A Bad Way to Protest

In the bustling streets of big cities, pedestrians have grown accustomed to the convenience of crosswalks equipped with little buttons that can be pressed to request a light change. But these advanced intersections also boast an additional safety feature – speakers that announce which direction is safe to cross, specifically designed for the benefit of blind individuals.

Even in smaller towns like Morris, where I recently had the chance to visit and marvel at their innovative technology, one intersection stands out: 4th and Atlantic. It's a testament to the progress made in accessibility and the dedication of advocates who have fought tirelessly for decades to ensure that our communities are more inclusive.

However, on April 12, 2025, a shocking story emerged on Palo Alto's online news site, highlighting a disturbing trend. According to reports, nefarious individuals had managed to hack into the audible pedestrian signals at various intersections across downtown Palo Alto, broadcasting hateful and inflammatory messages that targeted specific groups.

The article revealed that the hacked messages, which included anti-Semitic language and transphobic slurs, were being broadcast over the city's accessible signals. The Palo Alto Online story stated that 12 downtown intersections were impacted, and city employees had subsequently disabled the voice announcement feature on the crosswalks until repairs could be made.

But what's striking about this story is the glaring hole in it – the lack of context about the purpose behind these accessible signals. The fact is that these speakers were designed to provide a vital service for the blind community, who have long advocated for greater accessibility and inclusivity.

As I read through the reporting on this incident, I couldn't help but feel a sense of shame and disappointment. The messaging in question sounds uncannily like something a left-wing extremist might spew – it's insensitive, hurtful, and entirely out of line with the values of inclusivity and respect that our communities should strive for.

Protest is an important right, but there are better ways to exercise it than by using hateful and divisive language. We must hold ourselves to a higher standard, even when faced with uncomfortable or provocative situations. The blind community deserves better, and so do the rest of us.

In this case, instead of exploiting accessible technology for personal gain, we should be working together to create a more just and equitable society – one that values diversity, respect, and inclusivity above all else.