About a Protest

Upon finding on the syllabus/handout the expectation that we attend a protest in Boston this coming Monday, I had the same thought as I imagine the majority of the class had: “Unlikely.” I was also very surprised by the suggestion for two main reasons. First, it struck me as presumptuous to ask students to attend a (what I thought was) a political protest. Such a request seemed problematic because students would feel obligated to attend as to not sever the thin line of their positive relationship with the professor so early in the semester. Of course, in my premature understanding, I thought it would unethical for a student to support a political cause which conflicted with his or her beliefs. Secondly, it also seemed like a strenuous feat to travel the distance to Boston by noon, in the morning traffic, to pay for parking, pay for gas, pay for tolls (considerable down the Pike) pay for lunch, and to make it back to Western Mass for our 3:35 class. I highly doubted two students from our class would feel passionate enough to accept these circumstances and in addition neglect his or her remaining classes of the day.

It wasn’t until later this week, when I recalled FARC, that I realized such circumstances are immaterial. During my sophomore year at another university, for a introductory sociology class I gave a twenty minute or so presentation about Colombia’s situation with FARC. At that time, I had a strong impression that FARC was one of the most terrible, corrupting organizations in the world. Two years later, sitting in Comm 352 at Umass, I had no clue was FARC was. I wonder how little I will have retained from my semesters here two more years down the road.

Anyways, the articles posted on Steph’s blog jogged my memory well. The conversation between her and the No Mas FARC representative was informative enough. However, I think the greatest value of the discussion came from the debate over possible peace approaches and our relationship to those associated with the terrorist organization. I was also fortunate enough to be able read some of the Spanish articles posted by the No Mas FARC supporters. I probably couldn’t hold a conversation to save my life, but thanks to my minor in Spanish I can read most news articles. Still, it is difficult for me to competently formulate opinions over the matter, as I would still consider myself ignorant of the situation. However, I still hold some.

First, in response to Steph’s comment that we not dehumanize FARC members. I believe this is valid and essential. Blanket hatred for the other has historically been effective in unifying a group, but the consequences can be dire. In addition to the possibility of massacre or civil war, a morally corrupt, charismatic leader could use such scenarios to come to power. The opposition must be more conscious of reality than FARC.

I am of the belief that no person is truly inherently bad. For example, examine the coca grower mentioned by the bassist from Blur. He explained that his economic situation necessitates he grow coca. Also, I don’t know, but I would imagine many members of FARC were recruited at a very young age. At this time, I don’t know that all people can make responsible decisions.

The opposition’s conception of FARC likely will relate to future discussions in our Group Dynamics class. As I understand it, a group is a collection of people who share some amount of definable qualities. Every group projects an image about itself, which in turn is interpreted by others. The image FARC projects is a major obstacle in the resolution of the conflict FARC creates, as apparently for many people the organization represents protection and social progress. This, unfortunately, is far from reality.

It is evident the leaders of FARC assume no social responsibility. Rafael and other supporters are right to believe global education about the horrible reality of FARC is a necessary step in the eradication of the narco-terrorist group. Hence, I am not of the belief FARC should be incorporated into the Colombian government. The illegal drug trade is a cancer to the globe, affecting all regions. As of current, it is leaving the economies and governments of several Latin American countries in shambles.

If the United States were really conducting a war on terror, our military efforts would be concentrated in countries such as Colombia. After all, FARC infiltrates our nation with its corrosive product and causes violence and destruction. Unfortunately, our previous War on Drugs was misguided and probably did considerably more harm than good. I would guess that if the US were to increase activity in the Colombian drug trafficking situation, the government would somehow manage to target Chavez for his activity in the situation. Venezuelan oil would just be a convenient coincidence.

I am getting off subject.

To be direct, I will not be attending the No Mas FARC protest tomorrow. For me, a protest has two purposes. First, to educate about an interest as to gather support. In this regard, with me the protest has been successful. Because of the efforts to promote No Mas FARC, I have a rough understanding of the cause and am sympathetic. As a sympathizer and supporter I have conversed with my friends and roommates over the significance of the No Mas FARC cause.The second function of a protest is to demonstrate support and power. With large numbers, a protest can exert pertinence. Unfortunately, it is not practical for me to accompany this effort. I have obligations to other classes. Perhaps to some this would be a demonstration of apathy, a characteristic commonly associated with my generation. I hope that in informing my friends living in Boston of the protest tomorrow, I have taken a step away from apathy. Obviously a greater action would have been to attend.

