Joanna Smith on "Conspiring Against the United States" with Fingerpaint
Oct 3, 2023
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Joanna Smith, activist who vandalized a Degas statue, discusses her arrest for protesting the climate crisis and the unexpected felony charges she faced. The podcast explores the criminalization of protests and highlights the admirable commitment and sacrifices of activists. It also delves into the importance of recognizing activists as normal people with reasonable concerns. Additionally, the episode touches on shifting capital towards a carbon-free future, protest actions, media coverage, and the speaker's personal circumstances that allow them to advocate for change.
Joanna Smith and Tim Martin were unexpectedly charged with conspiracy against the United States government as a consequence of their protest, revealing the government's attempt to discourage activism and dissent.
The media's focus on the disruption caused by activism instead of the motivations behind it, along with the demonization of activists through disinformation campaigns, hinders the necessary coverage and dialogue around the climate crisis.
Deep dives
Activism and Climate Awareness
Joanna Smith, a professional citizen and activist, discusses her dedication to activism and her awareness of climate issues from a young age. She shares her experience of being arrested at the National Gallery in Washington, D.C. alongside fellow activist Tim Martin. The protest aimed to raise awareness about the need for President Biden to declare a climate crisis state of emergency. Joanna highlights the fear she has for her children's future in an increasingly dangerous world due to climate change. She emphasizes the importance of taking risks and fighting for the greater good.
Criminalization of Protest
The consequences of Joanna Smith and Tim Martin's protest are discussed, as they were unexpectedly charged with conspiracy against the United States. The charges carry potential severe penalties, including a 10-year jail sentence and a half-million-dollar fine. Joanna reflects on her shock and disbelief at the charges and expresses her perception of the government's fear of the message they conveyed during the protest. The use of felony charges highlights the government's attempt to discourage activism and dissent.
Challenges and Backlash
The challenges faced by activists like Joanna Smith and the media's portrayal of activism are examined. Joanna highlights the media's tendency to focus on the disruption caused by activism rather than the motivations behind it. She discusses the need for coverage and dialogue around the climate crisis, which is often overshadowed or neglected by mainstream media outlets. The impact of disinformation campaigns and the demonization of activists are also discussed.
Personal Experience and Family Support
Joanna shares her personal background and experiences as an activist. She discusses her involvement in various grassroots movements, lobbying efforts, and protests. Joanna describes her shift in focus towards climate activism and her role in raising awareness about the urgency of addressing climate change. She acknowledges the support and concerns of her children, who understand the issues at hand and stand behind her actions.
In April 2023, Joanna Oltman Smith walked into the National Gallery in Washington, D.C. with fellow activist Tim Martin, and smeared water-soluble kids' finger paint on the glass display case containing a Degas statue called "Little Dancer." The two read off a statement about the importance of protecting actual, living children as well as we do sculptures of them. Smith and Martin figured they would be charged with vandalism, but each is now facing two felony charges, including one of "conspiring against the United States government." As we covered last month, one thing that makes it easy to criminalize protest is the steady hum of content that paints climate activists as fringe weirdos or out-of-touch elitists. We think it's important to meet these people and bring their stories and voices to you directly.