Thousands of Americans went to demonstrations against the Persian Gulf War. This research examines the aspirations, judgments, and concerns of different anti-war protesters. After interviewing 48 activists in San Diego, it became clear that more than three-fourths of sample activists thought the movement could not directly alter Bush's war policy. Those activists with a low sense of movement power said they protested because they wanted: (1) to change American values and lifestyles; (2) to adhere to their personal ethical codes; and (3) to interact with a community that affirmed their dissident mentalities.
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