Glued their feet to the stadium?

[AverageOldGuy]

Okay, I don't know anywhere else to ask this question, besides, DUers seem to be able to answer anything.

Tonight's first Women's US Open Tennis semi-final match was interrupted for 45 minutes by a group of four (three ?) "environmental protestors" in the upper tier of seats, shouting something. Reports are that one or two of the protestors "glued their bare feet to the stadium floor".

Anyone have details? What kind of glue? How did security people unglue them?

I was on my second gin and tonic when the protest broke out so I'm not too clear about the details.

[bottomofthehill]

1. I would just leave them

They cant rush the court, leave them. They will figure it out when they get hungry

[spooky3]

4. Except that the four were yelling and disrupting the match.

USTA issued a statement saying they were arrested but didn’t answer the questions.

[bottomofthehill]

5. Borrow the glue they used to glue their feet

And glue their mouth shut

[Celerity]

12. I wonder what you would have suggested be done to antiwar protesters back in the day.

[AntivaxHunters]

22. Gross

Censoring climate protestors? Am I on the right forum?

[Polybius]

103. They disrupted a game that people are paying for

Obviously, the poster was probably joking about gluing their mouths shut, but do you want security to do? Let them scream all day?

[Lady Freedom Returns]

2. What kind of environmental protest is that?

Guess I'm old, but that ain't an environmental protest. That's just making yourself look silly.

[Buns_of_Fire]

8. If it's the same group I'm thinking of,

they've been gluing themselves to things, splashing paint on artworks, and generally making nuisances of themselves for several months now. Not that the cause isn't valid, but, like PETA, they're unfortunately turning off as many people as they're enlightening.

[Think. Again.]

68. You do know...

...that animal anticruelty sentiment has increased dramatically since PETA began getting global attention, don't you?

[Wednesdays]

77. Correlation does not necessarily mean causation. nt

[Think. Again.]

80. ...there are so many...

...other reasons why public awareness surged on that issue?

(I still remember something about some celebrity's fur coat being splashed with fake blood)

[MorbidButterflyTat]

90. PETA is awesome.

And they are effective.

They are hated by people and corporations who profit from exploiting animals, and the strange faction that chooses to align itself generally with hate. (ie. MAGAts)

I PETA.

[MorbidButterflyTat]

89. "...like PETA,

they're unfortunately turning off as many people as they're enlightening."

Would love to see your source for this claim.

[scipan]

3. I've heard of more intelligent protests...

I don't know the answer to your questions.

Maybe they're still there, hoping for rain. A nice acid rain.

[Think. Again.]

6. My Deepest Gratitude to the Protesters.

With so many Americans more concerned about a tennis match than the damage we're suffering due to CO2 emissions, keeping climate change issues in the front of people's minds is critical if we hope to decrease our children's suffering.

[boston bean]

7. This type of protest only makes

people think the protestors are nuts. It does zero to combat climate change. It does give them attention on their very weird actions though for the time it takes to unglue them.

[Think. Again.]

10. Any type of protest...

...that brings any public attention to any issue is a successful type of protest.

On top of whatever media attention sparked this discussion thread, this post alone has already gained over 450 views as of this reply.

[boston bean]

11. My point is their actions eclipse the cause

[Magoo48]

18. It's difficult to eclipse Climate Catastrophe.

Most of humanity will continue to ignore climate catastrophe as a coping mechanism. It’s too big and we are too powerless.

It’s time to teach adaptive skills and survival engineering at every level of education, public and private—independently as well as government funded. The moral thing to do is give our kids, grandchildren, and our next generations, who’ve been cast into a dystopian future not of their own making, a fighting chance.

The morbidly-rich, oligarchs, and every politician on the dole have humanity by the short hairs and they’re not gonna let go.

[boston bean]

19. Welp it is attainable with those tactics. It just pisses people off.

But not supporting their tactics doesn’t mean you don’t understand the climate crisis or support renewable energy or anything that could help with the disaster.

