Arts & Culture

Turkish Students Raise Funds in Klarman Hall, Dozens Walk on Unconcerned: The Performative Activism Issue

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Following the devastating earthquake in Turkey and Syria, the Turkish Student Association students set up a table in Klarman Hall to inform passersby of the incident and collect donations on behalf of the victims. As of Tuesday morning, the death toll in Turkey has risen to almost 36,000, with many injured and still trapped under the rubble. Combined with Syria, the death toll has reached more than 41,000. And yet, Cornell students walked on, disinterested. Friends of Turkish students waved and continued on their merry way. But of course, the Instagram posts detailing the catastrophe and calling for donations received empathetic messages and sincere concerns. 

As the clock hit 5 p.m., a business fraternity set up a banner next to the TSA table.