Forum Post: How to Explain OWS to nonsupporters
Posted 13 years ago on Nov. 17, 2011, 8:34 a.m. EST by laparisienne
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hello everyone! i have a question that I am sure has been answered elsewhere on this forum but i'll re-ask it anyway. I was wondering if someone could help me out in how to formulate a simplified but convincing response to people who are wary of the movement. Perhaps someone more eloquent than I could put that into wording, the general and specific reasons that motivate the movement etc. I have come across people who despite everything still see it as something that only concerns "hippies" etc and I really have trouble getting over my own frustration and finding a way to prove that this is something based on concrete arguments and most of all that it involves EVERYONE
Here's your talking points, be sure to point out that these are beginning positions and there is room to negotiate.
http://www.politicususa.com/en/84-year-old-pepper-spray-countdown
Many get upset at the 1% concept that it includes anyone making over $250,000.00 yearly, here's something to offset that concept.
http://westandwiththe99percent.tumblr.com/ and http://wealthforcommongood.org/
You may want to read up on Jack Abramoff, a former lobbyist who was convicted of fraud and there are others.
Read up on the bailouts and what BoA and Goldman-Sach's is currently doing, to protect derivatives by moving them into FDIC insured accounts.
Most of all, be calm and factual when presenting, understand how this all affects those of us who are not afforded these protections.
Point out that the move toward change has to start some where with someone and the methods may not what everyone wanted to see, but the method has gained attention, starting with NO money and just a few.
Let them disagree without debate about some points, they have opinions too.
Basically it's learn your subject then try to look at that subject from the other side.
It's always best to use your own words and ideas when presenting something you believe in to others, using the words and ideas of others, no matter how much you believe in them, isn't as sincere and from the heart, mind and soul.
No I've seen rock stars and such show up too. It's about the company you keep. Hang with Hippies and drug users in a park and you'll be associated with them. Live in dirty tents and you'll be the guys in dirty tents.
Have one person take a dump on a cop car and you're the guys who take dumps on cop cars. It's not that hard to see why your message is so lost. Maybe don't spout Marx and you don't loose the rest of us. Don't call everyone who disagrees with you a fascist.
Just some recommendations and observations.
Instead of learning predetermined retorts about your opposition, learn factual information about the movement to be able to weigh in contrast with their own ideas and thoughts.