The student protests of the Vietnam war, as well as the civil rights movement have reshaped global activism. The 1960’s and 70’s ushered in a new era of peaceful protest and citizen demonstrations that have shown themselves time and time again over the past 5 decades. The Vietnam war brought to the spotlight various hot button issues that began to gain recognition in following decades. The Vietnam war demonstrations as well as civil rights demonstrations are continuously looked at as models of citizen protest and the power of opposition.
The Vietnam war created an immense divide in political parties in powers in the 1960’s and 70’s; many of those divides are being mirrored amongst the current political climate. Our political parties are so deeply divided, that we have now begun a new era of activism that mirrors the immense demonstrations witnessed during the Vietnam era. We witnessed the rise of the Tea Party following the Barack Obama election in 2008; the tea party was the beginning of the republican parties shift to far-right idealism and the ultra-conservatism we view today. We have conversely witnessed two consecutive years of Women’s marches; global marches across dozens of cities in response to misogynistic comments and actions made by men of power.
Divisiveness among a government and its people are the fuel for citizen demonstrations. If the government won’t do what is best for its citizens, it is up to the citizens to demand what they want. No matter what side of the political aisle in which one falls, demonstrations and protests have become the ultimate weapon in demanding that the government make changes on our behalf. And as far as the University of Illinois goes, the effects and power of Vietnam demonstrations can still be felt amongst modern activism on campus.
The recent GEO protests are the most prominent example of how peaceful, consistent protest has become the ultimate tool for change since the Vietnam war. Non-violent demonstrations have become a sort of cultural staple of America and continue to be broadcasted consistently right here on our own campus.
The University of Illinois was one of hundreds of schools that utilized student power during the Vietnam war. These demonstrations shifted the dynamic of student protest culture and is part of the reason why U of I students today do not hesitate to be vibrant and outspoken when faced with injustice.