It’s foolish activity, and does zero, zip nada to actually help.

[Magoo48]

23. Perhaps you're right idk.

I’m just ticked to see the passion of their caring.

[boston bean]

27. Not me. Greta does so much more with her actions and voice.

None of which are super gluing herself to something of throwing paint at art masterpieces.

[Magoo48]

28. We certainly could use a few million more Gretas.

[ProfessorGAC]

76. My Thoughts As Well

When the protest itself becomes the issue, the cause becomes diminished.

[Think. Again.]

94. Not true...

...the rise in public awareness of the protest raises the public awareness of the cause with it.

[ProfessorGAC]

95. Prove It!

You keep saying the same thing, but you're nit omniscient.
Just because you say it doesn't make it a fact.

[Think. Again.]

97. Can you say...

Viet Nam Protests?

[ExWhoDoesntCare]

40. No, it doesn't

The point of protest is to win over other people.

Hissy fits like this does the opposite. They look like pathetic and selfish tossers they are, and even people who are sympathetic to their point find them scumbags that are an embarrassment and a downright hindrance to furthering support for the environment.

Welcome to reality.

[Think. Again.]

69. Perhaps you're mistaken...

...I don't recall these groups ever stating that their actions are intended to win over other people based on the actions alone.

It appears to me that their actions are intended to gain media attention (which they do) which will hopefully spark discussions such as this (which they do, this thread alone has had 1766 views at this writing) and that through those discussions, the basic facts of climate change and the lack of action to deal with CO2 emissions, will emerge (which happens, it just happened to you).

[boston bean]

81. They gain media attention where all that is talked about is their ludicrous behavior.

How does that help?

[Think. Again.]

83. You might want to...

...read this discussion thread again.

You may have missed some of the points people are talking about.

[boston bean]

85. I've read it. And my point stands.

[Think. Again.]

87. Fair enough...

...tennis is obviously very important to you. I respect that.

[boston bean]

88. As important as super glue is to you.

[Think. Again.]

92. oookaaay.

[boston bean]

93. Ayup.

[flamingdem]

37. I agree Think. Again.

I support them. Hell I might be one of them if younger.

As it is I won't live long enough to see the horrors to come.

Yeah, I know we're not supposed to really talk about that..

[Think. Again.]

39. We MUST talk about it...

...if we hope to see ANY action on it.

[ExWhoDoesntCare]

41. There's talking about it

Then acting like a stupid git about it.

Guess who's in the stupid git category? It's impossible to have an adult conversation with ridiculous tantrum-throwers like this.

[Think. Again.]

46. oh, ....

...maybe that's why people have to go to these extremes just to get the 'adults' to talk about it (when the 'adults' are not busy watching tennis, of course).

[ck4829]

53. Well now that "stupid git" is on the table...

It's time to start calling them stupid gits:

The world's richest 10% of people were responsible for more than half of the carbon added to the atmosphere between 1990 and 2015.

In those 25 years alone, they blew one third of our remaining global 1.5C carbon budget, compared to just 4 percent for the poorest half of the population.

The richest 1% of the world’s population were responsible for more than twice as much carbon pollution as the 3.1 billion people who made up the poorest half of humanity.

The per capita consumption footprints of the richest 1% are currently around 35 times higher than the target for 2030, and more than 100 times higher than the poorest 50%.

https://www.oxfam.org/en/5-things-you-need-know-about-carbon-inequality

[edisdead]

55. So you can't enjoy tennis and be concerned about the environment?

Great take.

This type of protest does nothing to move the needle.

[Think. Again.]

70. Over 1766 people have viewed or engaged in this DU discussion thread alone (at this writing)

[Polybius]

104. Oh yes, we must not do anything fun

I guess I'll cancel my date to a fancy restaurant with this pretty woman on Thursday, because, you know, climate change.

[Think. Again.]

106. Well that would be dumb...

...you should go!

