Q.7. Explain the merits and demerits of persuasion in relation to public protest.

Persuasion in the context of public protest refers to the use of communication, arguments, reasoning, data, and facts to influence attitudes and behaviours towards a particular issue. Here are the merits and demerits of persuasion in relation to public protest:

Merits:

• Building Consensus: Persuasion can help civil servants and protest leaders reach a common understanding by presenting well-reasoned arguments and evidence.
• Moral High Ground: Unlike coercion or violence, persuasion is based on moral values, which can create a positive image and maintain high ethical standards.
• Long-term Solutions: Through discussion and debate, persuasion can lead to more enduring solutions by changing attitudes and fostering mutual respect.

Demerits:

• Slow Process: Persuasion is often a slow and gradual process that may not yield immediate results, which can be frustrating for those seeking quick change.
• Challenging: Changing another’s attitude is not easy; persuasion may have a limited impact, especially if the parties are deeply entrenched in their positions.

In conclusion, while persuasion can be an effective tool for public protest, as it can build consensus, encourage trust, and result in lasting change, it also has limitations due to its slow nature and the difficulty of changing deeply held beliefs.