Life lessons from student protesters.

Photo byEliott ReynaonUnsplash

Love is not your friends, supporters, and followers' first agenda but what you have and can give. It's human nature. Here is why.

Last night, I had the opportunity to hear from a leader of the Columbia University protest. With his imposing stature and undeniable confidence, this young man had been the face of the movement for days.

Yet, when it came to the negotiation table, the people he had represented and fought for rejected him. It was a stark reminder of the paradox of representation in protests; for example, Peter denied Jesus.

I read a note on X explaining that most of the protesters in IVY Universities are students from poor backgrounds and children of immigrants.

Why do you think students from affluent backgrounds rarely join in any protests? Join the conversation below.

Photo byJoshua EarleonUnsplash

Reflection

Google, a company known for its progressive values, fired all employees who participated in a protest at their NY and CA offices. Why do you think this happened? What does it say about the relationship between protests and corporate culture?

I learned a negotiation lesson from Occupy Wall Street in NY a few years ago. I knew that protesters rarely get something remarkable out of protesting. It used to work before the emergence of the Internet.

The Internet makes protests challenging to produce a productive result. Still, it can negatively impact leaders and some of their followers.

Does that mean people should stop protesting? No, but have a plan to negotiate as quickly as possible - give and take.

Let's consider the fate of the leader of the Columbia University protesters.

When his supporters, followers, and professors return to class, they may choose to ignore him or make his life unbearable. The University may even decide to dismiss him from their campus, a common tactic to quell what they perceive as 'troublemakers.'

You see.

It is the harsh reality of the aftermath of a protest in a capitalist country.

Takeaways

If you have never been homeless, are new in your career, are not a powerful employer, or have zero dollars in a family trust.

Listen.

Homelessness is an absolute reality in New York. A few years ago, I had the privilege of working with a homeless shelter, and the experience was eye-opening.

It shattered the misconception that homelessness only affects a specific demographic. I met a doctor, a lawyer, and even a Wall Street banker who had fallen on hard times and found themselves without a home.

Being on the street or sharing a room with many people each night is terrible, and homelessness can ruin your life.

We live in a free country, and all citizens have the right to free speech and protection.

Know yourself, your family, and your community when making decisions. Who will be there for you when all the dust goes down?

Remember, people are attracted to what you represent, not who you are. Be wise.