EC: What does the movement mean to you?
j: In the 1960’s, the U.S. witnessed protests advocating economic and racial inequality while also calling for peace. Many activists, politicians, actors, and musicians were part of these movements including Dr. Martin Luther King, Harry Belafonte, Marlon Brando, Sammie Davis Jr., Malcolm X, Rosa Parks, Robert Kennedy, and John F. Kennedy. These were incredible individuals who did remarkable things that consequently affected our societal and political institutions.
Unfortunately, a few of these leaders were assassinated. Since then, it seems the majority of demonstrations calling for the end of economic injustice, racial inequality, and illegitimate wars have either been short-lived or a political product designed to obtain votes rather than seek actual legislative change.
Occupy Wall Street represents a revival of U.S. demonstrations not seen since the 1960’s. It is an opportunity to raise awareness and generate new discussions in and outside the U.S. The dialogue Occupy Wall Street seeks to generate looks beyond the over simplified bipartisan arguments expressed by corporate media and politicians. OWS asks people to examine the collusion between corporations and governments and the effects this corruption has on the world.
