General Discussion

Model35mech

(1,561 posts) Fri Apr 26, 2024, 04:03 PM Apr 26

The difference between a Demonstrator and a Protestor?

Demonstrators are Pro-something, and protestors are Anti-something.

Is this just semantics, or is there forensic meaning to be had in this distinction? Whether or not your pro-palestinian or anti-Israeli policy if you are doing either while violating a private property owner's expressed desire to leave that owner's property you seem to be guilty of trespassing. But maybe policy, ordinances and laws are written to acknowledge the distinction. I don't know, anyone know?

I regularly hear on the national news that campuses are full of "Pro-Palestinian Protestors". IF, and I know it's a big IF, if there is actual meaning to the distinction, then the media and many social media users are mistaking their characterizations.

Yet, I have the feeling that people believe it's absolutely impossible to be a demonstrator for Palestinians and NOT be a protestor of IDF actions/Israeli policy. The one demands the other and evidence of demonstrating is evidence of protesting

Can being a Demonstrator be a legal shield for person against treatment intended on punishing Protestors?

5 replies

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Highlight:

The difference between a Demonstrator and a Protestor? (Original Post) Model35mech Apr 26 OP

I suspect the terms are applied by the reporters based on their own opinions Raven123 Apr 26 #1

A legal shield? brooklynite Apr 26 #2

I was thinking about getting expelled from college/university Model35mech Apr 26 #4

I think you'll find that there's a more specific definition that..... brooklynite Apr 26 #5

No different than Earth 1 vs. Earth 2. GreenWave Apr 26 #3

Raven123

(4,878 posts)

1. I suspect the terms are applied by the reporters based on their own opinions

Reply to Model35mech (Original post)

Fri Apr 26, 2024, 04:15 PM

Apr 26

brooklynite

(94,757 posts)

2. A legal shield?

Reply to Model35mech (Original post)

Fri Apr 26, 2024, 04:23 PM

Apr 26

Whether someone is PRO- or ANTI- anything has nothing to do with legal liability. The issue is whether the "protest" or "demonstration" is violating private rules or public laws, including trespass, damage to property, excess noise, etc.