Occupied. Now What?
Today marks the one-month anniversary of the launch of the Occupy Wall Street protests. Among other concerns, the unifying issues are social and economic inequality, corporate greed, and the convoluted relationship of corporate money, lobbyists, and the government. Although the protests have been largely dismissed by conservative media as extremist and even anti-American, these demonstrations have expanded to 70 major cities and over 600 communities.
Which begs the question, why is it so easy to be dismissive of this “movement”? The quick answer is the lack of leadership, the lack of credibility, and the lack of a coherent message and strategy. A perfect example of these facts is the raw video I shot of the Occupy SF participants last Friday.
Certainly we can appreciate the passion, but is yelling, “F*** the Ferraris” going to resonate and add to your ranks? Is posting 20 different signs with completely different messages going to connect with the target audience that can actually help make a difference? Is standing shirtless on the side of the street going to get you a seat at the table? Clearly rhetorical questions, but the barriers are easily highlighted.
So, should we just dismiss all of the “Occupy” protests? Of course not. Not until we’ve taken the time to understand what they’re truly after. I’ll defer to outlets that do a far better job of outlining the Occupy mission (LA Times, Business Insider) and proponent web sites that articulate a more succinct message (We Are the 99 Percent, Occupy Together) to help with that.
And while I understand how easy it is to dismiss Occupy Wall Street and each of the other Occupy protests around the world, the movement is worth a little research, since they might actually be fighting for something we support.
Well said. But what your fans really want to know is this … what is your position on the Occupy Herbstreit movement?
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/15/occupy-herbstriet-gameday-wall-street-zuccotti_n_1011462.html
Not to mention the Harbaugh vs. Schwartz donnybrook?
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/17/jim-harbaugh-jim-schwartz-fight_n_1016190.html (good video links too)
Much good sustenance for contemplation (a.k.a. food for thought) as the National Hustle resumes weekly (or possibly even more frequent) publication.
Epic.
Juvenile.
Don’t hold your breath.
Thanks for the participation, @PhillyKeys! Btw, SoCo passed the LA Times link on to me, so you know it’s good!
OWNED!
Totally agree! What is the purpose, shouldn’t this be Occupy DC? Are we fed up with Wall Street? Seems like a very confused movement. They are all pationate about something, but not sure they all agree on the true movement or key issue.
Thought this was what sums it for me:
“‘Don’t blame Wall Street,’” Cooper quoted Cain as having said. “‘Don’t blame the big banks. If you don’t have a job or you’re not rich, blame yourself.’ That was two weeks ago. The movement has grown. Do you still say that?”
“Yes I do still say that, and here’s why,” Cain replied. “I still stand by my statement, and here’s why. They might be frustrated with Wall Street and the bankers, but they’re directing their anger at the wrong place. Wall Street didn’t put in failed economic policies. Wall Street didn’t spend a trillion dollars that didn’t do any good. Wall Street isn’t going around the country trying to sell another $450 billion. They ought to be over in front of the White House, taking out their frustrations.”
Read more: http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/313035#ixzz1bGYtzdsI
Reheat the Occu-pie.
Last friday, thousands of fed up americans returned to the scene of the corporate crime … or at least a few buildings that might have had the name of those corporations on the ouside. After a few month hiatus this group could only comeback bigger and stronger and more organized, right? If you’re idea of more organized is separate factions splintering off to protest different companies for different reasons, then sure … and if you’re idea of how to best protest these companies is to rally a marching band and mega phone to do a two hour rendition of “na na na naaa, na na na naaa, hey heyyy, goodbyeeee” then i’ll go out on a limb and assume you were one of the people out in the streets “making a difference”. You sure taught those companies a lesson! they’ll take a look over their sholder next time they record a multi-billion dollar profit. You may just threaten to remove your money from their grasps, which would be almost enough collectively to not round to zero. You know who the Occupy Movements really hurt? the local businesses. the restaurants and shops that rely on the lunch crowds to pay the high rents in these big cities. The shops that depend upon tourists to stop in and buy their products. How do you think they fared while a bunch of unorganized hacks dressed like monsters ball paraded through downtown warning people of a revolution. Revolution? Doubtful. But here’s a revelation. You may have a message somewhere in the misinformed mob that appears to be protesting just to make a scene rather than accomplish anything, but until you actually get organized, you will be laughed at by those you oppose and shunned by those you should be recruiting. If a revolution is what you want then put an end to the circus, it’s only hurting those you say you are trying to protect … unless you stopped in for a few thousand $15 sandwhiches last week.