Agreed. Clusterfu*k of a protest.

PWN

Every protest is a clusterf**k. Join them and help clarify and negotiate. Your comments from outside the struggle define you as “faux” not them. Get over there. CCS NYU ’90

Nice write up. I’d be inclined to take TBNYU seriously if I heard anything resembling the level-headed articulation in this letter coming from them. But alas, we’re subjected to the scatter shot cries of 60s revolutionist LARPers.

Right on, Cody! Thanks for the Sternie shout-out, by the way ; )

“Logically, if you want NYU Administration to change its behavior, you must pressure and encourage other private University Administrations to do as you demand NYU does. Do any other private Universities disclose their budgets? Why would NYU be the first? Put yourself in Sexton’s shoes – if you will not change his incentive structure, who or what will?”

“Form solidarity with Stern (or Wagner Finance!) students; considering the complexity of NYU’s budget, I would hope that anyone eventually given access to the budget has passed a certain course in finance and would be qualified to properly read and fully understand the details.”

Key points! Though I hope that TBNYU will get some acknowledgment for simply being the only ones talking about these kinds of issues, at NYU or elsewhere. As a whole, this piece was a little too didactic for me.

When TBNYU accuses the NYU administration of gender discrimination and backs it up by saying that NYU hasn’t proved otherwise, this should be a red flag for you that their demands are baseless.

TBNYU is a bunch of unintelligent drama-queens. Let’s just hope that NYU actually lays down some real punishment on them.

While I think you make some good points and have some good ideas, I find one of your central themes to be flawed. To compare the situation in Gaza with the one in Kimmel simply because both can be described using the word “occupation” is more than a little simplistic. Yes, one of the things these students are protesting is the Israeli occupation of Palestine, but peacefully barricading themselves into a dining hall with some tables and chairs hardly constitutes using the methods they are protesting. If they were using violence, it would be ironic, but they have specifically issued a statement saying they do not advocate violence or destruction of property as part of this action.

While I personally understand why all of their demands have been included in this action – I do agree that it would be useful for them to clarify the demands’ relationships to one another for outsiders.

I applaud their courage and their willingness to take action for what they believe is right. As an alum, I think NYU must be “taken” back because the administration is so resistant to change, it would take decades to get them to “give” much of consequence.

i l u.

Since when are international issues the business of trust fund babies?

LARPing. Yes. YES. That is what happening. I’m just loving the nerd reference. Carry on.

Wonderfully articulated article! Protests need not be “clusterfucks.” But, those lacking clear drive and stances on important issues inevitably appear that way. Rebellion for rebellion’s sake is rock n’roll, not social activism. If TBNYU wants their issues to be taken seriously, try being more like Nelson Mandela and less like Sid Vicious. We all love him, but who would trust him with a university budget?

Thank you Kate. As usual, you articulate beautifully all the rambling thoughts no one else has been able to express. Your work with Keep a Child Alive is a great example of how social activism can be effective without the aggressive arrogance of Take Back NYU.

Erm… other private universities do disclose budget. Research much? Talk to the TBNYU folks.

This is excellent — if TBNYU had some of this insight, maybe half the student body would take this seriously.

These kids are ridiculous! You’re a bunch of rich kids that go to a bigger richer school. What the hell do you think you’re going to accomplish? Trust me, I’ve been there, I’m much older than you, I’ve dealt with much bigger things. But, the sooner you learn to set ideologies aside, sharpen your vision, and have some self respect you won’t accomplish anything. What do you want me to say? NYU’s administration sucks, U-North sucks… well no shit. The sooner you learn to wear a suit and tie and fool “the man” from the front door the easier it’ll be for you. And believe this, I’m smarter and more radical than you’ll ever be.

I agree with the need for a more focused message, but the the irony of the tactic is about creating empathy. Similar options would be ‘settlement expansion’ and ‘check points’ . It’s not always easy to get someone to walk a mile in your shoes. As we have learned, sometimes the shoe must be thrown.

The message is important, but without the ability to be heard, it has no power.

Another approach, and I think this is more in line with what the author is thinking, would unite Jewish and Palestinian peace activists for joint rallies and demonstrations.

