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By: Don Driggers
In a curious twist of fate, a young woman’s unexpected endorsement of North Korea’s purported solidarity with Palestinians during an anti-Israel protest at New York University (NYU) has stirred a whirlwind of controversy. The incident, captured in a viral clip shared across social media platforms, has not only thrust the individual into the spotlight but has also reignited debates about the boundaries of activism and the perils of ideological extremism on college campuses.
The NY Post, pointed this one out in a recent article
In the widely circulated footage, the unidentified woman, reportedly a student, passionately extols North Korea’s purported support for the Palestinian cause during what appears to be a “teach-in” session at the protest. Her remarks, laden with fervor and conviction, highlight the regime’s alleged backing of Palestinian resistance efforts, juxtaposed against the backdrop of its longstanding dictatorship under the rule of Kim Jong-Un.
The video, viewed over 2 million times and counting, swiftly sparked a torrent of criticism and condemnation. Many were quick to denounce the woman’s assertions as “deranged” and “deluded,” questioning the rationale behind glorifying a regime notorious for its repressive policies and egregious human rights abuses.
Among the chorus of disapproval was GOP Queens Councilwoman Vickie Paladino, who took to Twitter to express her incredulity. “Any educational institution that produces this kind of deranged thinking should be completely dismantled. These are not the good guys,” she declared, echoing the sentiments of many who found the woman’s remarks deeply troubling.
Tina Forte, a Republican candidate for New York’s 14th Congressional District, chimed in with a pointed jab, suggesting that supporters of Hamas, the Palestinian militant group, should experience life in North Korea firsthand. Her sarcastic hashtag, “#EnjoyNorthKorea,” underscored the absurdity of the woman’s praise for a regime diametrically opposed to the values of freedom and democracy.
The backlash against the woman’s comments reverberated far beyond the confines of social media, drawing attention from prominent personalities and commentators. Piers Morgan, known for his unfiltered opinions, minced no words in his assessment, bluntly labeling the woman’s statements as “dumb” and “deluded.” Meanwhile, veteran journalist Andrew Neil seized upon the irony of Hamas finding an ally in one of the world’s most repressive regimes, highlighting the absurdity of the situation.
As the controversy unfolded, questions arose about the broader implications of the woman’s remarks and the prevalence of radical ideologies on college campuses. The incident served as a sobering reminder of the dangers of unchecked extremism and the importance of critical thinking in navigating complex geopolitical issues.
Despite efforts to solicit a response from NYU regarding the incident, the university has remained tight-lipped thus far, leaving many to speculate about the institution’s stance on the matter. As the fallout from the incident continues to reverberate, it serves as a cautionary tale about the power of words and the need for vigilance against the insidious influence of extremist ideologies in educational settings.
