Reflections on American Protests Through Decades

As the United States marks its 250th anniversary, it’s evident that the nation has seen a myriad of experiences, including significant political unrest and violence. This wave of turmoil largely subsided in the late 1970s, though the subsequent decades were not completely devoid of protest.

Most members of Generation X, those potential activists back then, generally appreciated America. It was, well, a mixed bag. There was an underlying belief that things were pretty good, but active engagement felt like a lot of effort.

Flash forward to 1999, when protests erupted in Seattle against the World Trade Organization. Then came the Wall Street “occupation” in 2011, and by 2020, many cities ignited in response to George Floyd’s death. It seems protest culture is making a powerful comeback.

As tensions rise in Minneapolis with ongoing confrontations, we are reminded of recent tragedies, specifically the deaths of Lenny Goode and Charlie Kirk. It echoes a time reminiscent of the violent protests from decades past.

What interrupted the violent protests of the late 1970s? One notable factor stands out: “patriotism.” It’s interesting, really, because America celebrated its bicentennial in 1976, and this year, we are observing a similar patriotic fervor for the 250th. It’s kind of a historical symmetry, if you think about it.

But let’s not overlook that during the 200th anniversary, America was still grappling with its past—things like the fallout from the Vietnam War and the Watergate scandal loomed large, not to mention challenges during Joe Biden’s presidency which seem to echo previous conflicts.

In the mid-1970s, attitudes began to shift, largely due to the influence of Ronald Reagan, whose leadership aimed to restore optimism—what he termed “America’s morning.” The 1980s saw an unexpected surge in patriotism. Who can forget Bruce Springsteen’s “Born in the USA,” which humorously missed its intended critique? It was also the decade of watching Rocky triumph over the Soviet Union and cheering on American athletes like Carl Lewis.

Of course, aside from notable events such as the anti-apartheid protests and the Los Angeles riots, the late 20th century offered fewer points of contention for Americans to rally against. The Cold War was won, and suddenly things seemed relatively stable—if we could just get past Y2K, right?

Fast forward to the 21st century, and the rise of violent protests and political assassinations feels jarring. This decline in patriotism appears to be a central theme. By the 2000s, political correctness morphed into a new form that often placed blame on America for various global issues.

Our historical narrative started to shift—moving away from a story of progress toward equality to a portrayal focusing on an oppressive structure largely upheld by white men.

TV programs began portraying America as less than extraordinary, suggesting we were more ignorant bullies needing to give up power. That sort of rhetoric indeed leads to troubling places.

Looking ahead to the nation’s 250th anniversary, combined with the upcoming World Cup and Olympics, there may be opportunities for patriotism to emerge once more—as it did back in the 1980s.

A Gallup poll from last year suggested a divide: only 36% of Democrats expressed strong pride in being American compared to 92% of Republicans, with independents hovering at 53%. That disparity could well predict voting behavior and protest participation, as it often ties back to national pride.

Ultimately, patriotism seems not just essential but possible to nurture every day. It’s something America could greatly benefit from now, and perhaps we can cultivate a renewed sense of pride moving forward.