Trying to convince people to trust the basic institutions of Canada and each other is not enough. Economic divisions create a trust divide that threatens Canadians’ way of life.
Managing the competing demands of a pandemic inevitably erodes Jacinda Ardern’s political brand – but changes to Labour’s leadership rules don’t necessarily signal the end of an era.
Freedom of speech is a human right. But it comes with limitations, such as using the right to incite violence. Conversations around these concepts are a part of democratic education.
Tolerating political protest is an essential part of democratic life. But when the protests pose a genuine risk of harm to the community, that’s when they are no longer ethically justified.
Different people and groups have differing, and often opposing, goals that they value differently. That makes public discussion, compromise and agreement difficult.
Rick Sarre, University of South Australia and Joe McIntyre, University of South Australia
Government conspiracy theories are without merit, but their growing prevalence should ring alarm bells about the parlous state of civics education in this country.
The divide transcends partisan bickering. Some people really do recoil at the imposition of strict rules, while others become anxious when rules aren’t followed.
From political ideologies, conspiracy theories or “reopen” protests, when faced with uncertainty, we seek reassurance in the face of mortality through efforts at containment.
Do recent lockdown protests indicate that Australia is on the path to Trump’s America? While we can currently rest easy, the problem requires careful consideration.
Shannon M. Smith, College of Saint Benedict & Saint John's University
White supremacists’ protests against COVID-19 lockdowns reflect the US history of political leaders encouraging white supremacist groups to challenge or overthrow democratic governments.
A scholar of social participation finds shared themes across protests in many states, not all of which fit common popular or media narratives about the events.
Marc Ambinder, USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism
Research and investigative journalism call into question the authenticity of – and actual public support for – recent protests demanding governments lift lockdowns and ‘reopen’ the US economy.
Freedom of political communication is implied in the constitution, but protesters have still been fined for breaching social distancing rules by leaving their homes.