meaning - Is 'peaceful demonstration' an oxymoron?


Oh, we know the standards: Jumbo Shrimp, Real Phony,Living Dead..... is peaceful demonstration in the list: reasons why/not are, of course unexpectedly anticipated.



Answer



'Peaceful demonstration' is not an oxymoron. There is nothing inherent in the definition of 'demonstration' that suggests order or chaos--a demonstration can be either. Describing a demonstration as 'peaceful' sets that demonstration apart from one that is 'chaotic', or even 'riotous'.


Here are a few more adjectives that are commonly associated with 'demonstration' that delineate one type of demonstration from another:



  • Quiet

  • Classroom

  • Ceremonial

  • Religious

  • Political

  • Military (not the same as riotous)


ngrams.google.com produces this nice graphic demonstration that underscores my point.


enter image description here


Edit: Created a new graph that includes 'violent demonstration'


enter image description here


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