9.2 Contemporary social movements (e.g., Black Lives Matter, DACA)

Contemporary social movements like Black Lives Matter and DACA are shaking up the status quo. They're fighting for racial justice, immigrant rights, and equality for marginalized groups. These movements use social media, protests, and grassroots organizing to push for change.

These movements don't exist in a vacuum. They're part of a long history of activism and social change. By understanding their goals and tactics, we can see how they're reshaping politics and society today.

Racial Justice Movements

Black Lives Matter Movement

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• Formed in 2013 in response to the acquittal of Trayvon Martin's murderer, George Zimmerman
• Aims to combat and counter acts of violence, systemic racism, and discrimination against Black communities
• Utilizes protests, rallies, and social media campaigns (#BlackLivesMatter) to raise awareness and demand change
• Advocates for reforms in policing, criminal justice system, and addressing racial inequalities in education, healthcare, and employment
• Gained global attention and support following the deaths of Michael Brown, Eric Garner, and George Floyd, among others

Stop Asian Hate Movement

• Emerged in response to the rise in anti-Asian racism and violence during the COVID-19 pandemic
• Addresses the historical and ongoing discrimination faced by Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI)
• Organizes community rallies, vigils, and educational events to combat stereotypes and promote solidarity
• Advocates for increased resources and support for AAPI communities, including mental health services and hate crime reporting

Intersectionality in Activism

• Recognizes the interconnected nature of social categorizations such as race, class, gender, and sexuality
• Acknowledges that individuals can face multiple, overlapping forms of discrimination and oppression
• Encourages activists to consider and address the diverse experiences and needs within marginalized communities
• Promotes coalition-building and allyship across different social justice movements
• Challenges activists to confront their own biases and privileges while working towards collective liberation

Immigration Rights Movements

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)

• Implemented in 2012 under the Obama administration to protect eligible immigrant youth from deportation
• Provides temporary relief and work authorization to individuals who entered the U.S. as minors and meet specific requirements
• Advocates for a pathway to citizenship for DACA recipients and other undocumented immigrants
• Faces ongoing legal challenges and uncertainty, with the program's future dependent on court decisions and legislative action

Immigrant Rights Movement

• Encompasses a broad coalition of organizations, activists, and communities fighting for the rights and dignity of immigrants
• Advocates for comprehensive immigration reform, including a pathway to citizenship, family reunification, and humane border policies
• Opposes deportations, family separations, and the criminalization of immigrant communities
• Organizes rallies, marches, and campaigns to raise awareness and pressure elected officials to enact pro-immigrant policies
• Provides resources, legal support, and community education to empower and protect immigrant communities

Gender and LGBTQ+ Movements

Me Too Movement

• Founded by Tarana Burke in 2006 to support survivors of sexual violence, particularly Black women and girls
• Gained viral attention in 2017 following sexual abuse allegations against Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein
• Encourages survivors to share their experiences and break the silence around sexual harassment and assault
• Advocates for accountability, justice, and cultural change in how society addresses and prevents sexual violence
• Has inspired a global reckoning on issues of consent, power dynamics, and gender-based violence across various industries and institutions

LGBTQ+ Rights Movement

• Fights for the equality, rights, and inclusion of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and other sexual and gender minorities
• Has achieved significant milestones, such as the legalization of same-sex marriage, anti-discrimination protections, and increased visibility and representation
• Continues to advocate for issues such as transgender rights, healthcare access, adoption rights, and protecting LGBTQ+ youth from bullying and discrimination
• Organizes Pride celebrations, rallies, and educational events to promote acceptance, challenge heteronormativity, and build community
• Recognizes the diversity within the LGBTQ+ community and works to address the unique challenges faced by individuals with intersecting identities

Environmental and Indigenous Rights

Environmental Justice Movement

• Addresses the disproportionate impact of environmental hazards and pollution on low-income communities and communities of color
• Advocates for equitable access to clean air, water, and land, as well as meaningful participation in environmental decision-making processes
• Challenges environmental racism and the exploitation of marginalized communities by polluting industries and government policies
• Organizes grassroots campaigns, protests, and legal actions to hold polluters accountable and demand environmental remediation and protection
• Promotes sustainable and community-driven solutions to environmental challenges, such as renewable energy, green jobs, and food justice initiatives

Idle No More Movement

• Indigenous-led movement that began in Canada in 2012 to protest legislation that threatened Indigenous sovereignty and environmental protection
• Advocates for Indigenous rights, self-determination, and the protection of land, water, and cultural heritage
• Utilizes peaceful protests, round dances, teach-ins, and social media campaigns (#IdleNoMore) to raise awareness and mobilize support
• Challenges the ongoing impacts of colonialism, resource extraction, and environmental degradation on Indigenous communities
• Builds solidarity and alliances with other Indigenous nations and non-Indigenous allies to advance decolonization and environmental justice