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Representation through protest - Wasow: the politics of the civil rights movement in the 1960s

5 important questions on Representation through protest - Wasow: the politics of the civil rights movement in the 1960s

What is Wasow's main argument in the politics of the civil rights movement?

Activists do have an influence. It depends however on their choice of tactics and issue-framing.

How does Wasow try to examine his question?

Tracing the influence in voting behavior in media-coverage. To examine and apply it to a historical case -> try to find evidence for the question whether or not protest matter

What is the difference between Martin Luther King and Malcolm X and their approach to protest?

King -> stressing the importance of those in power to do something about situation. Stressing a non-violent approach

Malcolm X -> showing that violence is an option

What is Wasow's theory?

Subordinate groups have two different ways of protesting. If they chose the non-violent approach, it is more likely that they will receive positive media coverage and affect the elite and the masses. If they chose the violent approach, they will receive more negative media coverage and moves the public in another way

Would Wasow's model still work today?

To a certain extent. When you protest violently, the coverage is negative. But most protests today are social media driven. This adds a totally new dimension to the model

The question on the page originate from the summary of the following study material:

Political Representation and its challenges

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