Forum Post: Diversifying the Occupy identity

I think our movement is many things, but it is trapped in a stereotype, and that stereotype makes us look predictable, simplistic, boring. How can we free ourselves and give expression to our multi-faceted nature?

Perhaps we should explore "themed movements". A theme is different from an issue: Where issues divide, themes unite. The theme is just the face or personality or vehicle we use to present the issues. The issues do not change, but our personality can change, in interesting ways.

For example, I'd like to see the Occupy Movement transformed into an America Movement. Our signs would then ask "What is America?" or "Has America died?" We might proclaim our love for our founding principles, our Bill of Rights and other American anachronisms. When the police attack, we could respond by singing "America the Beautiful".

The America Movement might then grow into a Community Movement, a Mainstreet Movement, a Justice Movement, a Freedom Movement, a World Movement, etc.. Every six months, our identity would change, and in this way, we would make a grand tour of the issues.

I think we need to apply pressure to the system, and pressure exists only in a fluid -- water pressure, air pressure. If we are rigid, like a block of concrete, then we are not doing our job: There is no such thing as "concrete pressure".

Identity is how we distinguish ourselves from others. In other words, it's the first step towards self-marginalization! We need inclusivity more than exclusivity, and that means that we must be willing to blur and shift our identity. On the internet, these days, many people have more than just one identity. Our political movement, likewise, can have multiple persona. This ability to change one's appearance is one of the characteristics of life.