Maybe this intelligent woman has some thoughts on you can join in the work toward reducing CO2 emissions and decreasing the harm we are causing to the next generations of pretty people!

[Polybius]

119. From what I know, she seems to be apolitical

I don't believe she even votes, but I will ask her Thursday. She is a teacher, but not sure which subject she teaches yet.

[Think. Again.]

120. I wish you both...

...an extremely enjoyable evening!

[Polybius]

121. Thank you!

I promise I will mention politics, you have my word!

[Think. Again.]

122. That might be good...

...to at least find out early if this won't work out in the long run.

[Polybius]

123. Yeah, I'm not gonna tell her my politics first

I don't want to possibly offend her and ruin the dinner. I'll just slowly find out hers first, like asking her about e-vehicles first. This way if she says she loves them, I can bring up climate change.

It won't ruin my dinner no matter if she's not on board with my politics, since I get along with everyone anyway. If I can get have a great time with someone and have fun with good chats, I can even go out with someone who I disagree with politically.

[Takket]

13. At least this is better than destroying works of art

[Think. Again.]

16. do you mean...

...smearing removal paint on pieces of protective glass?

[EX500rider]

32. Seems it may get worse, at least for the art

Environmental Activists Threaten to Start Slashing Paintings If Action Is Not Taken to Stop Climate Change

https://www.artnews.com/art-news/news/climate-activists-threaten-slashing-paintings-1234648889/

[ExWhoDoesntCare]

42. Thanks for revealing that you have no idea about the fragility of

Priceless art works.

But keep supporting selfish and stupid tantrum throwers.

[Think. Again.]

47. priceless art works...

...are more important than ecological devastation, got it.

[edisdead]

56. The fallacy here is that destroying works of art

The fallacy here is that destroying works of art is going to bring about meaningful change.

Hey hows about if someone destroys your stuff because climate change? It HAS to be done in order to battle climate change!

[Think. Again.]

71. Protective glass is not...

...a work of art and no protective glass was damaged in the action you refer to.

[edisdead]

108. I think the idea is that had there not been protective glass

I think the idea is that had there not been protective glass and the group actually did deface the art which I do believe they would have.

[Think. Again.]

109. Why would you believe...

...they would have, when they didn't?

Do you think they weren't aware that the glass was there? Maybe they have eyesight difficulties and did not see or feel the glass?

Or maybe they chose a very important piece of art assuming it would not be protected in any way in a very important and well-funded museum?

Maybe you're assuming they are at your level of intelligence because after all, who could possibly think through such a complex plan as not harming the art while still getting on the global news?

[edisdead]

114. Because what is the point

Because what is the point of smearing something on protective glass?

It is stupid and pathetic and doesn’t make any sense whatsoever.

[Think. Again.]

115. It accomplished exactly what they wanted to accomplish...

...made the news and got people (like us) discussing it. A job well done.

Did you acually think they thought that actually harming the art would benefit them somehow?

[edisdead]

117. We are saved!!!

[Think. Again.]

118. Umm...

...I don't think you quite understand what's happening, do you.

[Think. Again.]

116. And by the way...

...it's up to 2,280 views on this one internet discussion board alone.

THAT'S the point, get it yet?

[Autumn]

61. Talk about fragility. Humans can't eat priceless art works.

And starvation for some is coming.

[tulipsandroses]

14. Coco Gauff is such a class act. Her response was that she's all for non violent protest

What a novel idea!

[Raftergirl]

26. Except she prefers it not happen during her matches.

“Given the history of similar protests at tennis matches, Gauff told reporters after the match that she had a feeling there would be a protest at the U.S. Open. Gauff said she didn’t know exactly what the protesters were calling for, but added that she believes in climate change.

“I think there’s things that we can do better,” Gauff said. “But I prefer it not happening in my match.”

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/07/sports/tennis/protest-stops-us-open-semifinal-match.html

I am all for peaceful protests but this was just a stunt and people just think it’s idiotic.

