Paris, like the rest of the world is voicing it's contempt at the injustice of global economics and financial greed. I have spent the weekend "Occupying" La Defence, and walking with Breton farmers against the construction of a new airport, Provençals against the construction of a railway line, and suburban Parisians against the reconstruction of yet another waste incinerator. Along with accordion toting gypsies, cows, and tractors, the streets are lined with generally interested observers. After spending months during my undergraduate degree trying to convince indifferent students, it is great to finally see heartfelt expression. The occupy movement has provided an outlet to those disenfranchised with a system responsible for social and environmental failures. A truly democratic dialog is being facilitated free from corporate persuasion and Realpolitik.
BUT, my inner cynic cannot help but voice its worries. How can the construction of a cardboard camp, the chanting of Italian partisan songs and the blocking of traffic truly make a change, when a defined direction is missing? In the context of this blog, how can we redefine our economic model to preserve our natural resources by agitating riot police? I discussed this with a friend on the walk back home, and I continued to brew these thoughts (along with a tea) when i got in. To me it seems, the occupy movement is not about a solution, but about reuniting people, asking questions, creating discussion and exploring possibilities. Fragmented groups against capitalism, climate change, and consumerism are provided with a platform, but so are their critics. I, like everyone else, am avoiding predictions as to what results will come about.
BUT, my inner cynic cannot help but voice its worries. How can the construction of a cardboard camp, the chanting of Italian partisan songs and the blocking of traffic truly make a change, when a defined direction is missing? In the context of this blog, how can we redefine our economic model to preserve our natural resources by agitating riot police? I discussed this with a friend on the walk back home, and I continued to brew these thoughts (along with a tea) when i got in. To me it seems, the occupy movement is not about a solution, but about reuniting people, asking questions, creating discussion and exploring possibilities. Fragmented groups against capitalism, climate change, and consumerism are provided with a platform, but so are their critics. I, like everyone else, am avoiding predictions as to what results will come about.
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