As described, our class will address issues surrounding networking, groups, and conflict resolution, amongst other things. In relation to our class, there are numerous groups involved in this network. Obviously, there is the opposition, FARC and our class. Within our class, there is the apathetic, sympathetic, and those in between. To build stronger networks, all parties involved must have a grasp over the identity of the other. This leaves the problem of presentation and interpretation. I think, as I am guessing we will learn in class, through understanding apathy reduces leading to mediation and hopefully conflict resolution.

About this entry

You’re currently reading “About a Protest,” an entry on Thumpasorus’s Weblog

Published:: February 4, 2008 / 11:43 pm

Category:: Small Group Communication

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brucebanner87 2.10.08 / 11pm

I definately like how your post starts with your instinctive reaction to the assignment when you first read it, as my reaction was very similar. Attending a protest in Boston on the second Monday of a semster is bound to draw the “unlikely reaction”. But what I thought was interesting about your decision making process, is the fact that all of your initial thoughts about the assignment itself, didnt end up factoring in your decision not to attend. It was also interesting how you went from not knowing what the FARC was all about to recalling doing a presentation on the subject for another class. You also seem to have a good understanding of the situation and i agree with your comments on the discussion from Stephs blog. Ultimately, like myself, obligations to other classed stopped you from attending, but i think its cool how you told your friends in Boston about it to help get the word out.

akademakid 2.11.08 / 4am

I am very impressed with the knowledge and debth of this person’s post. I find it very interesting that they have heard of FARC and it’s importance. I have never heard of it before class and the friends that I have asked haven’t either. I agree with the comment of the United State’s “war on terror” having it’s difficulties because it should go other places then we are. Good job on this post whoever it is, I have to start getting my posts up to par with this person!

ap1115 2.11.08 / 6pm

I think that this person took a similar approach in their decision making process as most of the class did. They explained the reasons why it was impossible for them to go. They also did a good job in explaining their previous knowledge on the subject and why they think the protests goals would not work for them, while at the same time making sure not to appear apathetic.

buckets34 2.11.08 / 8pm

I was impressed with Thumpasorus’ response to the protest. They touched upon the main points that the majority of the class did but I think they thought into it more indepth in a political sense. They acknowledged all the good and bad aspects of attending the protest and the idea behind asking students to attend. I thought it was impressive that they knew about FARC and was informed about this information because not many students were aware of it beforehand. They explained their decision making process very well and indepth and used all the discussed decision making processes.

Stephanie Jo Kent 2.12.08 / 11pm

Hi thumpasorus

How would you characterize the responses from your classmates? What I mean is, what grabs your attention in each comment, how are they different and or similar to each other, and do these responses give you any information about our class as a group?

thumpasorus 2.18.08 / 12am

Of the four comments my blog entry received, ap1115’s contribution stands in contrast. The rest mostly state and comment on various points of interest the authors found in my entry. Ap1115’s response was more direct, immediately addressing my decision making process and comparing to that of the rest of the class. It also struck me as some form of an attack, as roughly half of ap1115’s response was accusations that I was trying to demonstrate knowledge (a pretentious act, in itself) and not appear apathetic. This makes me feel like my response was misinterpreted. I really didn’t recite any previous knowledge, as I have quite little, and I didn’t mention anything that wasn’t outlined in the articles provided on Steph’s blog. I was merely providing personal opinions which helped to shape my actions. As far my “making sure not to appear apathetic,” this is not the case. My entry was meant to be a reflection on my apathy, and my desire to move away from it. Ap1115 did not offend me however, in fact I laughed when I read it, because I appreciate people who try to “cut through the bullshit.”

From analyzing the responses it appears to me that our class does not quite grasp the meaning or application of Schein’s categories. I say this because our class was asked to describe our classmates’ entries using Schein’s categories, however no one did so, at least for me.

ap1115 2.21.08 / 2am

I’m going to throw in another comment just because I recently came across your response to my response (for lack of a better way to word it). I did use Schein’s categories for the other two people’s blogs and I honestly hope that I didn’t appear to be attacking you thumpasorus because that was not my intention. If my response was a little curt it might have had to do with the fact that I just read a novel (your blog) and I was a little tired and wanted to write a response and be done with it since yours was my last blog to respond to.
As far as previous knowledge, I was referring to when you said, “It wasn’t until later this week, when I recalled FARC, that I realized such circumstances are immaterial. During my sophomore year at another university, for a introductory sociology class I gave a twenty minute or so presentation about Colombia’s situation with FARC.”

