Informed, Empowered

Many of the young artists wanted to address the issue of military recruiting, and targeting youth in low-income areas. As a result of the No Child Left Behind Act, military recruiters have access to high-school students contact information, so not only are they being approached in their schools, but also within their own homes. Utilizing a visual style inspired by war-time propaganda posters from around the world, the mural portrays three strong young women in classic military poses, armed not with violent weapons but with tools of creation and education. Banners that read, We Are Not Government Issued, and Arm Yourself with the Knowledge to Think for Yourself stream along the wall.

Artists: Katie Yamasaki, Menshahat Ebron
Youth Artists: Elizabeth Maroney, Annie Wu, Sophia Dang, Erica Gil, Vivian Mah, Yan Yi Chen, Yasemin Kaynas, Min Ting Liu, Ashley Hollingshead, Teresa Tang, Elizabeth Yanes, Ebony Thurman
Volunteer: Nik Sonfield

More info at www.groundswellmural.org

Category:

Nonprofits & Activism

Tags:

• Women
• Military
• Recruitment
• groundswell
• community
• mural
• youth
• nyc
• brooklyn

[oblomov222]

@ToddBoyle Sure, it's possible. But it's not easy. Military strategists are right to note that the internet has created and strengthened a culture of narcissism. Robert Bly also notes the tendencies of our "sibling society." Peer pressure can be used to advance superficiality as much as militarism. Also, I think our society and it's values have always been geared toward the surface and trying to influence popular opinion that way. She's right to value empowerment and self-direction.

[Willwen]

No doubt that this video needs to be seen by many more people, both students and parents. Military recruiters aren't the major problem as much as it is militarism that has perverted our society and its values.

[wemissamerica]

Beautiful creative with an idealistic message. I would love to see more of this!

[ToddBoyle]

Elizabeth Maroney says "a lot of teenagers see the military as a way of creating some guidance or discipline in their lifestyle. But they can *DO THAT* outside the military" - HEAR HEAR!

[EugeneVet]

now this is a hope I can believe in!!!!

Bless these young artists!

[billypilgrim3000]

INSPIRING!