Comments on Phronk.com: Both Halves of the Occu-pie Taste Like Crap

I knew I was your friend for a reason. You articul...

2011-11-10T18:22:38.904-05:00

I knew I was your friend for a reason. You articulated my views on this whole issue. I think the movement is about tapping into people's frustrations and about bringing awareness to multiple issues, which is why the message gets so muddled. My impression was that Occupy London was being run by people who didn't communicate well with each other and the general public. Also everyone was there for their own cause. However, it got people from multiple perspectives to talk to each other. If it creates a sense of community, that is only going to serve our community better in the future. If people want to go camping in freezing cold weather at Victoria Park, it doesn't bother me. But obviously it was bothering someone.

Hey Hey Lady! Yeah, I agree, I think a lot of it i...

2011-11-10T14:18:14.743-05:00

Hey Hey Lady! Yeah, I agree, I think a lot of it is about just getting together with like-minded people to try to do something good. That "something" can be anything or nothing, though.

It's messy here too, though in a typical polite Canadian way (except for someone biting a police officer in Vancouver...that's not very polite). I think there are people who are hurting the cause. Here, when the cops were set to come in, many wore masks. That only makes it seem like they have something to hide or are preparing to get violent. I know that as soon as I see someone resorting to violence, they lose all sympathy. Violence is a step backwards, not productive. That goes for cops and protestors.

Good point, "Chayce." It's not a co...

2011-11-10T14:08:59.235-05:00

Good point, "Chayce."

It's not a complete failure in every way. It's had a positive effect on many individuals, and beyond that, gotten people talking and thinking about things they wouldn't have otherwise.

But it is a failure in some senses. It's failed in getting the general public on board and educated, and in delivering a cohesive call for change. Given these were its goals (or at least some of many goals, which is part of the problem), I don't think it's unfair to say it's a failure.

Like, a bake sale that doesn't sell any muffins may teach some individuals to bake, but I still wouldn't call it a success.

We have an "Occupy Austin" movement here...

2011-11-10T13:29:52.429-05:00

We have an "Occupy Austin" movement here too. Though I think more than half the people in many of these movements are there just there to have a place to hang out. I think it feeds the human need to belong somewhere and be part of something, even if they're not sure what.

I don't have a problem with protesting, I think everyone should have that right. I just wish the objectives were made clear, so it would be more productive. Much of it all seems like a big mess(at least here in the US), and in some cases harms what I believe to be the objectives with racism and disorderly conduct.

I've seen a few people initiate conversations,...

2011-11-09T20:31:16.414-05:00

I've seen a few people initiate conversations, and be inspired to work towards positive change at the local level - as a direct result of the Occupy movement. I don't even know very many people.

Things are being planned in London right now that will positively effect the community for the long term. I'm involved with one, and I wouldn't be had it not been for Occupy.

Multiply that by the countless Occupations around the world.

Occupy has not been a failure.

2011-11-09T14:25:53.963-05:00

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