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我抗議：佔領華爾街，改變一切
我們是99%，此時此刻我們不再沉默，我們知道我們有權利與力量打造一個為99%多數人存在的社會，不再是只為1%金融權貴服務的社會！
「我們不能理解為什麼當我們為危機付出代價，而始作俑者卻持續坐領高薪。人們對接踵而至的不公不義感到反感及厭倦，我們只是想要重新拿回過去屬於人類的尊嚴。目前的世界不是我們想要生活的世界，我們絕對有權利決定生活在什麼樣的世界。我們堅信我們可以改變一切，而目前正處在改變的絕佳時機。」
源自西班牙憤怒者（indignados）所編之<#如何紮營>，他們活躍於西班牙各大城的佔領運動，並給予佔領華爾街運動重大啟示。
2011年9月，跌破政界及權威人士的眼鏡的大事就此發生。
受到阿拉伯之春及歐洲各地示威活動的啟發，加拿大《Adbusters》 雜誌推波助瀾呼籲各界於2011年9月17日「帶著帳篷」現身華爾街，這樣的想法受到活躍於紐約市資深群眾活動人士的響應，於是數千名人士集結於紐約市的金融重鎮，有些人當天即於祖科提公園紮營，就此揭開了佔領運動的序幕，隨後這股佔領風潮很快便襲捲全美及全世界。
一開始人們便使用「佔領運動」形容本次活動，參與人士指出當今世界的危機根源為華爾街銀行、大財團以及高居金字塔頂端1%的富人，他們靠著犧牲其他99%多數人的利益，與政府官員合作無間左右逢源，以謀取自身的最大利益。大多數政治居內人及媒體至今仍避談這項事實，即使金字塔頂端1%的富人財富達到1920年以來未見的高水平。如今，這項事實已被明確點出，就像由阿拉丁神燈冒出的巨人一般，巨大的身軀很難再被塞回神燈裡。
在沒有辦公室、無支薪員工、無銀行帳戶的情形下，佔領華爾街運動的影響力還是很快擴散至紐約以外的其他城市，人們集結在波士頓、芝加哥、洛杉磯、波特蘭、亞特蘭大、聖地牙哥、及全美其他數百個城市，大聲疾呼我們民眾 （we people）有權創造一個為99%存在的世界。短短幾週的時間，佔領及示威活動在世界各地上演，從西班牙馬德里到南非開普敦，從阿根廷布宜諾塞利斯到香港，超過1500個的城市，數以萬計的人們熱烈響應。
佔領華爾街運動不僅僅是要求改變，同時也改變了身為99%的我們是如何看待我們自己。過去當我們無法找到工作，無法繳出貸款，或是無法阻止銀行沒收我們的家園之時，我們或許會感到羞恥；如今羞恥被政治覺醒取而代之。許多民眾認為，經濟衰竭、次級信貸泡沫化，以及圖利富人卻讓政府破產的稅制體系等問題不應怪罪於我們頭上。當富者愈富的同時，99%的我們會看到辛勤工作的成果被毫不留情地蠶食鯨吞。
如今我們更清楚看到眼前的事實，我們也看到許多人在同一條船上，我們應該為自己設定新角色。我們不再孤立無援，也不再是手無搏雞之力；必要時，我們可以徹夜鎮守佔領地並以非暴力模式與警方對峙。我們佔人口組成的絕大多數，一旦我們甦醒，我們的聲音無法被漠視。我們的領導者無法幫助我們解決問題，我們必須為自己挺身而出，我們必須為自己作出決定，我們也必須照顧同伴，提供必要的食物、居所、保護及因應長期抗戰及惡劣天候的必要措施，當我們之間有不同想法時，我們也必須努力達成共識。
佔領華爾街運動藉由拋出各項議題改變了政治論述。99%的權益不再被漠視，這項活動賦予千千萬萬人政治權力，開放邀請各界民眾一同共創新世界。
多年後歷史學家也許會回顧2011年9月。就在那時，99%甦醒，指出危機，面對沒有一個領導者會幫助我們解決問題的殘酷現實。就在這個當下，我們意識到我們必須為自己做一點事
「我們不能理解為什麼當我們為危機付出代價，而始作俑者卻持續坐領高薪。人們對接踵而至的不公不義感到反感及厭倦，我們只是想要重新拿回過去屬於人類的尊嚴。目前的世界不是我們想要生活的世界，我們絕對有權利決定生活在什麼樣的世界。我們堅信我們可以改變一切，而目前正處在改變的絕佳時機。」
源自西班牙憤怒者（indignados）所編之<#如何紮營>，他們活躍於西班牙各大城的佔領運動，並給予佔領華爾街運動重大啟示。
2011年9月，跌破政界及權威人士的眼鏡的大事就此發生。
受到阿拉伯之春及歐洲各地示威活動的啟發，加拿大《Adbusters》 雜誌推波助瀾呼籲各界於2011年9月17日「帶著帳篷」現身華爾街，這樣的想法受到活躍於紐約市資深群眾活動人士的響應，於是數千名人士集結於紐約市的金融重鎮，有些人當天即於祖科提公園紮營，就此揭開了佔領運動的序幕，隨後這股佔領風潮很快便襲捲全美及全世界。
一開始人們便使用「佔領運動」形容本次活動，參與人士指出當今世界的危機根源為華爾街銀行、大財團以及高居金字塔頂端1%的富人，他們靠著犧牲其他99%多數人的利益，與政府官員合作無間左右逢源，以謀取自身的最大利益。大多數政治居內人及媒體至今仍避談這項事實，即使金字塔頂端1%的富人財富達到1920年以來未見的高水平。如今，這項事實已被明確點出，就像由阿拉丁神燈冒出的巨人一般，巨大的身軀很難再被塞回神燈裡。
在沒有辦公室、無支薪員工、無銀行帳戶的情形下，佔領華爾街運動的影響力還是很快擴散至紐約以外的其他城市，人們集結在波士頓、芝加哥、洛杉磯、波特蘭、亞特蘭大、聖地牙哥、及全美其他數百個城市，大聲疾呼我們民眾 （we people）有權創造一個為99%存在的世界。短短幾週的時間，佔領及示威活動在世界各地上演，從西班牙馬德里到南非開普敦，從阿根廷布宜諾塞利斯到香港，超過1500個的城市，數以萬計的人們熱烈響應。
佔領華爾街運動不僅僅是要求改變，同時也改變了身為99%的我們是如何看待我們自己。過去當我們無法找到工作，無法繳出貸款，或是無法阻止銀行沒收我們的家園之時，我們或許會感到羞恥；如今羞恥被政治覺醒取而代之。許多民眾認為，經濟衰竭、次級信貸泡沫化，以及圖利富人卻讓政府破產的稅制體系等問題不應怪罪於我們頭上。當富者愈富的同時，99%的我們會看到辛勤工作的成果被毫不留情地蠶食鯨吞。
如今我們更清楚看到眼前的事實，我們也看到許多人在同一條船上，我們應該為自己設定新角色。我們不再孤立無援，也不再是手無搏雞之力；必要時，我們可以徹夜鎮守佔領地並以非暴力模式與警方對峙。我們佔人口組成的絕大多數，一旦我們甦醒，我們的聲音無法被漠視。我們的領導者無法幫助我們解決問題，我們必須為自己挺身而出，我們必須為自己作出決定，我們也必須照顧同伴，提供必要的食物、居所、保護及因應長期抗戰及惡劣天候的必要措施，當我們之間有不同想法時，我們也必須努力達成共識。
佔領華爾街運動藉由拋出各項議題改變了政治論述。99%的權益不再被漠視，這項活動賦予千千萬萬人政治權力，開放邀請各界民眾一同共創新世界。
多年後歷史學家也許會回顧2011年9月。就在那時，99%甦醒，指出危機，面對沒有一個領導者會幫助我們解決問題的殘酷現實。就在這個當下，我們意識到我們必須為自己做一點事
183 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
December 28, 2015
This is a hard book to rate. On the one hand it does capture the energy, chaos and heteroglossic nature of the very early days of the Occupy movement but it also, unfortunately, contains the themes that point to its demise as a political force.
I had to wait until I was two-thirds in before someone, correctly, identified the oppression of people because of race, sex, physical ability or religion as an issue of economics rather than sociology and this rather highlighted the lack of true analysis in this book.