Constant pressure is what is needed. Every twist and turn in this conflict should be seen as an opportunity to stand up and speak out for justice. To wage peace, you “humanize”, and give praise and recognition to the voices who present views that are consistent with your goals. Don’t ‘demonize’, that only pushes the goal of peace farther away. The best strategies will start with two questions. What do the Palestinians want? And… What do the Israeli’s want?

Very well said.

I have to agree with Erin when she says that your argument about “occupation” is a bit specious, but overall, you seem to have the right idea. TBNYU! made a choice to not work hard enough inside the system, and decided to give NYU a horrible reputation with their attention-grabbing antics. To be honest, if their ‘demands’ were more unified, specific, and applicable to the student body’s feelings as a whole, I could imagine myself supporting and organized demonstration. Right now, it only seems like these kids are taking advantage of a free couple days to take advantage of the lax University security and action. Frankly, I’ll be glad to see them go at 1am.

I completely agree. I’m so glad that someone has had the time to speak words that I have been thinking. In fact, I just left a conversation with a group of girls and we were talking about how reactionary this has been. Peaceful protests or occupations can work when goals are specific. To make change though is to create a revolution and as Che Guevara said, in one of my favorite quotes, a true revolutionary is guided by extreme feelings of love for his people. To embody rage towards students who aren’t versed in protesting or even to display immense amounts of only anger towards the administration won’t get anyone anywhere. Be willing to explain without yelling. It’s important to have radical ideas translated congenially.

It’s also important, in my opinion, to engage the freshmen class of students. Many of those students have not been aware of these efforts and therefore, have not been a part of a cause they believe in. These are the students who have the most time left here. Hand things over to them. Mentor them. Don’t stay within your group of comfort.

Also, another qualm that I’ve seen with this is the engagement of a hierarchy in a group that’s supposed to be breaking down a hierarchy. Paulo Friere mentions the importance of revolutionary leaders enacting change with the people and not for the people. That’s the only way we’ll make a difference. However, during this situation, I have experienced extreme rudeness from self appointed “leaders” and have witnessed condescension even towards those protesting. It’s one thing for something to be a distraction and a display of showboating, such as taking your shirts off. It’s another thing for someone to have a genuine suggestion, comment, or question.

Just think about it. We can make a difference. We just need to be more aware of how we want to do it.

Kate –

Excellent post; you were able to articulate many of things that I’ve been thinking. Way to represent Wagner

Kate

The largest issue I have with this post is that you are describing a different kind of activism. While protests alone do not do anything, it’s true, there is and has been a great deal of behind the scenes pressure put on NYU by Take Back.

You are describing the Nonprofit Industrial Complex: while many charities do a great deal of good, they also reap millions in benefits. This is not the style of activism those in Kimmel are pursuing, and for good reason. Direct action does get the goods, and publicity is necessary.

While I agree the demands are a bit muddled and seem thrown together, I cannot disagree more with your characterization of the students as “neo-liberal.” Seriously? Please understand what that means before you toss it around. “Neo-liberals” are far more reflective of your style of activism, and while you may feel it is more effective, I dare you to deny the countless mass movements that have publicly begun the drive to engage in a more progressive mindset.

“You are describing the Nonprofit Industrial Complex: while many charities do a great deal of good, they also reap millions in benefits”

is this a serious comment? have you ever worked in a non-profit, local, national or international?

Brilliant! Well- written Kate! 60 students taking over (NYU) public property in the name of democracy, a list of contradictory demands (do budget transparency, donating excess funds funds to “charitable organizations” and calls for lower tuition belong on the same list of demands) and the attempt by a few dozen students (at most) to overturn a student senate meeting all reek of (presumably) well-meaning, yet incredibly confused college students. It also seems more like anarchy than a real cry for social justice or democratic values.

[...] speaker, Kate Otto, has announced that she wants your tweets. Kate, who you may remember from the piece she contributed to NYU Local during the occupation, is graduating from Wagner with an MPA in [...]

[...] speaker, Kate Otto, has announced that she wants your tweets. Kate, who you may remember from the piece she contributed to NYU Local during the occupation, is graduating from Wagner with an MPA in [...]