Question.
Explain the merits and demerits of persuasion in relation to public protest. (UPPSC 2019)
Answer.
Persuasion is a communication method to change another attitude. In persuasion, arguments, reasoning, data, and fact are presented to make a consensus on a particular issue.
Public protests are a common occurrence in India and they it organized by various groups or communities to raise their demand and they expect civil servants or government to fulfill their demands.
In the context of protest, persuasion plays an important role, however, they have their merits and demerits.
The following are the merits of persuasion in public protest;
Help in building a consensus: Civil servants can persuade the protestor leaders and make a consensus by presenting arguments and evidence. In the same way, protestor leaders also can convince public officials of their cause.
It is moral values; Unlike violence, persuasion is moral values that create a more positive image and keep high ethical standards.
It helps in long-term solutions; Persuasion involves discussion based on merits and demerits, and it provides long-term solutions by changing attitudes toward people.
The following are demerits of persuasion in public protest;
Slow and gradual; Persuasion is a slow and gradual process that may not yield immediate results, which can be frustrating for those who are eager for fast change.
Difficult; Changing another's attitude is not an easy task; Persuasion may have a limited impact on changing other attitudes.
In conclusion, we can say persuasion can be an effective tool for public protest, as it can build consensus, encourage trust, and result in lasting change. However, it has also a limited role because it can be a slow and gradual process.
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