So you don’t feel like you got the short end of the stick or that no one understand Schein, my category of your response is you used the Self-Authorized Agenda, or a decision by one, this category is just from my memory of your post and it might be off but there’s no way I’m reading this post again…

freshkicks6 2.25.08 / 2am

All three posts have taken a strip of an activity (attending the protest), which is also a social and guided activity, and they went through the decision making process based on their own frame. Ap1115’s and Sardona1’s posts seem to have suspicion and doubt when analyzing the protest. In Ap1115’s post he/she has doubt about the effectiveness of the protest as well as having inadequate information. He/she says, “The reasons are because I don’t know enough about this situation… As much as I am angered by FARC operating in Columbia, I don’t think that me going to protest would do much.” He/she states that he is not educated well-enough on this subject, and is concerned that his presence at the protest will have little to no affect. Sardona1 even addresses the factor of one’s “frame.” He/she feels that their decision making process could be seen as conformity, but “under another frame it could be interpreted as just being real.” I wonder what frame Sardona1 has. Does he/she think they are conforming? He/she says, “Conformity is inaction, allowing things to be how they are. So this is what I am doing.” But then later states, “My decision making explanation is one formula for inaction, which may be perceived as conformity by some people.” Is Sardona1 some people, or are they coming from a different frame?
In all of the post’s comment it seems that most, if not all students in our class agree with their reasons for not going. Are we all a part of the same frame, and therefore agree? We are all students, with busy schedules, starting the beginning of a new semester. Attendance to other classes is important, as well as jobs, and saving money and time. Thumpasoras ‘s blog is a bit different in the fact that he/she has some prior knowledge on the FARC. Most everyone’s comments and blogs are about having inadequate information about the FARC, and therefore don’t feel that they should attend the protest. Thumpasoras is a student, and probably has a busy schedule as well, but inadequate knowledge was not his/her main reason for not attending. He/she is already coming from an apparently different frame than the rest of the “inadequately informed” group.
We are all subjectively involved in the issue of attending the protest. We are all a part of the class, and making our own decision. We have no frame if we are not subjectively involved. Our frame is based on our involvement – our opinion, our background. So we may all be a part of a certain larger frame, like the decision to not attend the protest. However, we each individually have our own frame that we contribute to the class, and our decisions.

moses84 2.25.08 / 2am

After reading Sedona1, Thumpasaurus, and AP1115s’ posts on the reasons for not attending No mas FARC, I found that each were framed in a way that would be perceived as supporting the protest in Boston, but were unable to attend due to other obligations.
For both Sedona1 and AP1115, their subjective involvement or lack there of, had a large impact on their reasoning’s for not going to the protest in Boston. Neither had any personal involvement with No Mas FARC so therefore couldn’t justify attending.
For Sedona1 her attending the protest would feel insincere since she didn’t know much about the protest. They felt that there would be no personal gain for her by attending the protest.
For AP115 however, it was the idea of protesting that was a factor in deterring them from attending. For AP1115, protesting is just not for them; they feel that it will not make FARC put down their guns.
Boundaries need to be set in order to give coherence where it would otherwise be lacking. That is exactly what these two did. They chose to set the boundary of supporting the protest, but they were not willing to miss classes, work, etc in order to travel to Boston.
For Thumpasaurus however the reasoning was a little different. They had previously encountered FARC and declined to attend because they felt that they were already educated and supporter the cause, and because they like the other 2 had prior obligations.
So all in all it seems as though subjective involvement plays a large role in the decision making process. It you have prior experience, or something directly affects you, you’re clearly to be more passionate than someone who is completely new to the subject.

