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.
Solution 1:
'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.
Edit: Created a new graph that includes 'violent demonstration'
Solution 2:
Peaceful Demonstration is only an oxymoron in repressive countries, where regardless of the intent of the demonstrators, the government shows up and initiates violence. Ordinarily[*] it is entirely possible to put your political opinions on display in a peaceful manner.
[*]: speaking from a modern, US-centric viewpoint; world history may make me a liar.
Solution 3:
Why oxymoron?
a public display of group feelings (usually of a political nature)
can be very peaceful. People can sit totally quiet
And Shrimp: any of various edible decapod crustaceans
Just because a person who is deemed shrimp sized is small, does not mean that a huge shrimp cannot be called jumbo...