[spooky3]

29. Nonviolent protest that does not violate laws is one thing.

These four were arrested.

What people here are objecting to is not their cause, but their tactics, which are both illegal and ineffective at getting climate change addressed.

[ExWhoDoesntCare]

43. I don't even have a problem with violating the law during a protest

As long as it's not done in a completely moronic, childish or destructive way.

These idiots don't qualify.

[Think. Again.]

48. Yes..

..the destruction of the oh-so important tennis game schedule.

[spooky3]

54. Why do you think there is a law against these actions?

When have such moronic actions ever produced action on climate change? Please provide empirical evidence.

[Think. Again.]

72. Over 1766 people have viewed and engaged in this DU discussion thread alone (as of this writing)

[spooky3]

84. And what has changed? Nothing. There are

Many other steps that would be far more effective such as working and donating to defeat Republicans at every level.

[Think. Again.]

91. What has changed...

...since their protest is that (now) over 1,930 on this site alone have engaged in a discussion on a protest concerning the lack of action against CO2 emissions.

To clarify: those 1,930 on this site alone would not have engaged in a discussion concerning the lack of action against CO2 emissions if they had not had that protest.

[Kaleva]

15. How did they plan on going to the bathroom?

Had they been left there to shit themselves, they might take the time to rethink their strategy.

[Think. Again.]

17. Obviously...

...the glue is removable because...it was removed.

[Kaleva]

30. Who removed it?

The protestors themselves?

[Think. Again.]

33. That would have defeated...

...the purpose of gluing in the first place, don't you think?

[edisdead]

57. Right so now we are back to the question

Right so now we are back to the question that you failed to answer. Had someone not had to remove them how did they plan on going to the bathroom? Or not starving to death? Ironically starving to death would have done more to save the planet than this stunt.

[Think. Again.]

66. You're being weird...

...as I mentioned, obviously it was removable because...it was removed.

[JustABozoOnThisBus]

52. It's NYC. Go wherever.

Just kidding, sort of. Some parts of NYC can be aromatic.

[ChazII]

20. Thanks for your question

because I was also wondering the same thing.

[AntivaxHunters]

21. Go Extinction Rebellion!

HUGE fan of Extinction Rebellion here!
I fully support their cause.

Some of the replies make me wonder if I'm on the right forum.
How old are you? Serious question. Are we just going to forget what Viet Nam.activists did? How about people like Jane Fonda? Our party has ALWAYS been at the forefront of protests. Remember the Democratic National Convention in Chicago? Shame on you folks for demeaning climate protestors. Shame.

Climate is the NUMBER ONE ISSUE among young voters & as Coco Gauff, who's 19, said herself "It was a peaceful protest, if that's what they need to do to get their message across then I can't be mad at that."

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2023/sep/08/us-open-2023-semi-final-climate-protester-glues-feet?utm_term=Autofeed&CMP=twt_gu&utm_medium&utm_source=Twitter#Echobox=1694151404]

[Think. Again.]

34. Thank you for posting this.

[AntivaxHunters]

99. You're welcome

There's definitely a huge generational gap on here

[Silent3]

38. If I were sure their methods were effective I certainly wouldn't mind this type of thing

And yes, the cause is more important than any disruption such protests cause at a mere sports event.

But I'd say there's a good chance this isn't effective (simply getting attention doesn't necessarily equal being effective), and it's possibly counterproductive.

[Think. Again.]

49. There is a verifiable connection...

...between the increase of public aareness and the actions being taken to reduce CO2 emissions.

[edisdead]

58. But no verification that this helps that awareness

In this thread alone you see people that are annoyed with their tactics. Turned off by it. And these are people that desperately want movement on climate change action. Imagine posting this on a less supportive forum.

[Maru Kitteh]

62. It makes you uncomfortable. It makes most people uncomfortable, ergo it IS effective. PETA

was told over and over again their tactics were working against their cause but how many dead animals did you see being worn as coats at the last Oscars or any kind of runway or red carpet event including something like the G20? How many dead animals did you see worn as coats routinely last winter? Did Canada quit clubbing baby seals to death by the tens of thousands? Yes they did.

