Oct
2
Its a strange sight when floor traders aren’t the most frenzied people on Wall Street.
That title is now held by the crowd composed of unionized workers and left wing activists participating in the “Occupy Wall Street” demonstrations. While this is hardly the first protest of its kind, it is arguably one of the hardest to understand as the frustrated demonstrators don’t seem to have any clear objectives. One 18 year old told a reporter
….at the end of the day we’re all here because we’re all f****ing unhappy.
For most, the unhappiness likely results from cuts in wages or benefits, or unemployment which are inevitable effects of an economic slump. But the demonstrations have become increasingly irrational and mob like. On Saturday, 700 “occupiers” were arrested for swarming the Brooklyn Bridge and blocking traffic.
At times of unrest, financial corporations are often the top target of disgruntled citizens. The government bailouts American banks received have reaffirmed the image of greed the financial sector is sometimes associated with.
It remains to be seen whether the OWS crowd will change anything for “the 99%” they claim to represent; for now their behavior is disrupting the life of many of these individuals.
Comments
1 Comment so far
It seems like you’re spot on by saying that “the demonstrations have become increasingly irrational and mob like.”
The type of people that protest aren’t the type of people that garner the respect of people who can actually change the situation; their “irrational” actions don’t either. It seems like they need something — or someone — powerful and intelligent to get the attention that they need, and to most importantly give the group direction. American newspapers have not followed Occupy Wall Street because they lack that direction. As far as they’re concerned, these protestors just really like protesting.
I read a really good article recently that asked: “What are they protesting?” Sure, corporate greed and massive debt are handy terms to throw around, but what exactly do they want? A skilled negotiating body would really help, and while marching around the city might gain some attention, it rarely does much.