Final answer:
The claim that public demonstrations and protest marches are much less common in recent decades is false. There has been a significant presence of global protests, ongoing civil rights movement tactics, and the growth of online activism.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that public demonstrations, sit-ins, and protest marches are much less common in recent decades is false. There has been a notable prevalence of protest movements globally. For instance, in 2019, protests swept the globe with experts noting an unprecedented number of protests and protesters. The significance and use of direct action in the form of protest marches and demonstrations have continued from the African American civil rights movement to modern movements like Black Lives Matter and Occupy Wall Street.
Moreover, pro-democracy protests in places like Hong Kong reflect the enduring nature of active civil engagement. Even with the advent of the digital age, activism has found a new platform online through e-petitioning and social media campaigns, demonstrating that the spirit of protest remains vibrant and has adapted to new technologies.