The Moth Podcast Episode Summary: "Liz Tuccillo: Unpopular In Jail"
Episode Details:
- Title: Liz Tuccillo: Unpopular In Jail
- Host/Author: The Moth
- Release Date: March 14, 2011
Introduction
In this episode of The Moth, Liz Tuccillo shares a poignant and candid story about her intentional act of civil disobedience during the 2004 Republican National Convention. As a seasoned writer and activist, Tuccillo provides deep insights into her motivations, experiences during incarceration, and the personal transformations that ensued.
Motivation for Protest
Liz Tuccillo begins by explaining her reasons for deciding to get arrested as a form of protest against the Iraq War and the Republican party's actions.
“I decided that I was going to get arrested in protest... the Iraq war kind of really broke my heart in a lot of ways.” [02:10]
She highlights her longstanding commitment to activism, mentioning her previous non-violent protests in the 1970s and her participation in pro-choice marches over the decades.
“I never broke a law. I never got arrested. I pride myself on being a law-abiding citizen.” [02:45]
Preparation and Arrest
Determined to ensure her arrest was both mature and responsible, Tuccillo collaborates with the War Resisters League, which provides her with guidelines on non-violent protest.
“I wanted to get arrested as maturely and responsibly as a person could get arrested.” [03:10]
On the night of the protest, she joins a group of like-minded individuals, laying down in the streets of New York to disrupt traffic, which ultimately leads to her arrest.
“I laid down in the middle of the street of 26th and Broadway with these lovely people and I got arrested, stopped traffic.” [03:35]
Experience in Jail
Tuccillo recounts her first-hand experience in Pier 57, a makeshift holding facility. She describes the environment as isolating and unwelcoming, especially noting the lack of peers in her demographic.
“I started feeling kind of lonely immediately.” [05:20]
She observes the unchanged "protester aesthetic" from past decades, noting the tension between protesters and law enforcement.
“The young women were calling the cops pigs... there was no reason why we can't be cordial.” [06:05]
The conditions in jail are harsh, with limited amenities and a division between genders that exacerbates feelings of isolation.
“I was in the middle of the room and for hours and hours... I refused to lie down because there was soot covering the entire floor.” [07:50]
Building Tensions and Leadership
As the night progresses, Tuccillo notices emerging leaders among the detainees, which heightens her sense of disconnect and envy.
“I realized I was jealous. I was really jealous. I was so not popular in jail.” [10:15]
Her frustration leads to belligerent behavior, marking a significant shift from her usual composed demeanor.
“If you don't like me, I like you less, fuckers.” [11:05]
Legal Struggles and Riot
Despite initial hopes that her legal team would secure her release, bureaucratic resistance prolongs her incarceration. This triggers a collective sense of injustice among the detainees, culminating in a riot.
“We started to riot... this is illegal. Let us go.” [12:30]
The riot ultimately leads to the end of the Republican convention, allowing Tuccillo and others to be released shortly after.
Reflections and Aftermath
Post-release, Tuccillo reflects on the shared experience and the varied reactions among the former detainees. She expresses a newfound understanding of the resilience and dedication of her fellow protesters.
“It made me see that... these people are the ones that are willing to be arrested.” [13:00]
She acknowledges the personal impact of the experience, contemplating future activism and the complexities of civil disobedience.
“In my humble case, crime actually did pay.” [13:20]
Conclusion
Liz Tuccillo's story is a compelling exploration of activism, personal conviction, and the often challenging dynamics within protest movements. Her narrative underscores the emotional and psychological toll of civil disobedience, while also highlighting moments of solidarity and self-discovery. Through her honest and introspective account, listeners are invited to reflect on the nature of protest and the human experiences that underpin societal change.
Notable Quotes:
- “I wanted to get arrested as maturely and responsibly as a person could get arrested.” — Liz Tuccillo [03:10]
- “If you don't like me, I like you less, fuckers.” — Liz Tuccillo [11:05]
- “In my humble case, crime actually did pay.” — Liz Tuccillo [13:20]
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