From an outside perspective it is very easy to look at a protest and criticize the every move based on reports in the media.

People parading in the streets and expressing their grievances and demands often unsettle those who are uncomfortable with that type of outward expression.

But instead of blatantly denouncing the actions of angry, sad and emotional citizens, people must realize the importance of protest as a social movement.

Take the civil rights march of Martin Luther King Jr. from Selma to Birmingham, Alabama. The full impact of the protest was not realized until much later when its long-term goals had strongly impacted society.

The same should be realized of all protests. Rather than a public disturbance, protests should be seen as crucial events that influence societal change.

Naturally, the struggle between the protestors from Black Lives Matter and the police will result in hostility and commotion between the two sides.

However, because of social media, views on this relationship are often skewed by misinformed and biased sources.

We forget protesters are abiding by their First Amendment rights while the police attempt to fulfill their duty to keep the peace.

However, it is the act of violence and opposition by outside groups and political leaders that  cause people to fear the consequences of protest.

These actions sever the otherwise peaceful and non-aggressive confrontation between protestors and police, leading many to believe there are safety concerns that outweigh the benefits of protesting.

The public should not allow groups like the white supremacists who shot five protestors Nov. 23 at the 4th Precinct to soil its perception of social action that benefits society.

People should value protests for their lasting impact on society, rather than see them as safety concerns due to acts of violence intended to put an end to the very causes the protestors rally for.