I chose Sowing the Seeds of Revolution because I was moved by the words and ideas given in this chapter. In order to truly care about what you are reading you must have an emotional attachment, you must be moved by what the writer is saying. Currently, in the year 2011, we are undergoing a modern day revolution: Occupy Wall Street.
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| Occupy Poster |
Photo provided by Dustin B on Occupy Together website.
Occupy Wall Street started on September 17, 2011. It is a "leaderless" resistance movement that is currently happening all around the world. The movement is the 99% who have had enough of consumerism. The 99% who are standing up against the 1% of the population that hold most of the nations wealth. The 1% that control most businesses and corporations throughout the nation.
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| Persistance of Ideas |
If you are interested in joining the Occupy Movement you can go to the website.
How to occupy
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| Thomas Paine historical sign |
Photo provided by http://www.ushistory.org/paine/
Thomas Paine's Common Sense
I think that the revolutionists talked about in chapter one would be proud of the movement going on today. One of the most notable revolutionists, in my opinion, was Thomas Paine. Chapter one talks about Thomas Paine's pamphlet Common Sense and about how passionate he was about his cause. "Its message has been credited with transforming thousands of mildly disillusioned colonists into defiant rebels fully prepared to fight for a utopian new world." (Pg. 17) This is exactly what is going on today, messages are being sent around the world. Those who are sitting on the sidelines are being pulled into the movement and demanding change. It amazes me how a single idea can change the world.
Occupy Wall Streeters have not "had enough" of consumerism. They simply object to the fact that they are not in the 1% (note, I am not in the 1% either). Theoretically they could be like communist or socialist supporters. But actually they are probably only supporting the "cause" because they don't have real jobs to occupy their time. Thomas Paine had a basically singular cause. Each one of them quoted in the news seems to have their own cause. Its not a revolution without a singular cause.
ReplyDeleteCathy Kant
Kelly,
ReplyDeleteYoure one of the first people that has logically articulated the Occupy movements' arguments. As a NYC resident, I understand their point but have had serious issues with their methodology, because it's really difficult to pay crazy taxes and struggle to get by, but then watch those tax dollars go to cleaning up a privately-owned space. Unfortunately, it seems that regardless of how much you may agree with their ideas, their practices are alienating potential supporters. I realize I'm gonna get a ton of nasty feedback for writing this, but history is filled with plenty of good ideas that never succeeded because of flawed execution!! Great job on the blog so far, very thought provoking!
Caitie
Wow you've done a great job depicting what's really happening on the up front. Your blog is mad informative.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the comments! It's not about whether you agree/disagree with the movement. I am trying to compare the movement to the revolution. I realize that everyone has a different opinion when it comes to the Occupy Wall Street movement. And while I agree with the cause I am unsure whether or not I agree with the way they are carrying out their mission. However, I am glad that people are standing up against corporations and those who make the most money and yet pay the least taxes. I am looking forward to seeing the outcome the movement has on upcoming legislation.
ReplyDeleteKelly Kant