Occupy Philadelphia

The public voice has spoken. Confronting what they believe to be the cause of the downward economic slope that steepened in 2008 and has continued to plague our nation ever since. In mid July the Adbusters group released a civic summon for a peaceful occupation of lower Manhattan, beginning on the 17^th of September. The call was greeted with widespread support.

Teachers, college students, labor members, unemployed workers, and the other 99% are coming together at the intersection of Broad and Market Street to express their discontent and disgust for corporate America and politics. The gathering at City Hall is an extension of the current Wall Street protest.

Occupy Wall Street is a horizontally organized resistance movement employing the revolutionary Arab Spring tactic to restore democracy in America. The origin of the name transpires from the wave of Middle Eastern demonstrations beginning in December of 2010. The protests consist of civil resistance in sustained campaigns involving strikes, demonstrations, marches and rallies, with an emphasis on social media. The efforts behind Occupy Wall Street can be accessed through an array of different outlets. Countless images, forums, LiveStream, chats, Twitter, Facebook and Reddit are all enabling a wild fire-like spread of the protest.

Clearly stated on the website promoting this event is the mission statement claiming, “Our nation, our species and our world are in crisis. The US has an important role to play in the solution, but we can no longer afford to let corporate greed and corrupt politics set the policies if our nation.” The points of attack, although vague, are strong in the fact that they deeply resonate with a vast majority of frustrated citizens.

An undeniable energy permeates the atmosphere, whether an onlooker or active participant. The clusters of haphazard and colorful tents set against the intimidating backdrop of City Hall create a juxtaposition that borders on comical, yet comforting. Powerful signage and obvious camaraderie between activists almost gives the laidback air of a 1970’s hippy rally. Almost.

In a speech from October 9^th, Slavoj Zizek declares, “The only thing I’m afraid of is that we will someday just go home and then we will meet once a year, drinking beer, and nostalgically remember what a nice time we had here. Promise ourselves that this will not be the case. We know that people often desire something but do not really want it. Don’t be afraid to really want what you desire.”

Take a few minutes out of your shopping trip on Walnut and venture over two streets to see for yourself.