The Fall 2011 Eco Art Matters class was asked to go to the General Strike on November 2nd and to write why they were either for or against Occupy Oakland and to watch several forms of coverage on the strike. Below is one students thoughts, which is beautifully written.
"In my opinion the Movement is a big step in the right direction.
It might not have its goals specifically defined yet, but its very existence is letting everyone know that the time has come for the majority of people to take their lives and life in general back into their hands.
Currently the beginnings of the Occupy Movement remind me of starting a creative piece of work – one usually begins to brainstorm by writing down any idea that comes to mind; one might also take a piece of charcoal and loosely put down an overall sketch that will later provide the basis for a composed and detailed drawing. Similarly, this Movement is starting by generating ideas; it’s trying to stay free of established mindsets; it feels organic; it feels logical, healthy, honest, necessary, and if not a bit late – definitely timely.
With all that’s wrong with our society, economy, environment, this movement tries to be all-inclusive. Everyone can feel a part of it and present their agenda. This should serve richly as the basis for specific proposals, strategies, and the forming of a public face.
Whether or not people agree with the Movement, it brings out the same issues everyone within the 99% is familiar with – social and economical inequality among other things.
I support the people’s Occupy Movement because I don’t see any other way change could happen. Sacrifices are made on behalf of the big bank and the corporation every day. Sacrifices will now have to be made on behalf of the remaining 99%.
It was an incredible experience at the Oakland strike on Nov 2nd. There were a wide variety of people of different professions and orientations – teachers, priests, business people, artists. There were many same sex couples. Students spoke about being in debt. I spent some time talking with the folks at the National Labor Federation booth. I was interested in how they help people deal with abuse committed by PG&E (smart meters are one of my big health concerns, and our neighborhood has had no say about them whatsoever). Overall, the feeling of solidarity and understanding among all participants was beautiful.
KPFA supports the Movement; the station followed the strike by broadcasting live a 5 hour meeting of Occupy supporters and the Oakland City Council on Thursday. 141 Oakland residents spoke; many came up with specific strategies for the movement; many were concerned about the state of Oakland schools and the number of foreclosed homes in the area.
FOX News compared Occupy protesters to hippies and Nazis. It also reported on a speech by Rudy Giuliani in which he stated that the Movement is president Obama’s fault and the result of his class warfare.
Rachel MADDOW seemed to be trying for more balanced observations and evaluations; it is very clear from her approach that she is a supporter. She said that the demonstrations have ‘altered the political discourse of the U.S.’ mainly because politicians and banks just cannot help but be aware and acknowledge the 99%.
Today CNN provided some very positive descriptions and stories from protests in different cities around the country. It sympathized with the 1,500 senior citizens who in Chicago hit the streets to protest the cutting of social programs. CNN called the Occupy movement ‘a call to action against unequal distribution of wealth”."- Martina Ladova, Former Eco Art Matters Student
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