Protesters 'occupying' the world
This past Saturday I was in downtown Gainesville for my roomate’s 21st birthday dinner when I saw quite a few people camped out for the night with “Occupy Gainesville” signs. What truly caught my eye was what they were wearing; V for Vendetta masks!
Photo of a ‘V for Vendetta’ mask
The reason the masks caught my eye is because of what they represent. The film and novel they originate from are dystopian in nature. It is a symbol of rebelling against oppressive government. A strong, albeit humorously displayed message in short.
What began September 17th on Wall Street as a small group of protesters has now grown to a full-blown organized movement. It has lasted over three weeks now and spread to places like Gainesville, FL and even cities as far as London and Hong Kong.
The goal of the protesters is to express dissatisfaction with companies and government especially in regards to jobs and money spent on bailouts. People who cannot join protesters but support the movement help by providing food and blankets, labor unions support by backing the message.
(Here is a full feature on Occupy Wall Street)
But what exactly is the call for action? The movement has taken off due in part to the efforts of social media and has brought attention to the attitudes of the public at large. While it is cohesive in spirit it has failed, as of yet, to make specific demands in regards to policy.
I think it will be interesting to see what comes out of this. In essence these protesters are living, breathing “letters to the editor,” or in this case executives, of governments and corporations worldwide.
How do you feel about the protests? Can they accomplish anything?
For fun I have included a link to the funniest signs seen at the ‘Occupy’ protests.
Occupy Gainesville Tomorrow
Huxley here, wanting to tell you quickly about Occupy Gainesville.
They will be meeting Tomorrow, Wednesday October 12th, in front of the Bank of America on West University at 3pm before marching to Bo Diddley and City Hall.
They also meet every night at Bo Diddley as a General Assembly, which anyone may attend.
If you would like to know more, you can find them on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/occupygainesville
Dr. Cornell West at Occupy Tallahassee
Audio from Occupy Tallahassee of Dr. Cornel West. Join Us this Friday 1-20-12 @1pm for Occupy the Courts Rally with Dr. Cornel West @ Bo Diddley Plaza. Facebook Event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/309770789063074/ -k
Coca Cola Rock n' Roll
Here’s a song from one of our albums in 2010 called YOURS TRULY. The song is called “Coca Cola Rock N’ Roll” and was written out of frustration as we had just welcomed our son into the world, were living in a slum, and had hardly any money to feed ourselves.
Our life is better now, although it’s still not easy, but we are grateful for what we have.
I’m posting this song because I feel like it’s relevant to the Occupy Wallstreet/etc movements.
We’re a financially broken, lost, and hopeless generation and we’re fucking tired of it. I can’t be a part of the protests because I need to be here for my son, but I hope to help preserve and push this movement through art and music.
For those calling the Occupy movements a “fad”, “trend”, or “phase” you are the ones I worry for most.
And for those calling this a “socialist” or “communist” movement, go read a fucking book already.
Occupy Gainesville
ocala.comIf you want to participate in occupy wall street, but, like me, you don’t have any money to go to New York, occupy gainesville will be taking place on wednesday, october 12.
