I have met many college students who have voiced strong opinions on why they partake in the nation-wide Occupy movement. On the contrary, I have met many who are not certain what the aim of the movement is. The movement is without leadership, and many people go for varying reasons, whether it is the increasing cost of college tuition, the impact of corporations on our government, or the atrocious actions made by several banking institutions.
The occupy movement began in Liberty Square of Manhattan’s financial district on September 17th, 2011. The occupy movement, according to Occupywallst.org, was inspired by the uprisings in Egypt and Tunisia, whose presidents were forced out after several years of holding office. The movement has spread throughout cities in the United States and across the world. The goal of Occupy Wall Street, as stated on their website, is to fight “against the corrosive power of major banks and multinational corporations over the democratic process, and the role of Wall Street in creating an economic collapse that has caused the greatest recession in generations.” The movement is fighting against the unfair power the wealthiest 1% of the population hold over the global economy. The rallying cry of the movement, “we are the 99%” represents the majority of people who have been affected by the actions of our government and banking institutions.
Chicago’s own occupy movement has been growing steadily, occupying the Federal Reserve Bank at 140 W Jackson Blvd. The movement takes place 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and is dedicated to maintaining non-violent protests. In large, the whole movement is meant to be a non-violent means to voice public concerns. Though, some protests turned ugly, such as the incident in Oakland where an ex-Iraq veteran was struck in the head by a tear gas canister thrown by police. So far, protests held in Chicago have been peaceful.
Everyone’s reasons for protesting are different, but the one uniting cause of the whole movement is the belief that things need to change. If you have a desire to learn more, visit Occupychi.org. Their website posts upcoming protests, as well as further developments in the movement. Going to one of the protests is also a great way to learn more about the movement, and what it means to those who protest.
Sources: Occupywallst.org
Occupychi.org