Effective because it makes you uncomfortable. Thank these people. They're fighting for you and those that come after us.

[edisdead]

63. Ergo?

That’s convenient. How many ergo right wingers are you converting? Ergo none.

[Think. Again.]

67. You expect to convert rightwingers?

...now who's being unrealistic?

[Silent3]

64. Sorry, I'd need a breakdown for methods of gaining public awareness...

...for your comment to mean much of anything. Public awareness is pretty high already. Some of that awareness is negative, like the "rolling coal" assholes who are quite well aware of the issue of climate change, but think it's a conspiracy and would rather pollute more to "own the libs".

[Think. Again.]

73. Over 1766 people have viewed or engaged in this DU discussion alone (as of this writing)

[Silent3]

78. Yes, so?

That means absolutely nothing about whether gluing yourself to stadium seats and being a nuisance has a positive impact on advancing good policies to address climate change.

It's the assumption that all attention is good attention that's being questioned here, and the concern that it's not all good is driving a lot of the engagement in this discussion.

[Think. Again.]

82. The only intent of the action...

...was to gain public attention.

It worked really well.

That public attention will then lead to discussions (such as ours) in which people will hopefully discuss the topic of climate change and humanity's lack of action to deal with it.

That has worked really well too. Just now.

[Silent3]

86. You aren't helping prove your point this is beneficial

The people here on DU are already well aware of the issue, and getting us going so were all talking about whether this particular behavior helps the cause of positive climate change policy (with many thinking it doesn't) isn't causing any of us to enact new policies, buy electric cars, start up wind farms, or vote any more consistently than we already would anyway for pro-environmental candidates.

You're simply substituting the unfounded assumption that getting attention is an unalloyed good with the unfounded assumption that sparking conversation is an unalloyed good.

[Think. Again.]

96. The important topic of...

...CO2 emissions needs to be on the public radar to encourage meaningful action.

This protest has refreshed that position on the public radar.

Hopefully, meaningful action will begin someday and no one will have to do performance protests to keep people from forgetting to push for meaningful action.

[Silent3]

98. Proof by vigorous assertion, huh?

You haven’t proven this is beneficial, or even given a half way decent rationale to assume this particular form of protest isn’t counterproductive. Just repeating yourself about “radar” and “conversation”, then tacking on “hopefully” doesn’t cut it.

[Think. Again.]

102. Okay...

...maybe it won't work.

I am still deeply grateful to all the protesters, and everyone else, who are trying to bring about positive, strong action in our efforts to do whatever we can to decrease the harm we are causing to the younger generations by continuing to release CO2 into the atmosphere.

I am also grateful for all the naysayers of this particular protest who would prefer only more convenient types of attempts (that don't interfere with tennis game watching or get any paint on any random pieces of glass anywhere) be made to try and bring about positive, strong action in our efforts to do whatever we can to decrease the harm we are causing to the younger generations by continuing to release CO2 into the atmosphere.

[Silent3]

105. I don't award points just for good intentions

If the protests actually improve climate change outcomes, yay team.

If the protests are neutral in effect, but annoying, then they are just an annoyance.

If the protests are counterproductive and annoying, which you can't rule out, then good intentions don't save these people from being obnoxious assholes.

[Think. Again.]

107. I didn't realize you were the point-awarder.

Sorry to have annoyed you.

[Silent3]

111. Whether calling "point awarding" or not, you are clearly handing out favorable assessments...

...and praise for people simply making noise, without regard for actual effect, only intent.

[Think. Again.]

112. Yes... absolutely...

...I am extremely grateful to any and all who are willing to make any effort to increase the actions we are taking to reduce and eliminate CO2 emissions.

Absolutely, regardless of their success.

Their efforts and intent is more than enough for me to praise.

I am abundantly grateful to them.

