'Angry' Anti-Ratner Protest at the Brooklyn Museum
Between 80 and 100 people showed up to a Develop Don’t Destroy-organized protest outside the Brooklyn Museum last night, according to Atlantic Yards Report, to publicly decry the cultural institution’s decision to honor Bruce Ratner at a gala. AY Report’s Norman Oder says the protest “was notably angry,” with some in the crowd holding up…
Between 80 and 100 people showed up to a Develop Don’t Destroy-organized protest outside the Brooklyn Museum last night, according to Atlantic Yards Report, to publicly decry the cultural institution’s decision to honor Bruce Ratner at a gala. AY Report’s Norman Oder says the protest “was notably angry,” with some in the crowd holding up signs that said things like “Ratner is a liar” or calling the developer a “con artist” or proclaiming Atlantic Yards a “dung deal.” In a separate post, Oder notes that the Forest City Ratner Companies Foundation gave the museum $100,000 in 2005 and another $100,000 in 2006; the foundation’s donations from last year have not yet been disclosed. The gala last night cost from $500 to $1000+ a plate.
“Shame!” Crowd Outside Museum Shouts “Ratner’s Bad for Brooklyn” {AY Report]
Photo by Brit in Brooklyn.
In photos on this blog, the protest looks a lot more diverse. There are pictures of people of all ages and races. Of coure there are more older people because they have more time and fewer encumbrances (children).
Of course, pictures can deceive. Can someone who was actually AT the protest comment on the protester composition?
Just because there was a low turnout for the protest doesn’t meant the anti-Yards sentiment is positive. I personally am not big on protests, but I did send a letter expressing my disappointment to the Brooklyn Museum. That institution is allowing itself to be used to whitewash a developer who deliberately undermined public process to cram an unpopular development down the public’s throat.
Whether the people of Brooklyn like it or not is not the point. The people of Brooklyn have no say in the matter — for or against. Because of the Yards’ state ownership and Ratner’s cynical purchasing of “community consent,” even clear-voiced outrage from our local state representatives is totally ignored. NONE OF US HERE HAVE ANY VOICE AT ALL IN THIS LARGE, COMMUNITY-ALTERING PROJECT.
The BM should be ashamed of itself for allowing itselt to be used to tissue over this rapacious developer’s reputation.
“I think it’s telling that there are a number of comments criticizing the protesters, but none that actually have anything positive to say about Atlantic Yards.”
Yet more hairsplitting. You want positive comments?
I look forward to having a professional sports arena in my neighborhood.
I look forward to attending a March Madness game in my neighborhood one day soon.
I look forward to seeing the Nets play in my neighborhood (even if they lose!).
I look forward to the train yards being covered with new office buildings and towers (even if it takes longer than anticipated and is developed by someone other than Ratner, I still look forward to it).
Satisfied? I didn’t think so.
Sincerely,
Anonymous and Proud
10:39 – if there’s anyone who knows nothing of community organizing, it’s the folks at DDDB; their leadership is comprised of people who have little or no experience with activism, and their track record (few elected politicians, low protest turnouts, repeated legal defeats, etc.) and history of confrontational behavior underscore their failure; as for my not providing my name on this blog? you’re posting anonymously, too
10:45 – we don’t know how many people of color attended last night’s gala, as the only photoavailable is a skewed shot taken through a window; on the other hand, the photos available of the protest prove that most attendees were white; if you have any photo evidence to prove otherwise, I’ll recant
I think it’s telling that there are a number of comments criticizing the protesters, but none that actually have anything positive to say about Atlantic Yards.
Posted by: guest at April 4, 2008 10:13 AM
You can call on all the individuals you want but since you can’t even post a fake name, no one really gives a crap what you want.
Why are you so sure people don’t donate to charity. Once again you are just some anonymous person who does not know thing one about the people you accuse.
So boring.
yuppie douche-bags…
Posted by: guest at April 4, 2008 10:39 AM
When you say this, you are of course referring to the people going into the museum, right?
Why in the hell do these losers think they represent anyone other than a fringe bunch of do-nothings? You want to protest – fine – but stop saying you represent “the community” – YOU DONT.
The community speaks through elections and consistently the local and boroughwide electorate has spoken by electing pro-AY, pro development representatives – to the city council, the mayor’s office, the Statehouse and the Governor’s mansion. The arrogance of these people is overwhelming….
Posted by: guest at April 4, 2008 10:08 AM
When you say this, you are of course referring to the people going into the museum, right?
Ha, ha. Has anyone seen the photos from this protest? Norman Oder estimated a pathetic 80-100 turnout (again, in a neighborhood of 20,000 people and a surrounding area 10X as populated). As always, most of the protestors were white and, of course, the event went on as planned, with neither the media (NYT, NY Daily News, NY Post, NY!, etc.) nor the attendees paying attention to the protest.
Real effective, guys. Keep fightin’ the man!
Well, except for Token Kanye West – who exactly was black at the opening?