2008 Woodie Awards
Students learn about nonviolent protest
By: Sarah Schuch
Issue date: 2/22/08 Section: News
Chris Venegas became the president of the United States on Thursday night.
The Manistee junior, played the role of George W. Bush as other student activists took on the role of nonviolent activists trying to make a point.
About 20 students were taught how to become more educated in the use of nonviolent actions during a training session called "Nonviolent Direct Action" in Bovee University Center's Lake Michigan Room.
"It was kind of ridiculous, but we just decided to throw you guys into the action," said Brandon Knight, campaigner for Global Exchange, a human rights organization.
The students had five minutes to figure out as a group what would be the most affective approach to the role play. In the end members of the group were laying on the ground while others chanted "Bush lied, people died."
What nonviolent direct action is and what it does was a crucial component to the night.
Flushing junior Mike Tosto thought of nonviolent action as being chained to a bulldozer, while Nik Sushka, temporary faculty for the English department, saw it as a way to bridge the gaps between organizations.
"(Nonviolent direct action) is a means to an end and reconciliation," said Ypsilanti senior Rudi Rubio-Heumann.
Knight summed the definitions up, saying nonviolent direct action is where someone is specifically being targeted. It takes a group right to the decision maker, he said, which can force them to pursue an issue.
Nonviolent direct action can lead to much success.
"It helps preserve the integrity of the people involved in the movement," Sushka said.
Nonviolent direct action can also bring announcement and alarm, which was demonstrated in the march students did after the nooses were found on campus, Venegas said.
It helps activists reinforce their campaign and increase morale, he said.
"It sucks to be a part of a low morale movement," Venegas said.
Nonviolent direct actions have shown success throughout history.
"(Rosa Parks is) an example of how one person can make a difference," said Sarah Lechota, Flint senior. "A lot of people don't think they can make a change."
news@cm-life.com
The Manistee junior, played the role of George W. Bush as other student activists took on the role of nonviolent activists trying to make a point.
About 20 students were taught how to become more educated in the use of nonviolent actions during a training session called "Nonviolent Direct Action" in Bovee University Center's Lake Michigan Room.
"It was kind of ridiculous, but we just decided to throw you guys into the action," said Brandon Knight, campaigner for Global Exchange, a human rights organization.
The students had five minutes to figure out as a group what would be the most affective approach to the role play. In the end members of the group were laying on the ground while others chanted "Bush lied, people died."
What nonviolent direct action is and what it does was a crucial component to the night.
Flushing junior Mike Tosto thought of nonviolent action as being chained to a bulldozer, while Nik Sushka, temporary faculty for the English department, saw it as a way to bridge the gaps between organizations.
"(Nonviolent direct action) is a means to an end and reconciliation," said Ypsilanti senior Rudi Rubio-Heumann.
Knight summed the definitions up, saying nonviolent direct action is where someone is specifically being targeted. It takes a group right to the decision maker, he said, which can force them to pursue an issue.
Nonviolent direct action can lead to much success.
"It helps preserve the integrity of the people involved in the movement," Sushka said.
Nonviolent direct action can also bring announcement and alarm, which was demonstrated in the march students did after the nooses were found on campus, Venegas said.
It helps activists reinforce their campaign and increase morale, he said.
"It sucks to be a part of a low morale movement," Venegas said.
Nonviolent direct actions have shown success throughout history.
"(Rosa Parks is) an example of how one person can make a difference," said Sarah Lechota, Flint senior. "A lot of people don't think they can make a change."
news@cm-life.com
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