Without a doubt.

[Silent3]

113. You shouldn't be so surprised, however, if other people care about effectiveness...

...and don't have warm feeling for people who might be doing more harm than good. Intent doesn't make that any better. You set the bar awfully low.

[flamingdem]

60. I agree and did participate in anti-Vietnam protests

In my town people laid down on the railroad tracks.

My father was part of shut down Washington DC where the protester were held for days after.

I learned that change followed from these kinds of expressions.

If no one shows intense passion, emotion, the powers that be ignore.

[AntivaxHunters]

100. In the words of MLK

"Silence is violence".

[jcgoldie]

24. Its a large platform and it drew attention to their cause

Looks like they achieved their goal. Pretty creative strategy I'd say, if they are just escorted out immediately for yelling then this isn't even a story. Loved Gauff's response:

“It was done in a peaceful way, so I can’t get too mad at it,” Gauff said. “Obviously I don’t want it to happen when I’m winning up 6-4 1-0, and I wanted the momentum to keep going.

“But hey, if that’s what they felt they needed to do to get their voices heard, I can’t really get upset at it.”

[Gruenemann]

25. Just wondering...

Were the glue and the compound used to dissolve it peteoleum-based?

[Think. Again.]

35. Excellent point!

There are many other ways we use our limited supply of petroleum and just burning it up in massive amounts for energy, when we have a multitude of alternative ways to generate energy, is a huge mistake even before thinking about the devastating waste products that emits!

[ProfessorGAC]

79. Almost Certainly

The epoxides, urethanes & acrylates in most glue originate as petrochemical compounds.
The solvent is only a maybe. Many glues are susceptible to dissolution in alcohols, and most of those common alcohols are plant based. (Ethanol from corn sugar, for instance.)
But, the glue; much more than likely. If it was muscilanginous glue, it doesn't require solvents. Those are weak adhesives. They could just pull their feet off the surface. A little effort, minimal to no skin damage.
So, to be effective

[LiberaBlueDem]

31. All you chicken democrats

All we need to do is elect republicans and they will pass laws outlawing climate change, and it will all be over and done with. And we can have more nuclear weapons after that, because that is what the world needs is more weapons, and republicans love weapons.


/sarcasm

[flamingdem]

36. One of them glued their shoes, I believe

I support them. Thanks to those who do something in this time to draw attention to our heartbreaking situation.

I'm glad it provoked anger. Anger is just about the only emotion that moves the needle.

Have some compassion for younger people who will see horrors within the next decades.

We need more than just Greta. She doesn't even get media attention now.

No one is doing much that will stop what's coming..

[ExWhoDoesntCare]

44. This is the wrong take. It's a stupid, childish stunt

That does absolutely bugger all to advance the cause.

[Think. Again.]

50. Your personal opinion...

...of what constitutes maturity is questionable.

[edisdead]

59. So is your reply.

[Think. Again.]

74. wow...

...you have now reverted to the classic...

"I know you are but what am I?"

[AntivaxHunters]

101. What do you want them to do?

Hand out cookies & hug everyone?
The flippin' planet is on fire for shit sakes!

[MissMillie]

45. I was watching

(which is a miracle in itself)

But the live reports was that bare feet were glued to the stadium floor.

If it had been their shoes, it wouldn't have taken 45 minutes to remove them--just have to remove the feet from the shoes.

[JustABozoOnThisBus]

51. I am in awe of the bravery ...

... of putting their bare feet on the floor in the stadium stands. You don't even need glue, with all the icky sticky stuff that's already there.

[ripcord]

65. One of them was complaining about being taken for a mental evalutation after this

[Think. Again.]

75. I know right?...

...they don't even take murderers for mental evaluations but apparently non-violent protests are once again taboo in America.

Remember when they just shot and killed the Kent State Protesters?

[flamingdem]

110. I remember. At the time we shut down the high school

What a crazy time.

My teacher knew one of the people involved.

Back then people did protest and turn things around