More about the #OWS and #OccupyLSX
The London protesters claim to be taking to the streets to protest "capitalism". And they want to spread the word through Twitter. Using smart phones. As they camp out in their variety of tents purchased from sporting-goods stores.
I am making assumptions, I know. The point however stands: that these are people who use the fruits of capitalism, some may even be business owners themselves. What they are protesting is actually crony capitalism: favouritism, protectionism, collusion and regulatory capture. Again: I realise I am making assumptions, but I am basing this on numerous sound bytes from the various protests.
What does confuse me is the theory that large government would in somehow work in ways different to large corporations. They are best buddies now, and we see what we get for it.
i have to admit that i don't really know much about what's going on with the #OWS movement outside of NY. . .because i live in a bubble. and i recognize that's not necessarily the best way to exist, but sometimes it seems like there's so much going on here, it's impossible to have enough energy to expend elsewhere.
ReplyDeletehowever, in terms of what i've witnessed so far in NY, i really feel like there is this intense media manipulation which is turning the conversation into a question of capitalism vs. communism/socialism. and those are tropes best left in the 50s. because if you could go downtown and see what's happening, it is not about that at all. there are people of every age, socio-economic background, and political leaning who are simply sick and tired of what you've identified as "crony capitalism." they are enraged at how government is in collusion with corporations, with how they've been cut out of the process completely. it's supposed to be a representative republic, but the majority of us are not being represented. that's the vibe that i've picked up during my time with the protesters here.
with something like this, i think it's easy for people who are disenchanted to latch on and scream at the top of their lungs, even if they don't know what they're screaming for. i only hope that if half of them are as curious as they are vocal, they'll devote the time necessary to understanding what drives that rage.
and on somewhat unrelated note, i am extremely heartened by how many protesters here are specifically speaking out against the federal reserve. that's really where the change needs to start, IMHO, and the more pressure to push for it, the better.
but enough from me. my drink is getting warm!
I stand with you on all points made above.
ReplyDeleteMuch of what I have read coming out of New York has been along the veins you mention here. It is of course a loose confederation of people, so there are a wide variety of opinions, but this is the strongest sentiment I hear coming out of #OWS.
The London protests, on the other hand, were organised under the heading of "protesting capitalism", which to me is a little bit like protesting eggs, or the colour green. Capitalism is not an ideology and is not imposed from above.
I didn't specify that distinction above, my mistake.
Having said that, the concentration around the banking industry I think is a bit of cop out. It's easy - and correct - to be angry at the banks (which is distinct by the way from "bankers") because what they are dealing in is intangible. We can rally against them and not have to admit giving up anything. But what about the automotive companies? What about those same politicians who are in the 1%, thanks to comfy deals on houses, planes, political favours with those corporations?
But then, the UK is different from the US in that way (I think). The other day the news reported how the cost of energy has increased: every single news outlet I saw, and every single reader comment I heard, was about how "the government should do something". Who knows what, and why. Just that "they" should.
And I mean: the ENERGY sector. Like government is not in any way embroiled in that already!