Summer22 2.25.08 / 5pm

Even though the three different blogs share similar reasons not to attend the protest, each student’s perception of the cause and its importance varies. Because Sedona and AP had little knowledge about the protest prior to class, they felt as if it was not of importance for them to go. I feel as I all three blogs had similar framework because we are all living in the same community. At UMASS standardized frames are set for us (influence us), we are taught a certain way and have been expected to make school one of our top priorities, if not the top priority. That is why AP and Sedona mention school in their blogs as a preventative for attending the protest. It didn’t surprise me to see so many response based on the fact that a student would miss a class if they decided to attend. As students, our principles are very similar to one another and these principles and peramters are what shape our individual frames.
Another thing to take into consideration is that fact that Steph even asked us to go to the protest. I’m sure Steph was aware of plethora of things that could prevent us from going to the protest, yet she still suggested it. It is pretty out of the ordinary for a teacher to ask so much from their students, so when attending the protest was suggested many students were really surprised and caught off guard. A protest is out of the ordinary for many of us because that is not a common task that we participate in and is not generally expected of us throughout our UMASS career. We are used to learning through books and professors….less active, but still acceptable in our society. It is also important to note the influence our peers have on one another, if a student read a few posts before writing their own it is evident that the posts previously read set a trajectory for the students own writing. Many posts seemed to have similar reasons for not attending because our frames are similar to one another.
Im having a bit of trouble understanding subjective involvement. I assume we were all subjectively involved by making our own personal decisions about the protest. Each student’s decision to not attend the protest was influenced by their own personal interests and emotions. The decision to not attend the protest by all three posts shows that the students in our classroom all have a similar frame which is effecting their decision-making abilities. During this class we have been continuously expected to make decisions based on our own perceptions, and this allows for growth of our own personal frame because we are learning to explore the reasons behind the decisions we make. It seems as if our society has placed a large emphasis on the individual, unless something directly effects you, it is of no importance. I noticed this aspect in many of the blog writers frames and feel as if it’s not a good thing. Our society is way too focused on the betterment of the individual and not society.

buckets34 2.25.08 / 6pm

Although Sedona1, Thumpasaurus, and AP1115 all had similar feelings about the No Mas Farc Protest and their interest and ability to attend, Thumpasarus provided a standpoint that really stood out amongst the others. Sedona 1 thought it was definitely important to become aware of this protest and believed the idea of attending to be very important but their reasoning for not attending revolved around prior obligations as well as believing that since their attendance would not make or break the protest her lack of knowledge assisted her decision to not attend the protest. Sedona1 stated that, “If I went I would feel like I am going to protest I have no idea about, and if I were to research it and then go protest it would still feel like it would be insincere.” This shows that they did not feel completely comfortable with their knowledge of the protest to attend it. AP1115 had very similar reasoning for not attending the protest as Sedona1 did. They said that prior obligations were a problem as well as the fact that although they agreed with the FARC protest they did not relate to it on a personal level and did not believe they could have a large effect on the protest with their lack of knowledge. They stated in their blog that, “the reasons are because I don’t know enough about this situation, and I have many other things that I need to do on Monday. As much as I am angered by FARC operating in Columbia, I don’t think that me going to protest would do much.” This statement emphasizes a very similar thought process as Sedona1 for not attending the protest. Thumpasaurus, however, seemed to have a more honest and thoughtful answer to not attending the protest because of their prior knowledge of the subject. They also did not attend because of prior obligations but that, unlike the others, did not seem to be the main reason. Subject Involvement was definitely very important in the decision making process for these three students because it is apparent that when someone is already passionate and knowledgeable about a subject it is easier for them to relate to it then others who are relatively new to the idea.

ch0c0latemilk 2.25.08 / 7pm

Just a random question to start the blog…is there a reason why the times are so off on the posts? Buckets’ post is listed at 6 pm on monday which is clearly impossible considering that class has not even started yet. Hmm…

Anyways, back to the point…Each of the selected individuals seem to have similar frames for their decisions. However, the processes by which they reach their final decisions in the end are different. For example, all clearly state at one point in their blog that he/she does not know enough about FARC to participate in the protest. Even the thought of obtaining information about the protest did not seem to help this feeling of ignorance. Sedona writes: “…and if I were to research it and then go protest it would still feel like it would be insincere.” Thumpasorus,
( who by the way has a very interesting name) also shared this feeling. Despite recalling previously held knowledge about FARC, and demonstrating both some of this knowledge and feelings about it, he/she still felt “out of place.” He/she writes: “Still, it is difficult for me to competently formulate opinions over the matter, as I would still consider myself ignorant of the situation.”

