Dennis D. McDonald (ddmcd@ddmcd.com) consults from Alexandria Virginia. His services include writing & research, proposal development, and project management.

Social Media, Demographics, and Antiwar Demonstrations

By Dennis D. McDonald

I heard a snippet of a news report this morning commenting on the apparent difference in ages between anti-war demonstrators today and anti-war demonstrators during the Vietnam War era. The comment I think I heard was that today's demonstrators tend to be much older and grayer. I don't know how true that is (my quick online search hasn't come up with anything yet but I intend to keep searching).

My hypothesis about why this might be true is very simple: younger people are more likely to use social media to communicate about political and social issues -- why attend something as old fashioned as an outdoor group demonstration where you have to deal with long-winded speeches, bad weather, and long lines at the outdoor toilets?

I'll keep hunting for info on this but can anyone suggest possible sources, online or otherwise? Thanks.

 

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