Protester Perspectives

The protesters were for less corruption, less of a communist government, more freedoms, and less strict laws. They also wanted political and economical reforms. They realized that their lives were not what they wanted, from political and economic standpoint. Overall, the protesters wanted a government that was closer to democracy.

Hello Mr. Democracy! 你好民主先生! New Age BD, 1989

Richie Li states, "I think communist parties are not effective at all in political reform. They are too powerful, and that's what people were asking to be lessened. They really much wanted political and economic reforms."

The protesters thought they were just peacefully protesting at first even though they knew protesting was banned in Beijing. They were so strong about their opinions that they went on a hunger strike, which lasted for about a week. One way the protesters showed what they thought was by building a statue in the middle of the square. They call this statue the "Goddess of Democracy." Another way the protests showed their opinions is the Tank Man for example. 

"Maybe we'll fail today, maybe we'll fail tomorrow. But someday we'll succeed." 

- Unknown protester

The protesters rallying around the Goddess of Democracy. 民主女神 Frieze, 1989.