Response 2

Sophia Lam

Section 1

Response 2: Berkeley FSM

                The Berkeley Free Speech Movement article demonstrates the significance of activism and the effectiveness of assertive groups of students that are willing to sacrifice themselves for their rights. The movement during the 1960's is an inspirational revolution that proved that being silent, like in the 1950’s, is not going to change anything. I found this group of students motivating because they originally challenged their authorities with such a small number, but later grew to the thousands and gaining much support. It is intimidating to face 600 police officers and jeopardize a clean record, but these students were willing to go against that. Nevertheless, even though the university put up a ridiculous amount of restraints against its students, the activists still won their case. This event serves as not only a model for the other universities back in the day, but also as an inspiration for today’s repressions as well. Although UC Berkeley was established in 1868, what motivated students to start protesting a century later?