<nettime> Compilation of MIC CHECK disruptions

[Snafu <snafu@thething.it>]

Dear nettimers,

it seems like the MIC CHECK, the ritualistic practice of amplifying a 
speaker's voice in public space through call and response, is now 
migrating from cities and squares to public (or semi-public) events held 
by the authorities in various venues. Basically, protesters bring with 
themselves a text and engage in call and response so as to overcome the 
amplified voice of authority. A very simple tactic, but quite effective, 
as you can see from the videos below.

The first powerful action that I know of was held at the Panel for 
Education Policy in New York on October 26:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YbmjMickJMA

Then Wisconsin governor Scott Walker (the union-buster) was mic-checked 
at the Chicago's Union League Club on November 3:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1oHRdiklTlU&feature=share

And yesterday Republican presidential candidate Michelle Bachmann was 
mic-checked by a group of students in Charleston, SC:

http://mountpleasant-sc.patch.com/articles/bachmann-talks-foreign-policy-at-yorktown#video-8403501

I can see this spreading so as to become one of the favorite forms of 
contestation of the Occupy Movement. It would be interesting to know 
whether someone is working on a social history of the Mic Check.

Enjoy,
Snafu


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