Protest signs, an invaluable visual aspect of activism, can be seen in a wide variety of locations and time periods, ranging from the George Floyd protests in 2020 all the way back to the suffragette movement at the turn of the 20th century. No matter the cause, these signs amplify the voices of those who are trying to be heard.
“I like my ICE crushed.” “No billionaires, No borders.” “The wrong ICE is melting.” All of these statements can be found on signs at current protests against the fatal shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents.
Protest signs allow for creative expression in the midst of marching and rallying. While some are decorated with fun colors and creative pictures, others are simple, with cardboard and a marker.
Nonetheless, this art form has consistently been used during current and past protests all across the globe. It acts as a visual aide to those exercising their First Amendment right and standing up for a cause they believe in.
With one glance from passersby, they can immediately be made aware of what’s happening by the content of the protest signs.
“Seeing it on a sign — it’s eye-catching,” said Kylie Burroughs, student at Front Range Community College and protester at the general strike Jan. 30. “We’re getting so many positive reactions from so many of the cars — that’s really inspiring — but even the ones that we get a negative reaction from, they’re still turning their heads. They’re still seeing it. They’re still reading it, and it gives each person even more of a voice. (The signs are) kind of an added voice to those people that feel like they don’t really have a voice in the country right now.”
Not only is this helpful for others who see it, but it can heavily support activists searching to find the best way to share their message.
“It’s a way to voice your opinions, especially if you’re not super good with your words or a big speaker person,” said Haylie Ritter, a student at Rocky Mountain High School.
This has been true throughout history and currently across the country, as people have gathered together and gained media attention by protesting with these signs.
“With all the horrible things that have happened, we have gotten through them by banding together,” Burroughs said. “We have made change by banding together, and any chance that I can contribute to that, I want to.”
While having power in numbers can make a message loud, protest signs can bring in a significant audience, regardless of size.
“It’s cool because sometimes you’ll see one or two people on the street corner and they’ll just hold up their own signs, but its literally just making your voice heard,” said Christina Sweetin, a Colorado resident.
During the current administration of Presidential Donald Trump, there has been a noticeable rise in protests in the country. People have made a large variety of personalized signs that best suit them and the messages they feel passionate about sharing.
“(Their sign’s messaging) is a mix of social and also environmental causes,” said Steph Hall, a CSU senior holding a sign with “The Wrong ICE Is Melting” written on it at the general strike. “You have climate change deniers and people that are trying to play a blind eye to social issues and also what’s happening with our world.”
Others decide to take a very direct approach in their signs and draw attention to the way current events tie into the overall message by showing photographs or blatant statements, leaving little to the imagination.
Protest signs can contain whatever you feel communicates your message. They do not have to be something extremely intricate in order to convey a message, but they can also be as intricate as possible.
Reach Janaya Stafford at entertainment@collegian.com or on social media @RMCollegian.
