100,000 Signatures: Protest in the Digital Age

Explore the evolving nature of protest in the age of ‘clicktivism’.

What are the armchair activists going to do after the petition has been signed?

For generations, mass demonstrations have expressed the disapproval of the many for the actions of the powerful few.

As social media and online petitions call for change, is the voice of the public more powerful than ever – or weaker than ever?

Does the ease with which we can sign a petition mean we risk forfeiting our real democratic power?

Is there really any substitute for mass gatherings of likeminded demonstrators? And what happens when a peaceful rally turns into an angry riot?

At this discussion, activists and experts debate the changing nature of protest. The panel includes David Wilson, a lifelong political activist, co-founder of charity War Child and former Press Officer at Stop the War coalition; Amir Amirani, the director of award-winning film We Are Many; and Gillian Slovo, whose latest novel Ten Days is a political thriller set against the backdrop of riots in London.

The discussion is chaired by Iraqi novelist, author, artist and political activist Haifa Zangana.

Level 5 Function Room at Royal Festival Hall