There is much speculation coming from the main stream media about Occupy Wall Street. They seem to be constantly searching for a concrete demand in the movement that they can criticize, or maybe a charismatic leader whose personal history they can rifle through to discredit the occupation. In general, they seem flumoxed by the equality and anti-hierarchical organization of the movement (oh, if only they could find a nice talking head to interview). Luckily, the media's efforts to coopt and fit occupy wallstreet into a convenient box in the dominant political discourse have been largely unseccussful. This is not to say that their haven't been attempts to discredit the protests. The initial Wall Street Journal Article on Occupy Wall Street called the three to five thousand protesters who flocked to wall street on september 17th a crowd of "hundreds", while media companies not owned by Rupert Murdoch have merely stuck to to accusations of vagueness concerning the movements demands and the usual "lazy hippies" line of criticism.
Of course, it would be unthinkable for the media powers-that-be to actually take the time to read Occupy Wall Street's characterization of itself. Indeed, I think that quite a few people haven't taken the time to go on the NYC General Assembly's website and read the comprehensive document prepared by the Occupy Wall Street Outreach Committee. So, in order to help this document reach as many people as possible, I have copied the pamhplet into this blog:
Occupy Wall St.
Frequently Asked Questions – 10.3.11
These FAQs can help you as you speak with members of the public at the street level, through the press, or during organizing meetings. None of the below constitute demands. They are merely guidelines for ways to approach commonly asked questions about Occupied Wall Street.
What is Occupy Wall Street?
Occupy Wall Street is an otherwise unaffiliated group of concerned citizens like you and me, com together around one organizing principle: We will not remain passive as formerly democratic institutions become the means of enforcing the will of only 1-2% of the population who control the magnitude of American wealth. Occupy Wall Street is an exercise in Direct Democracy. Since we can no longer trust our elected representatives to represent us rather than their large donors, we are creating a microcosm of what democracy really looks like. We do this to inspire one another to speak up. It is a reminder to our representatives and the moneyed interests that direct them: we the people still know our power. We feel we can no longer make our voices heard as we watch our votes for change usher in the same old power structure time and time again. This is the simplest, most effective democratic exercise we have left to employ, and we all must participate in order to be heard. Let the powers that be know – by physically joining in and occupying space in Liberty Plaza.
What do you want: what are you protesting for/against?
We want what everybody wants: the ability to have a home, to make a livelihood, to have a family or a community, to live free. We all want economic and social justice. Thus, we are protesting for the rights of the 99% – for our most basic rights as citizens, to convene, to express ourselves, and to be heard. We are unified by our sense of economic injustice, as a result of both our domestic, and foreign, policy.
Who is involved? From which communities and organizations do we come?
A diverse group of communities and organizations from a surprisingly wide political spectrum have come together around Occupy Wall Street. We are a group of autonomous individuals with no leader. Many – if not most – of us are unaffiliated with any particular group; we have come together as concerned individuals who want our collective voice heard. However, there is involvement by unions, student groups, and existing social justice organizations. More of them join us every day.
Finally, but crucially: This movement is comprised of thousands of people who have committed themselves to nonviolence. The one thing the powers that be understand and employ incredibly effectively around the world is the power of violence. We aim to offer a different model: a model of nonviolent direct democracy.
How long do people intend to stay at the plaza?
We will stay until change happens! Until broad swaths of the American population realize that it is we, the 99% alone that can reclaim society from the domination of the 1%. Democracy has never been a spectator sport, and Americans have an obligation, particularly if we claim to love our country, to build serious and meaningful change from the bottom up.
How do you work?
We engage in horizontal democracy. This means that we are a leaderless movement, in which every voice is equal and autonomous action is encouraged. This also means we cannot be easily defined by outside observers, and it also means that we cannot be easily hijacked by outside forces. We try as much as wecan to gain consensus because we believe everyone’s experience is equally valid, every voice and opinion should be heard, and none more than any other. In order to assure that all voices are heard and to facilitate
better communication in a non-hierarchical meeting, we commit to engaging in “meeting process”. It is inherently slow, requiring patience, which makes concensus very empowering. Liberty Plaza provides an inspiring space for people to meet one another, discuss and organize.
Why don’t you have demands yet?
This movement is unique in that, rather than a bunch of organizers deciding on demands a year before the protest date, the premise of this protest is that hundreds or thousands of people should show up and say their piece and add their demands during meetings held each night after the protests. At the meetings (called “General Assembly”), the demands are being worked out in a horizontal, transparent, and democratic way, rather than top-down, i.e. from people behind the scenes.
How many arrests have happened? Are people still being held? And where?
As of 10.3.11 at least 800 people have been arrested, none have been charged with committing any violent act.
What are the risks of joining the occupation?
Judging by how things have gone so far, it is unlikely that you will get arrested. If you are unwilling to be arrested, or feel you can’t because you are not a U.S. citizen, or are a minor, there are ways to protect yourself from arrest, most importantly remaining non-violent. Check www.nycga.cc for legal information and advice on these topics.
Are you guys like the Tea Party?
No! Many Tea Party politicians have consciously circumvented the best and most finely hued of safeguards enshrined in our democratic process. The Tea Party hearkens back to the Revolutionary War era, however what they call for is not revolution, but to go back in time. At best, the Tea Party ignores the lessons of history about taxation, workers’ rights, unions, and deregulation. But when they speak of the time of the Founding Fathers, they often mean the time before the end of slavery, before the worker’s rights movement, before the women’s movement, before the civil rights era, and before the environmental
movement. So this goes relates to the question: Why do we seem to have not just one, but many demands? Precisely because we are a movement descended from each and every one of these movements: The abolitionist movement, the workers’ rights movement, the women’s movement, the civil rights movement, the feminist and queer liberation movements, the environmental movement.
General Info:
Where is Liberty Plaza?
Broadway at Liberty Street near Ground Zero.
When are things happening?
All the time! But check out General Assembly at 1 and 6 PM
What can I expect when I get down there?
Something you’ve never experienced before in this way – a real democratic space. Even if you are not sure you are on-board, come check it out.
Who should I talk to if I want to get involved with a committee or subgroup?
Come to the welcome table, run by the Outreach Working Group. There you can sign up to join a Working Group or one of its subgroups, or create a new Thematic group. If you can’t come in person, there are many other ways to show support. Answers to questions of current needs and assistance can be found on the websites currently broadcasting from
Liberty Place: www.occupywallst.org and
www.nycga.com