Occupy

1. The Occupy movement changed the national conversation on inequality

"One of the really remarkable and almost spectacular successes of the Occupy movement is that it has simply changed the entire framework of discussion of many issues."

Bringing inequality to the forefront. The Occupy movement successfully highlighted the stark wealth disparities in the United States, introducing terms like "the 99%" and "the 1%" into common parlance. This shift in public discourse forced politicians, media, and the general public to confront the reality of economic inequality.

Impacting public perception. A 2012 Pew Research Center survey revealed that about two-thirds of Americans believed there were strong conflicts between the rich and the poor, a 19 percentage point increase from 2009. This dramatic shift in public opinion can be largely attributed to the Occupy movement's efforts in raising awareness about income inequality.

2. Occupy's success lies in building communities and linkages

"One of the real achievements of the Occupy movement, I think, has been to develop a real manifestation of rejection of this in a very striking way."

Creating functioning communities. The Occupy movement went beyond mere protests, establishing functioning communities of mutual support, democratic interchange, and care for one another. This approach challenges the deeply ingrained societal norms of isolation and self-interest.

Fostering connections. By creating spaces for people to come together, share experiences, and support each other, Occupy has begun to rebuild the sense of community that has been eroded in modern society. These connections are crucial for sustaining the movement and effecting long-term change.

3. The movement faces inevitable repression but continues to organize

"The bonds and associations being formed, if they can persist and if they can be brought into the wider community, would be the real defense against the inevitable repression with its sometimes violent manifestations."

Coordinated repression. As with any significant social movement, Occupy has faced repression from authorities. This repression, often coordinated across different locations, has included violent confrontations, arrests, and attempts to dismantle occupation sites.

Ongoing organization. Despite these challenges, the movement continues to organize and adapt. By shifting focus from physical occupations to community outreach and targeted actions, Occupy demonstrates resilience and commitment to its goals.

4. Getting money out of politics is crucial for true democracy

"Getting money out of politics is a very crucial matter; it has been for a long time. It's gotten much more extreme now."

The influence of wealth. The concentration of wealth in the hands of a few has led to a corresponding concentration of political power. This has resulted in legislation that primarily serves the interests of the wealthy, creating a vicious cycle that further entrenches inequality.

Potential solutions. Chomsky suggests several approaches to address this issue:

• Constitutional amendments to overturn corporate personhood
• Reforming the primary election process to be more democratic
• Implementing public financing of campaigns
• Reversing rules of corporate governance that have led to the current situation

5. Worker-owned enterprises offer a viable alternative economic model

"There's no economic principle or any other principle that says that shareholders should have a higher priority than stakeholders—workers and community."

Challenging traditional ownership models. Worker-owned enterprises represent a significant departure from the dominant corporate model. By giving workers and communities control over their workplaces, these enterprises can prioritize stakeholder interests over shareholder profits.

Practical examples. Chomsky points to efforts in Ohio to develop worker-owned enterprises, as described in Gar Alperovitz's book "America Beyond Capitalism." These initiatives demonstrate the feasibility of alternative economic models that can address issues of inequality and community development.

6. The U.S. economy has shifted dramatically since the 1970s

"The United States is off the spectrum on this. The inequalities have risen to historically unprecedented heights."

From growth to stagnation. The post-World War II era saw significant economic growth and relative egalitarianism in the United States. However, since the 1970s, there has been a shift towards:

• Financialization of the economy
• De-industrialization and offshoring of production
• Stagnation of real wages for the majority
• Concentration of wealth in the hands of a tiny elite

Consequences of change. These shifts have led to:

• Increased economic instability and recurring financial crises
• Growing income and wealth inequality
• Erosion of the middle class
• Decline in social mobility

7. Grassroots movements have historically driven significant social change

"Every success is limited. There are failures. But there are successes."

Historical precedents. Chomsky points to several successful grassroots movements that have driven social change:

• The civil rights movement
• The women's rights movement
• The anti-Vietnam War protests

Lessons from history. These movements demonstrate that:

• Change often starts small but can grow rapidly
• Persistence is key in the face of opposition and setbacks
• Success may be incremental but can lead to significant societal shifts over time

8. Foreign policy can be influenced through sustained public pressure

"We have a history of success in getting policy changes."

The power of public opinion. Chomsky argues that even in matters of foreign policy, sustained public pressure can influence government actions. He cites the anti-Vietnam War movement as an example of how public opposition can eventually force policy changes.

Opportunities for action. To influence foreign policy, Chomsky suggests:

• Educating the public about issues
• Organizing demonstrations and protests
• Engaging in electoral politics
• Utilizing the freedoms available in the United States to push for change

9. Education and outreach are key to expanding the movement

"You have to get out into the country and get people to understand what this is about, and what they can do about it, and what the consequences are of not doing anything about it."

Expanding awareness. For the Occupy movement to grow and succeed, it must reach out to broader segments of the population. This involves:

• Explaining the movement's goals and methods
• Connecting with people's everyday concerns and experiences
• Demonstrating how the movement's objectives align with the interests of the majority

Diverse tactics. Chomsky suggests various approaches to education and outreach:

• Holding community meetings and discussions
• Utilizing alternative media
• Engaging with existing community organizations
• Addressing specific local issues as entry points for broader discussions

10. The environmental crisis demands urgent action and lifestyle changes

"We are coming close to the edge of a precipice of environmental destruction."

Urgent threat. Chomsky emphasizes the critical nature of the environmental crisis, particularly climate change. He argues that this issue threatens the very survival of human civilization and requires immediate action.

Rethinking growth. To address this crisis, Chomsky suggests:

• Redefining our understanding of economic growth
• Shifting towards more sustainable lifestyles
• Prioritizing environmental protection in policy decisions
• Developing alternative energy sources and technologies

Role of the movement. The Occupy movement and similar grassroots efforts can play a crucial role in:

• Raising awareness about environmental issues
• Pressuring governments and corporations to take action
• Demonstrating alternative, more sustainable ways of living

Last updated: July 20, 2024