This is the sole perspective of one voice, my voice -
It was a huge learning experience being a part of the idea ‘occupy.’ Prior to the movement, I saw very little widespread efforts for change, at least not many that got national attention or represented part of a sweeping ideology shift. There has been and always will be individuals and small groups that stand up for their own rights and for the rights of those trodden on, but there is something different about Occupy. Occupy is much more an ideology, a mindset with physical manifestations around the world. Each locality is unique, stimulated and responding to different experiences and different views. Although, Occupy does have the overarching economic disparity as a ground principle, what motivates each individual to break away from their everyday routine is essentially their own.
I started in September/October 2011 with quite a bit of optimism. I believed that this was finally it. Something that people could rally around to affect ‘the system’. In school I studied the problems with democracy, the growing apathy, the disenchantment of the populace… I studied the problems with the economy, the huge growing inequality, the establishment of bias and bigotry in politics, and much more. I saw Occupy as a way for me to get involved to use what I learned. I didn’t really have much activist experience or have any idea of what we would be doing once Occupy Charlottesville began. I don’t really think anyone did, but we figured it out as we went, responding to issues as they came up and preparing for a longer future of community building. It was beautiful. For no financial incentive, people spent hours out of their day, talking with persons with differing views, differing socio-economic backgrounds, and different outlooks. Ya it was difficult. There was arguing, sometimes crying, and even yelling. But it was all part of a healthy dialogue of re-connecting people, reestablishing a community that cares for its people. We were working to save our community from the desperate conditions we foresaw - the future of high unemployment, high poverty, poor education & health… namely violence, crime, constant inebriation, and a sickly population that lives in fear. These are my thoughts, at least.
Not surprisingly, it was hard work. From having to deal with the constant problems with the homeless community to being harassed by everyday citizens, it was emotionally and physically draining on each person’s psyche. I was shocked at the disparaging reaction by members of the community and the press. They took very little time to find out who we were, why we were doing what we did, if at all. They overgeneralized and stereotyped us and wrote some of the most disingenuous articles and comments I’ve ever seen. The worst part is that this kind of hostility permeated to within the occupy group, causing further separation and angst. Some of the behavior was understandable because of the extremely trying conditions that many live each day, but without awareness, distress leads to anger, violence, and bigotry… So occupy was part healing for persons torn or somewhat troubled. I saw the healing in many persons that I came to know – I saw it in the ability for some to vocalize their thoughts, to express their emotions, to elevate their consciousness or even by binging less. I saw a diverse group of people attempting to bridge their differences and live in a healthier community.
Unfortunately, the egotistic perspective of many persons began to degrade the group cohesion. Persons focused on the wrongs and offenses done to them. At first, it was the wrongs done to all of us and how can we help and respond as a group. But it soon progressed to smaller eclectic groups and even sole individuals feeling wronged by others in the greater occupy community. Instead of the smaller groups helping to tackle the multidimensions of occupy, they tended to separate the larger group dynamic. Individuals began engaging in hostility, blaming, and stereotyping. People stopped listening and all that was left was a bunch of EGOs. Now there was and continued until the end a small set of individuals dedicated, that tried their best to maintain the group. I admire their courage.
Hostility came from not only people in the Charlottesville community (Tea Party, City Officials, and just people looking to scream), the press, but also members within Occupy Charlottesville. Because of how I was born and my experiences, I was outcast by a few individuals. It wasn’t just me, many others received all kinds of silly scorn for whatever delusions came out individuals minds or even the smaller eclectic groups. By this point, I realize that loss & fear lead to distress which leads to shift of focus to the offender which leads to feelings of anger. This anger is at the core… and until people have the stability and emotional intelligence to control their primal brain, I don’t see much of a future for cohesion. It really saddened me to be labeled and cast as a fictional character in people’s minds. It didn’t matter who I was, my beliefs, etc. I was labeled and treated accordingly. Again, there were many individuals who took the time to have accurate beliefs and balance their sentiments with the experiences and expression of others…they we’re what kept Occupy moving forwards, despite the many setbacks…
Hardened out of my experiences and studies, I believe that there are two ways to challenge the status quo. You can be anti-status quo or you can be for a new status quo. Occupy Charlottesville represented both with much more weight on the former. I believe I saw this kind of expression in the reason why many people that stopped coming to general assemblies. At first, the assemblies were about community building and progressing as a united people for the betterment of everyone. Over time, the toxic EGOs permeated the group cohesion. The assemblies started to focus on labeling people and problems, while essentially establishing a primal dichotomy of ‘us’ v ‘them’ and creating the ‘enemy.’ This is captured in the anti-stance for which I believe cognitive dissonance wreaks havoc. I do not discredit the good that came from occupy, or that continues to come from it, but there are reasons why people stopped coming – and it’s not because they don’t care…
And this is only my perspective on the local manifestation of Occupy in Charlottesville. The world-wide movement, while I’m sure plagued with similar issues, has more of an impetus to not get bogged down. They continue to fight and I believe that a worldwide transformation is impending -
And there has been and there continues to be activist groups and individuals in Charlottesville that are working to help build and strengthen the community. Many that spent some time in Occupy, now spend their time in other campaigns. Don’t give up for what you believe in, but also be aware of anger and it’s insidious and corrosive effects on the mind, body, and group.
