Protesting 2.0

What: Protesting, but not as we know it.

Why: Protesting is as old as injustice, and is simply the way those who believe themselves to be ignored and wronged announce those beliefs. However, traditionally, protests have been carried out in fairly structured and predictable fashion: on demonstrations, through petitions and placards. By standing outside seats of power and denouncing those inside. Through refusal — to turn up; to take part; to eat; to sign. Often, by people with dreadlocks and tie-dyed hoodies. Not any more, though.

Why Now: Because protesting has moved and changed, to become something more all-inclusive, all-pervasive, and increasingly visible. It is both smaller, and larger, than before. Protesting is no longer something for the fringe, or the die-hard cause-chasers. It’s gone mainstream, it’s gone female, and it’s gone glam. And those are good things.

How: In ways that you might think silly, but are starting to look effective: by wearing black at red-carpet events; by announcing and highlighting lists of ‘all-male’ award nominees; by taking part in beauty pageants and giving statistics for violence against women instead of waist and hip measurements. By hashtagging TimesUp and MeToo.

Who: Women, but not necessarily the ones you might think: models, actresses, celebrities; Natalie Portman, Oprah and Reese Witherspoon in particular. Probably not Catherine Deneuve. But even the large numbers still unconvinced, the ones who say “Too little!” and “Hypocrites!”, are watching with interest.