Occupy Sydney Day 9 - notes
This is my opinion. I speak as an individual supporting Occupy Sydney and in solidarity with others worldwide.
So the police finally broke up the site at approx. 5am this morning. Many people at site have written about their experience. I was not there having left a few hours before this time.
In light of this, I maybe have to get a bit poetic. Many people get very angry that they can’t be given a succinct answer to ‘what is this about’. For me, its because we have yet to arrive at that point, that 120 word summation. Sometimes I feel people demand an answer knowing it can’t be given. Maybe it feels easier to dismiss a growing or developing movement.
For me, its not a protest against a specific issue. What I believe it is, is a process, or as K says, a method, to get to a place where things can start to change. What it is, is people having the right to congregate in public and begin to talk about what is wrong, in a peaceful and inclusionary way.I have many statistics and ideas and reasons for being involved but cannot ascribe these ideas to all involved. I am learning as I participate.
Occupy is a radical use of public space.
Occupy is a way to talk and meet different people without being bound by the walls of a building or an institution.
Occupy takes what is often private in out society, and makes it public.
Occupy is a method of democratic consensus and decision making in a society where *individuals* do not have a powerful voice.
Occupy allows us to discus a method for change
Occupy lets us challenge assumptions and privilege. When was the last time I saw a person living homeless get on a mic and talk about bureaucratic paperwork when trying to get some $$. “Do I need to do a cartwheel next”. And people listened. Fucking wow.
Occupy is not about emmulating other countries. We know our situation is different and my discussions with people there confirms this. But we act in solidarity with other movements who demand to be heard public, to be able to congregate, move and stay in public places. Not to be hidden, ignored.
Occupy is about giving public voice to the voiceless in our society. Most people understand 1%/99% is not broadly representative, but it can be used to rally. It can be used to start a discussion.
Occupy is not perfect, and does not claim to be.
Occupy is not the only method, and doesn’t claim to be.
Occupy inspires me.
Inequality exists in Australia. We must be able to publicly talk about it. Australia is part of a global financial and political system, we do not exist in a bubble.
Some can be scared of public protest because it calls into question their own silence. Or their own judgements.
If you believe that things that are wrong in society, you should stand up and say something/do something. Every voice matters, even one’s you don’t agree with.
People congregating peacefully in public do not deserve violence. EVER.
Privilege shows most when some tell others their desire to speak out lacks legitimacy
