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Forum Post: Diversifying the Occupy identity

Posted 11 years ago on Jan. 10, 2013, 1:06 p.m. EST by Paleocon (10) from Richmond, VA
This content is user submitted and not an official statement

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.

7 Comments

7 Comments


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[-] 3 points by GirlFriday (17435) 11 years ago

How about we kick the shit out of the Tea Party/Libertopian/Right Wing ALEC supporting morons? How about that?

[-] 1 points by VQkag2 (16478) 11 years ago

Now ya talkin' I'm all for identifying the enemy (right wing wackos) of the 99%, and throwin them a beatin'.

No mercy, No retreat. No foolin'!

[-] 1 points by GirlFriday (17435) 11 years ago

http://occupywallst.org/forum/alec-and-article-v/

Your input is missing from the above link.

[-] 1 points by Paleocon (10) from Richmond, VA 11 years ago

Nice of you to reply.

I'm no fan of the Koch Brothers! I haven't posted to that thread, because I've just joined this morning. I had an idea and I wanted to contribute it, so I joined. You should be happy that OWS appeals to people across the "spectrum".

[-] 2 points by GirlFriday (17435) 11 years ago

Right. Than what would you know about inclusiveness?

Also awaiting your reply http://occupywallst.org/forum/east-coast-ports-strike-looms-feb-6-deadline/

Well, here is your opportunity.

[-] 1 points by Paleocon (10) from Richmond, VA 11 years ago

Inclusiveness, for one thing, requires Leftians and Rightians to find common ground and unite along common principles. We are conquered because we insist on keeping ourselves divided -- pointlessly divided, in many cases.

We see exclusiveness in the punitive Old Testament mentality. Instead of confronting our corporate and globalist overlords, we attack our fellow citizens, looking for signs of political incorrectness.

Exclusivity and self-marginalization is the strategy that "Left" and "Right" have been following for the last fifty years or so, and obviously, it goes nowhere. But if you enjoy being on that treadmill to oblivion, be my guest.

[-] 2 points by GirlFriday (17435) 11 years ago

Really? This usually occurs when the right knows they are getting their asses kicked. They know where the common ground is.