In the growing frustration over how to fix our economy, the #occupyWallStreet movement has taken the media by storm. Protestors, most of them around our age, are taking to the streets around the country to protest the Wall Street crooks who have used their legislative wit to take control of our economy and gamble away our futures.
A lot has been written and published about the movement, citing the risky bankers, the failures of our government, the political party fallout, etc. But not much has been written about the protestors. I mean the people standing out day and night with signs and banners. Who are these people? We know what they are fighting for, but why them? Why not jobless autoworkers, or the laid off trash men, or the failing restaurant owners?
These protestors are us, the youth. The recent graduates who have worked and toiled for nearly two decades to finally enter the real world. The ones who studied for the ACTs, spent thousands of dollars in tuition, took the CPA, GMAT, and LSAT, and come into a world with NO JOBS. We are the ones protesting, and it’s important that we stand up and fight for the problems that exist, because if we don’t, we are doomed.
This article I am posting is an op-ed from Al-Jazeera that directly discusses the failures of our past, and why we as the bright young future need to take to the streets and fix the issue. It cites the political follies, the banking breakdowns, and the historical developments that have led to the economic failures we are witnessing today.
But it also cites hope, progress, and potential by pointing out the flaws. We can learn from our mistakes, but it will require intellect and patience. The older generations have failed to accept the changes in society as reality. As the future, it is our duty to no longer ignore the obvious. Global warming, economic espionage, and military malfunction can come to an end if you use our minds and act as intelligent rational people. Read this op-ed, and you will see how we can change our future.
http://english.aljazeera.net/indepth/opinion/2011/10/2011109112727162598.html
I like your point about not really seeing much about who the protesters are. One website I found recently is really helpful in finding out more about the protesters. It is called "We are the 99 percent," and it is a place for people to tell their story and voice their frustration. It is really interesting and is a place that promotes solidarity among the millions of people feeling strained because of the economy,
ReplyDeletehttp://wearethe99percent.tumblr.com/
Great post and comment! Liz, I love the poster the girl is holding up--reminds me of our friend Maggie!
ReplyDeleteJordan--your passion and voice are admirable. Will you be at the Occupy CU tomorrow?
Goofing around this afternoon--yes, not grading or doing other teacherly things, I found this Occupy Wall Street Commercial:
http://wearethe99percent.tumblr.com/
Jordan~
ReplyDeleteYour article really emphasizes many of the key aspects of our class. A very relevant and important argument--the neoliberal era has taken its toll and now people are finally rising up!