Call Me Back - with Dan Senor Bonus Episode: Diary from Columbia’s ‘Liberated Zone’ - with Michael Powell
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Apr 30, 2024 Journalist Michael Powell discusses his experience covering the encampment movement at Columbia University, exploring challenges faced by students, media engagement strategies, conflicting perspectives on Israel and Zionism, and post-event divides within the campus community.
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On-the-Ground Visit To Columbia
- Michael Powell visited Columbia and described distinct inside/outside protest dynamics and a gated encampment with coordinated messaging.
- He was escorted by a designated press person and was required to follow community guidelines while reporting inside.
Coordination Between Inside And Outside Protesters
- Powell observed a porous relationship between outside non-student protesters and inside student organizers, with shared chants and supplies.
- He saw coordinated interactions through the gate that blurred lines between inside and outside groups.
Encampment Turned Into A Micro-Community
- The encampment rapidly became a full micro-community with speeches, performances, and organized identity-based tent groupings.
- Powell likened it to "intifada meets Woodstock," highlighting its mix of political fervor and festival-like culture.