Part 2: The Experience
It was frankly disturbing to see that the police had erected metal barricades around the park and were stationed at every entrance point. Basically, it was hard to get in or out of the park without passing through metal gates and a wall of police.
About two hours after I arrived and began reading, the drummers who had been playing constantly were ordered to leave the park. After a quick mic check, the drummers moved out of the park and began marching (and drumming) around the perimeter, outside of the metal barricades.
As the drummers played their way around the park, the read-in continued. Meanwhile, there was a line of spectators - tourists, New Yorkers on their way somewhere, students - observing and taking pictures. Inside the barricades, it sort of felt like I was putting on a show, and I definitely felt the distance between me and the people on the other side. Which was probably the police's intended effect.
Still, conversations and connections were happening. Some protestors held signs and faced outward, engaging with those that passed by. I noticed that though some discussions got heated, most were friendly and well-spoken.
I have to admit that I was a bit taken aback by my experience at the park, if only because it felt like too much of a random jumble of different causes and purposes (or: an only slightly organized chaos)...Miiight just be the "librarian" in me, seeking order, order, order. Mostly, though, it was great to have the chance to speak to a bunch of different people about what they were doing and why they were there.
Next up: Part 3, interview with a librarian.
It was frankly disturbing to see that the police had erected metal barricades around the park and were stationed at every entrance point. Basically, it was hard to get in or out of the park without passing through metal gates and a wall of police.
 |
| (Protestors and people passing by, with a barricade dividing them.) |
About two hours after I arrived and began reading, the drummers who had been playing constantly were ordered to leave the park. After a quick mic check, the drummers moved out of the park and began marching (and drumming) around the perimeter, outside of the metal barricades.
 |
| (Drummers inside the park, before ordered to leave.) |
As the drummers played their way around the park, the read-in continued. Meanwhile, there was a line of spectators - tourists, New Yorkers on their way somewhere, students - observing and taking pictures. Inside the barricades, it sort of felt like I was putting on a show, and I definitely felt the distance between me and the people on the other side. Which was probably the police's intended effect.
Still, conversations and connections were happening. Some protestors held signs and faced outward, engaging with those that passed by. I noticed that though some discussions got heated, most were friendly and well-spoken.
 |
| (Some protestors leaning against the metal barricades.) |
I have to admit that I was a bit taken aback by my experience at the park, if only because it felt like too much of a random jumble of different causes and purposes (or: an only slightly organized chaos)...Miiight just be the "librarian" in me, seeking order, order, order. Mostly, though, it was great to have the chance to speak to a bunch of different people about what they were doing and why they were there.
 |
| (Nearby, the construction at Ground Zero is going quickly.) |
Next up: Part 3, interview with a librarian.
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