Thomas Gelfars
I recently had the fortune of visiting the Occupy Wall Street protests, and to be frank, I did not see what I had expected to see. Based on what I had read in the news and seen on TV, I assumed I was going to witness a radical protest, complete with pitchforks, burning bras, and stirring folk protest songs. Instead, I was greeted by a slightly more low-key demonstration, what I can best describe as a Marxist cocktail party: lots of people milling about in the tent-filled plaza, discussing the pressing topics of the day, primarily the vast economic difference between the richest 1% of Americans and the remaining 99% of the population. Other talking points included the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, corporate corruption and greed, the jobs crisis, and fracking (a controversial method of drilling for oil). Protestors, many donning Guy Fawkes masks both in honor of the 5th of November and to represent the internet activist group Anonymous, waved signs that stated their demands and beliefs. Others handed out pamphlets, sold pins, and doled out provisions to hungry demonstrators.
Every now and then a rallying call was made and the place would erupt in cheers, or a huge throng of protestors would march across the street, chanting and pounding drums. One of my favorite moments was when a large papier-mâché sculpture of Barack Obama was hoisted atop the shoulders of the marching. Despite these brief flashes of 60's-esque riveting protest, there was a general feeling of weariness, as many of the protestors have occupied the frigid park for over seven weeks.
While the occupation began in mid-September, planning for OWS began months earlier when on July 13, Canadian activist organization Adbusters made a post on their blog that proposed the demonstration, reading, “On Sept. 17, flood into lower Manhattan, set up tents, kitchens, peaceful barricades and occupy Wall Street.” Small demonstrations occurred on Wall Street, and groups convened to plan out the occupation. Finally, on September 17, approximately 1,000 people gathered, walking up and down Wall Street after the NYPD forbid them from setting up tents. Within a week, Zuccotti Park had been taken over by the protestors and renamed Liberty Plaza.
OWS has garnered support from people such as philosopher and linguist Noam Chomsky, filmmaker Michael Moore, and rappers Lupe Fiasco, Kanye West and Jay-Z. The Occupy movement has spread to over 900 cities across the globe, with thousands of people joining the fold. Although the demonstrations appear underwhelming at first glance, they are producing profound effects and have the strength to alter our country’s history, and maybe even the world’s. Having visited the protests, I highly recommend that anyone who is interested in current events, upset with our government, or just wants to have a good time, check out Occupy Wall Street. ¡Viva la revoluciên!