Each of these individuals seem to support the protest overall. Their frames are alike in this sense. However, they have different feelings about the effectiveness and purpose of protesting. The frames then seem to change, and build up in different directions. Thump writes that he/she felt like he/she had contributed to the protest by informing others about it. He/she writes: “Because of the efforts to promote No Mas FARC, I have a rough understanding of the cause and am sympathetic. As a sympathizer and supporter I have conversed with my friends and roommates over the significance of the No Mas FARC cause.” Thump also feels that a protest, expecially in large numbers, can make a difference. Unlike Thump, Apoulos feels that his/her contribution would not make an impact. He/she writes: “I don’t think that me going to protest would do much. In other words I don’t think that FARC will lay down their weapons because I am marching in Boston.”

The frames and processes then become similar again when each of the individuals make the decision to not attend the protest. Subjective involvement can be seen here because all of these processes take place in the individual’s own mind. The frames that are built around this process are based on personal biases and self interests. I found each blog to be interesting and insiteful in it’s own way.

sedona1 2.25.08 / 8pm

The decision for Thumpasorus, AP1115 and myself have all ended in not attending the protest, though for varying reasons. All had conflict of schedule and resources to go to the protest, but each listed some varying information. For Thumpasorus s/he was able to reach a conclusion that was in line with his values. S/he reasoned that although s/he could not attend the value of the protest was not lost on him. He was reminded again about what was going on which is a very big reason for holding a protest. By spreading awareness to Thumpasorus he reasoned that the value was not lost on him because he would reflect on it and would speak to his friends about it to bring more awareness to others.

AP1115 and myself were not able to attend though we did not have that close of a tie with the movement, we had not heard of this group beforehand so were not very well aware of what was going on.

Each person took different frames. The common theme was a frame of a student short on resources, but Thumpasorus was able to frame it as him being an active participant in the cause without having to have attended.

thumpasorus 2.27.08 / 3am

I was going to write my response stating that Sedona1, AP1115, and I wrote our blog entries under the frame of American culture. It occurred to me, however, that perhaps not all of my classmates have grown up in the states. With certainty, I can only suggest that my post was written subconsciously under the mindset of an American. Sedona1 seems to hint to this when he or she talks about his or her desire for a person “payoff,” but I don’t want to make assumptions. This was originally to be posted in Sedona1’s thread, but I realized I ended up writing mostly about my own frame so moved it .In his or her response, someone wrote that Americans tend to think in terms of themselves as individuals with personal goals. Most of us do not look to a large scale, greater good when making decisions. We do when we recycle, but that takes minimal effort. Would most Americans reflect on how their actions affect the global economy before blowing a line off a mirror? No, because generally what we care about is our own comfort and enjoyment. That example is different (because of addiction and lack of education) and extreme, but the point I’m trying to make is that as comfortable Americans we tend to concern ourselves with our own goals. This selfishness is certainly within me, as I had no absolute excuse for not attending the protest. My frame is slightly different than Sedona1’s and Ap1115’s, because I did have some prior knowledge over the situation. Still, most of what I know about FARC I read on Steph’s thread. Anyways this was enough for me to feel like I should at the very least inform my Bostonian friends of the protest, which really isn’t very much at all. All in all, my American frame of thinking seemed to have dominated my educated frame of thinking, which only had moderate influence. I’d say these are guided frames.

I do not debate the utility of protests, demonstrating a difference in frame of reference between Ap1115 and I. Ap1115 stated that “In other words I don’t think that FARC will lay down their weapons because I am marching in Boston.” I do think that Ap1115 has made a valid statement. Obviously this organization wouldn’t set down their weapons and disband their ranks because some Americans think they are doing something wrong. But I think there is still some use in a protest, as I stated in my original entry. Protests can influence the actions of decision makers if they have muster enough support.

Stephanie Jo Kent 2.28.08 / 11pm

Great work folks!

I compiled some notes in the coursewiki: http://www.umasswiki.com/wiki/Class:COM352_-_Group_Dynamics_-_Spring_2008/course_outlines_and_in-class_activities/fourth_day_of_class/identifying_framing#Thumpasorus.27_entry_on_decision-making_.22About_a_Protest.22

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