Protest in America: Outrage, Activism, Acceptance and Change
Dana R. Fisher is a Professor of Sociology at the University of Maryland. Her most recent book is American Resistance: From the Women’s March to the Blue Wave. Professor Fisher’s media appearances include CNN, MSNBC, PBS Newshour and NPR, and her research has been featured in numerous media outlets, including The New York Times and The Washington Post.
Overview
We are living through a moment of heightened political engagement and protest in America. Since George Floyd was killed by a police officer in Minneapolis on May 25th, Americans have taken to the streets continuously to protest police brutality and structural racism in America. This class will provide an overview of protest in America, situating the current wave of activism within a broader political and historical context.
Professor Fisher will integrate research on protest in America over the past 20 years to discuss what is unique about this current moment in history. She will focus on the role that outrage has played in mobilizing activists to participate in recent protests, the important role that organizations play in channeling outrage into political action and how these factors combine to create social change in America.