Author Archives: David S. Meyer

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About David S. Meyer

Author and professor of Sociology and Political Science at the University of California, Irvine

Small victories for the Parkland kids matter–even if you don’t notice

Posted on March 22, 2018 by David S. Meyer

Five of the brave and savvy Parkland kids are on the cover of Time magazine, a cover unlikely to appear in a frame on Donald Trump’s wall. On the eve of this weekend’s March for Our Lives, a national demonstration … Continue reading →

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Students walk out for gun control; schools teach….compliance?…engagement?

Posted on March 14, 2018 by David S. Meyer

The final tallies are not in on participation in the National Student Walk Out for school safety, but thousands of kids across the country have gone outdoors for a lesson on civic engagement. This demonstration was organized on the fly, … Continue reading →

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#TimesUp at the Academy Awards

Posted on March 4, 2018 by David S. Meyer

Oscar night offers an ideal setting for politics: celebrities, cameras, costumes, and a global audience in the ten millions. The trick is to make sure the spectacle doesn’t drown out the cause, and the cause doesn’t crush the fun–too much. … Continue reading →

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The NRA under fire will bend or break–or both

Posted on February 24, 2018 by David S. Meyer

The Parkland kids are forcing tough decisions on the National Rifle Association. The Stoneman Douglas survivors continue to work to have all of us focus on the destructive power of the National Rifle Association in corrupting public debate. Instead of … Continue reading →

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Targeting the NRA

Posted on February 23, 2018 by David S. Meyer

The heroic Parkland students launched a campaign to target and isolate the National Rifle Association, which is fighting back vigorously. Wayne LaPierre, leader of the NRA, spoke at the annual Conservative Political Action Conference, spewing vitriol at anyone who might … Continue reading →

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The kids are alright: young activists brace for the NRA onslaught

Posted on February 21, 2018 by David S. Meyer

As soon as the brave and committed Parkland students revealed that “thoughts and prayers” would not be an adequate response to the mass shooting they lived through, ardent gun supporters set their sites on the kids. Social media provide ready … Continue reading →

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Gun politics notes (1)

Posted on February 19, 2018 by David S. Meyer

Following the inspirational lead of the Parkland students crusading for sensible gun regulation, Washington, DC students staged a die-in today in front of the White House, demanding action. The Parkland activists have called for large demonstrations on March 24, and … Continue reading →

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Is this school shooting different? Teens take over!

Posted on February 18, 2018 by David S. Meyer

Emma Gonzalez is mad, informed, engaged, and powerful. If you haven’t seen this yet, it’s worth 10 minutes of your time. Emma survived the shooting at the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, where a 19 year old man, armed … Continue reading →

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Greensboro lunch counter sit in anniversary, 2018

Posted on February 1, 2018 by David S. Meyer

It’s the anniversary of the start of the sit-in campaign in Greensboro, North Carolina. I’m always moved and encouraged by the audacity of those young men.    There was once a store called Woolworths.  It sold dry goods, mostly cheap … Continue reading →

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Did the women’s march matter? Does it still?

Posted on January 22, 2018 by David S. Meyer

(originally posted at KCET-Link.https://www.kcet.org/news-analysis/did-the-womens-march-matter-does-it-still  I wrote this before the anniversary march; it offers a take on what it takes for protest to promote social change. It’s worthwhile to look at the broader News and Analysis section on the site.) Anti-Trump protesters … Continue reading →

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