Picket: meaning, definitions and examples
✊
picket
[ˈpɪkɪt ]
Definitions
protest action
A picket is a demonstration in which people gather and hold signs to protest against a particular issue, often in front of a workplace or public location. It is a form of collective action aiming to raise awareness and prompt change.
Synonyms
demonstration, protest, rally, strike.
Examples of usage
- The workers organized a picket in front of the factory.
- Several activists joined the picket to support the cause.
- She carried a sign at the picket to express her views.
protest action
To picket means to participate in a demonstration, typically outside a place of work, to express objection or make demands. This action is often intended to draw public attention to the issues at hand.
Synonyms
demonstrate, protest, rally, strike.
Examples of usage
- They decided to picket until their demands were met.
- The union leaders encouraged members to picket peacefully.
- She picketed outside the school to protest budget cuts.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The term 'picket' comes from the old French word 'piquet', meaning a small pointed stake or a sharpened pole used to fasten something.
- Originally the word referred to soldiers guarding an area. Over time, it evolved to mean protest actions where people stand guard for their rights.
- In labor history, 'picketing' became a formal term around the late 19th century when workers organized to demand better wages and working conditions.
Labor History
- Picketing has played a crucial role in many major labor strikes, helping workers gather support and raise awareness about their demands.
- One of the most famous pickets occurred during the 1937 Flint sit-down strike, which was pivotal in the establishment of the United Auto Workers (UAW).
- Picket lines often symbolize solidarity among workers, showcasing their willingness to stand together against injustices.
Cultural Significance
- Picketing has been featured in various forms of art and protest songs, representing the fight for social justice and workers’ rights.
- Movies like 'Norma Rae' depict the struggles of picketing workers, highlighting personal stories within broader labor movements.
- Symbols from picket lines frequently appear in political cartoons to represent collective action against oppression.
Legal Context
- Picketing is protected under the First Amendment in the United States, ensuring the right to assembly and free speech.
- Legal limits on picketing often exist, such as prohibiting certain behaviors like blocking entrances or using violent tactics.
- Understanding the laws surrounding picketing is crucial for unions to conduct effective, legal demonstrations.
Psychology
- Participating in a picket can enhance group identity, fostering a sense of belonging among participants.
- Research shows that collective action, like picketing, may boost morale and motivation among workers fighting for a common cause.
- Engaging in protests can lead to increased feelings of efficacy, providing individuals with a sense of power and agency in the face of adversity.
Translations
Translations of the word "picket" in other languages:
🇵🇹 piquete
🇮🇳 पिकेट
🇩🇪 Picket
🇮🇩 piket
🇺🇦 пікет
🇵🇱 pikieta
🇯🇵 ピケット
🇫🇷 picket
🇪🇸 piquete
🇹🇷 piket
🇰🇷 피켓
🇸🇦 Pickett
🇨🇿 picket
🇸🇰 picket
🇨🇳 示威者
🇸🇮 piket
🇮🇸 pikket
🇰🇿 пикет
🇬🇪 პიკეტი
🇦🇿 piketi
🇲🇽 piquete