Local Bartender, Guerrilla Activist, Anarchist, Tony the Tiger Mascot
By Julie Fishkin
Our neighborhood has earned a serious reputation for its nonchalance toward all things socially engaged in exchange for all things primordially cool. Perhaps there is some truth to the accusations of indifference - but certainly not across the board of our eclectic cultural terrain.
In fact, one inveterate local bets to challenge any "hipster" label thrown his way, despite his fitting all the required, stereotypical criteria. John Watterberg does, indeed, play guitar in a band and works nights as a bartender. But he is also an engaged social activist whose brave deeds have earned him many accolades in activist circles, as well as many nights in jail.
His most recent feats include hanging a 50- by 40-ft banner in Chicago from the Chicago Board of Trade Building, charging Big Agra companies with illegal rain forest clearing to grow soy; hanging a banner charging Toyota with greenwash marketing at the International Auto Show at New York's Javitz Convention Center; climbing a 750-ft coal plant to hang a 27,500-sq-ft banner opposing the Bush administration's energy plan - the largest banner in Green Peace USA history - in Uniontown, Pa., and many other audacious endeavors.
I spoke with John over the phone while he was undergoing technically complicated preparations for his latest protest in North Carolina, where he climbed a bridge to suspend a giant sign against Bank of America's corporate machinations.
Besides being an impressive climber whose list of valorous stunts seems to know no boundaries, John is a shaggy haired dude whose casual and unassuming presence, quick wit, and huge repertoire of great music are perfect for the long nights I've spent at his bar. I quickly learned that some Williamsburg kids are actually more than just bartenders when John handed me what looked like a parking ticket but was really a deftly designed "violation for gas-guzzling SUVs." John and I spoke about his work as an activist who remains a distinct local within the community, pouring drinks while doing his part to engender some serious change.
Block: I know that you protest on behalf of an organization you currently support with all your might, called the Rain forest Action Network. Can you tell me how you got involved, why and what you do for them?
JW: First of all, I'm not a spokesperson or a daredevil; I'm actually a full supporter and member of an international group of crazy-ass people who do this kind of work much more frequently than I do. I'm more of a sleeper cell who comes through whenever they need someone to work around a crazy schedule. They need people who are qualified rock climbers, typically savvy when it comes to climbing techniques for these specific types of action. When they need someone to put their life upon the line, what they will do is put out their feelers, and start this campaign and anyone is more than welcome to express their support in whatever ways they feel appropriate.
Block: You express your support by risking your life?
JW: For those of us who are inclined to do more than write a letter or send and email, we get together, independently of the organization, and work out ways in which we can show support in a really compelling and publicly visual context.
Block: Tell me more about the organization and what they do.
JW: Ran.org, or the Rain Forest Action Network, is one of the more recent environmental groups that, rather than work with policy or lobby Congress, are devoted specifically to action to help the worlds' rain forests. The rain forest, because it is the lungs of the planet, by extension enters into every other realm of environmental protection.
Block: You're a local spokesperson for a global organization working with a network of people who are actively participating in fomenting effective results, more than just initiating petitions. Would you say there is an entire network of people in our neighborhood doing the same things you are?
JW: Absolutely, there is a huge network. For those who are inclined to do more than pay lip service, there are huge networks for willing, able and like-minded people. There is constant coordination of demonstrations, direct action, ties to the media. There are always ways to get involved with groups locally.
Block: What's the craziest thing you've ever done in the name of change?
JW: It depends on how you define crazy. I did a free climb of the Javitz Center in April. We climbed up the building, we held a banner, we were locked down, we got arrested. I did a full-on Tony the Tiger mascot, dancing around in front of herds of people; I've dressed as a caribou and paraded through mid town; I've jumped around in animal pants and got arrested for that; I've worked with people who were coordinating the underground call center to protest the RNC. These are people from all different groups who came together and set up a safe house somewhere in Manhattan. Through cell phones, text messages, instant messages and people hidden in the crowds, we were able to confuse the NYPD and guide crowds of thousands of people to pull crazy maneuvers to avoid cops avenues away. The cops could not figure out how those people were moving in tandem to specifically avoid their barricades. We had a secret communication outpost established by people all over the country so the people in the crowd didn't even realize why they were being moved, why there were people with ear buds in their ears announcing the oncoming of cops.
Block: Would you consider Williamsburg a place where people do, in fact, care? We can't deny that our hood is often pegged as a disaffected and aloof one where the proliferation of "cool" overshadows substantial social and political concerns.
JW: I don't know if it's so much that people don't give a shit, as they are simply buried in their interests. They are extremely stratified and connected to their own niche. I wouldn't call it an overly political neighborhood, no.
Block: Certainly it is not known for its history of political action the way, say, Berkeley once was.
JW: Though it is very hard to find people willing to get their feet wet for any specific cause, I do see Williamsburg as an oasis for it just for its exchange of ideas, and that's one of the biggest luxuries we can enjoy in this country that's totally free. It's a place you can be a radical anarchist or a natural, organic hippy, or a completely apathetic artist or any combination of the -isms and ifs. You can openly and freely facilitate the wide spectrum of networks and groups. People may not all be on the same page in our neighborhood, but you do have platforms for discussions and debates. It's definitely earned its reputation because it's hard to crack through the superficial shell.
Block: Yet, beneath the facade of apathy, you do find networks of people, like yourself, who work until 4 a.m. several nights a week to concoct plans of action just to ameliorate the status quo one little bit at a time. That's a good sign.
JW: I don't have organizing skills, I'm not a responsible task master but I show up and do what I can. If I need to be in a reindeer outfit in front of a Bank of America building, I will be there.
Block: Your ability to make the best margarita in town lends itself well to being a daredevil?
JW: I feel like I do my part in fostering the spirit of free discussion at the bar. I lubricate discussions with my grade-A margaritas but then I jump in and do whatever I can.
