Reflection on Protests In 2011

2011-10-21

Across the wave of protests here in the U.S., the Middle East, Europe, and Chile, the movements seem quite coherent. The messages, although varied (which is a good thing if we are to acknowledge individuality), generally seem to complain about the lack of employment and high cost of living and education. the moral corruption of big business and government, and the disparity of wealth between the rich and everyone else. Some protesters even mention explicitly that they are not against the system (ei "free-market capitalism"), but rather against the corruption of the system. I have seen little mention of interest in environmental issues or shifts in cultural or economic values. Many people are frustrated about the lack of employment, but seem unconcerned with how unemployment and economic inequality might connect to underlying values and beliefs. I'm concerned that people are not focused on how each of us participates in and believes in the exploitation of labor and the waste and destruction of the environment. Sensing this, I brought a large sign to a student march in Boston that on one side reminded "WE ARE RESPONSIBLE TOO" and on the other side encouraged, "WHAT CAN YOU DO?".