Amendment rights of anyone who criticizes the actions of Israel. Criticism of Israel is not inherently anti-semitic, even if politicians claim so.
The media has a direct hand in the negative framing of the protests. Just recently, The Los Angeles Times published an article with the headline, “UCLA cancels classes after counter-protestors violently attack pro-Palestinian camp”, but changed it within hours to, “After violent protests at UCLA, UC president launches investigation into response”. Why can the media not tell the truth? Pro-Israel protestors did start the violence in that specific incident, so why the sudden rephrasing? I, and hopefully many others, struggle to understand.
The picture the media is portraying is one of many problems that has led to average Americans questioning the actions of the protestors. A common opinion being stated is that the students are disrupting class, traffic, and events ongoing at the schools. Well, that is exactly what they are trying to do.
Protesting was never meant to make you feel comfortable. It was never intended to be hidden on the sidelines. It occurs right in front of your face. It does not take the consideration of the oppressor into its plans, as the main goal is to fight against some sort of higher influence. Change will never occur in one’s comfort zone, so therefore we must jump out of the box.
These protests mean something, and students are fighting the good fight. Over 34,000 Palestinians have been killed since October 7th, and while our government may not care, the youth is showing that we will not stand by, watching the atrocities occur, and be lied to. We will not blindly support the actions of our government if they go completely against our morals.
History will remember how we viewed these protests, and those involved. Which leaves me to ask you:
Are you uncomfortable yet?
If yes, that means they are working.
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