The Occupy Wall Street movement was created and suggested by Adbusters back in July. On September 17, over 1,000 people initiated the peaceful sit-in at the heart of New York’s financial district.
Citizens from all over the country have made their way to New York City to participate in the protest as it continues, and more go every day. It has quickly spawned a global Occupy movement with protests being held everywhere from Spain to Ireland, and across the United States.
To understand Occupy Wall Street, it’s important to understand a bit of American history. The US was founded on capitalism and the myth of the American dream. People believed they could achieve anything and ran full speed ahead with blinders on. In reality, they were already playing a small role in a much bigger play, of which they were unaware.
America has long been an old boys’ club, and will continue to be that way until the government makes distinct changes to its economic and political policy. The biggest thing standing in the way of these changes is the government itself.
Even with a democratic president, it’s nearly impossible to have bills passed that in any way resemble socialism. Politicians work hand in hand with corporations to reject any social or environmental policies that don’t benefit the players at the very top, all in the spirit of capitalism.
The sentiments of Occupy Wall Street protesters range from anti-war to anti-government, but many people are simply asking for a reform of the economic system. In the US the divide between rich and poor has increased dramatically since the ‘50s. It’s now said that about 99 percent of Americans are living at or below the middle-income level, while one percent falls into the “super-rich” category.
According to the US Census, over a quarter of American households have an income of less than $25,000 per year.
The exact demands of Occupy vary city to city, but one belief is held across the board: the rights of corporations and the rich shouldn’t be above and beyond those of the average citizen.
When Adbusters initiated the movement, they suggested demanding one thing: that Barack Obama order a presidential commission to end the influence of money on Washington.
Whether the Occupy movement leads to any significant action has yet to be seen. It’s unfortunate, but that rich one percent essentially controls America and their neighbouring countries.