An Act of Defiance

On Tuesday, April 1, publicly and deliberately, I violated Emerson’s unilaterally imposed protest and posting policies. Using easily erasable children’s sidewalk chalk, I wrote a few favored quotes upon the walls of the contested public/private space of Boylston Alley, sharing them with all who cared to stop and read. I was not masked, conscious that, as part of the current administration’s increased campus surveillance, the alleyway is now patrolled by multiple 360-degree cameras. I have not yet been “disciplined,” though I assume efforts in that regard are forthcoming.

My hope with this simple action was to inspire others to be willing to take more risks, not only here at Emerson but out in the world, in the face of the exponentially spiraling consequences of unchecked authoritarianism. While I had been planning to undertake this action for a few weeks, I was heartened when, the evening prior, Senator Cory Booker boldly stood up “with the intention of disrupting the normal business of the United States Senate” in order to confront and address a country “in crisis,” proceeding to do so for a record-breaking 25 hours. While my own endeavor was far more humble, what I know is that it will require innumerable acts of resistance and of civil disobedience, including efforts in defense of free expression, if we are to overcome those currently hell bent on destroying the American democratic experiment. Obviously, the risks are quite real and varied, and I don’t aim to shame anyone into action. There are myriad ways, both overt and covert, to fight back. To all who are willing and able, I hope to see you at the barricades.

John Gianvito
Filmmaker and Professor
Department of Visual and Media Arts