In the last couple of weeks, we’ve seen worldwide demonstrations which started after a black man was murdered by a white policeman in the USA. These protests have been the biggest in more than 50 years.
Here are some useful phrases and collocations to describe the protests.
Stand
stand up for = protect something / someone
“stand up for your rights”
take a stand against = act against something
“Many people are taking a stand against racism.”
stand up against = take a stand against
“stand up against racial injustice”
stand shoulder to shoulder = support someone
“stand shoulder to shoulder with the black community”
Fight
fight = try to destroy
“They’re fighting prejudice / bigotry / discrimination.”
fight for = try to get something
“Protesters are fighting for racial equality / gender equality.”
fight against = fight (also noun)
“People are fighting against injustice.”
“The fight against injustice has been going on for many years.”
Take
take action = do something
“People across the USA have taken action against police brutality.”
take to the streets = demonstrate
“Groups of people have taken to the streets to demand an end to racism.”
take a / the knee = to kneel on one knee (often during the national anthem) as a form of protest
“Some black American athletes took the knee to protest against racism.”
Protest
protest against = demonstrate against
“People are protesting against police brutality.”
peaceful protest = a protest without violence
“There have been peaceful protests in many cities.”
a protester = someone who protests
“More than a thousand protesters marched through London.”
Slogans
Black Lives Matter = This is also the name of a movement to raise awareness of inequality and racism
Enough is Enough = To say we have experienced enough of a bad thing and that it must now stop
Silence is Violence = To mean that if you don’t stand up against something (if you remain silent) you are also guilty of racism
Together We Stand = To say that we are fighting together to get change
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