In many countries including the US, climate change activism is penalized, outlawed, or simply looked down upon. The Guardian published an article addressing an instance of criminalization of climate change activism taking place in New York. Pictured below is prior Princeton music instructor John Mark Rozendaal who chose to exhibit activism by playing his cello outside of the Citibank headquarters. He is accompanied by Alec Connon, who is holding an umbrella over Rozendaal. However, what was once a peaceful display of activism was halted when both Connon and Rozendaal were detained and promptly charged with criminal contempt.
The charges placed on Rozendaal and Connon were inherently baseless from what information The Guardian provided on the pairs case. Rather than accepting defeat, Rozendaal and Connon wrote to the US government in regards to human rights and how they relate to the ongoing climate crisis impacting our society.
Instances such as what happened to Rozendaal and Connon are likely to be more common than we think and I am curious to infer if there are any similar attempts to silence climate change activism in recent years not only within the US but other countries as well. I find it important to note another instance The Guardian mentions, drilling has been a commonly opposed practice and a group of students had decided to protest in Uganda. A group of 15 was arrested, though later made bail. How do we as a society work to prevent the silencing of those voices trying to call attention to the climate crisis overtaking our world.
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ReplyDeleteWe must acknowledge as a society how critical it is to defend the rights of activists who are engaged in the struggle for a sustainable future. In order to keep climate change advocacy from being silenced, it is crucial to support groups that offer legal assistance to activists, increase public awareness of these problems, and push for legislative changes that safeguard the right to protest. Your post serves as an important reminder of the need of supporting people who are bravely advocating for our world.
ReplyDeleteI think it's very interesting that protesting can be taken so seriosuly to the point where something that harmless results in detainment.
ReplyDeleteI never thought climate change activism alone would be against the law. I believe that this fact places more accountability on the U.S. and other countries that have individual liberties.
ReplyDeleteThis is such an interesting piece, though it feels a bit short to fully explore the topic. The examples of Rozendaal in New York and the students in Uganda really highlight how activism is being suppressed worldwide. It makes you wonder how we can protect the rights of those standing up for the planet. Maybe diving deeper into solutions or similar cases would make this even more powerful. Still, great job bringing attention to an important issue!
ReplyDeleteDespite how sad it is to see this sort of reaction to protesting, at the very least it cements its worth. If protesting truly accomplished nothing, than no one would care to suppress it right? I suppose that may be some silver-lining thinking, but I feel it is important not to loose sight of the power of public action.
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