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American Resistance


Since Donald Trump’s first day in office, a large and energetic grassroots “Resistance” has taken to the streets to protest his administration’s plans for the United States. Millions marched on the day after the inauguration; outraged citizens flocked to airports to declare that America must be open to immigrants; masses of demonstrators circled the White House to demand action on climate change; and that was only the beginning.
 

 

Who are the millions of people who have marched against the Trump administration, how do they relate to other contemporary social movements and uprisings in the US—and what does it all mean for the future of American democracy?

American Resistance traces activists from the streets back to the communities and congressional districts around the country where they live, work, and vote. Using innovative survey data and interviews with key players, Dana R. Fisher analyzed how Resistance groups have channeled outrage into activism, using distributed organizing to make activism possible by anyone from anywhere, whenever and wherever it is needed most. Beginning with the first Women’s March and following the movement through the 2018 midterms, Fisher demonstrated how the energy and enthusiasm of the Resistance paid off in a wave of Democratic victories. She revealed how the Left rebounded from the devastating 2016 election, the lessons for turning grassroots passion into electoral gains, and what comes next. American Resistance explains the organizing that is revitalizing democracy to counter Trump’s presidency.

Speaker

 

Dana Fisher
Dana R. Fisher (@Fisher_DanaR) is a Professor of Sociology at the University of Maryland.  Her research focuses on environmental policy, civic participation and activism more broadly. She has written extensively on activism and protest.                         

 

Chair

 

David-Madden-1-Cropped-200x200
David Madden (@davidjmadden) is an Associate Professor of Sociology at LSE.

 

Podcast & Video

The video recording of this event is available to watch at American Resistance.

 

This event was co-hosted with the LSE Department of Sociology and held on 8 October 2020.

 

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