As I was reading it, it felt like a rushed job and it lacked the cohesive structure that time and close editing, not to mention more content, would have brought to the project. In many ways it’s a mirror of the movement itself, which seems to have blossomed energetically and emotionally into being from nothing only to fracture into leaderless splinter groups without any strong, centralized manifesto for change.
There are some great essays that point to the precise reasons for the current economic climate that we all must struggle to live in, but they are all so brief that this title can only ever be a primer for the generally interested; to be fair that may be the intention of the editors. Read section two to learn the most about why we are here and what we can do, the interview with Richard Wilkinson and David Korten’s essay stood out to me, otherwise it’s all very emotive stuff but light on depth.
I think I was most disappointed by the essay from Hena Ashraf, who clearly does not understand the full implications of the term “the 99%.” It was while reading her essay that I realized that we on the left will never be a progressive force for good in the world until we understand the need to drop our insistence on recognition for the myriad historical oppressions that we can all name and that, as one united human mass, we need to point at the “corporate supremacists” (thank you Ralph Nader) and say “Wait just one second…”.
I had to wait until I was two-thirds in before someone, correctly, identified the oppression of people because of race, sex, physical ability or religion as an issue of economics rather than sociology and this rather highlighted the lack of true analysis in this book.
As I was reading it, it felt like a rushed job and it lacked the cohesive structure that time and close editing, not to mention more content, would have brought to the project. In many ways it’s a mirror of the movement itself, which seems to have blossomed energetically and emotionally into being from nothing only to fracture into leaderless splinter groups without any strong, centralized manifesto for change.
There are some great essays that point to the precise reasons for the current economic climate that we all must struggle to live in, but they are all so brief that this title can only ever be a primer for the generally interested; to be fair that may be the intention of the editors. Read section two to learn the most about why we are here and what we can do, the interview with Richard Wilkinson and David Korten’s essay stood out to me, otherwise it’s all very emotive stuff but light on depth.
I think I was most disappointed by the essay from Hena Ashraf, who clearly does not understand the full implications of the term “the 99%.” It was while reading her essay that I realized that we on the left will never be a progressive force for good in the world until we understand the need to drop our insistence on recognition for the myriad historical oppressions that we can all name and that, as one united human mass, we need to point at the “corporate supremacists” (thank you Ralph Nader) and say “Wait just one second…”.
November 21, 2012
If i am to describe this book, i'd say it was premature. It's clear that it was put together in such haste as to publish it to meet a deadline, or rather spread awareness of the movement during the time of the occupation.
It's not actually a book, it's more of a collection of different articles written by many people, some of which were actually involved in the Occupy movement. The book does give a clear idea about what was going on on the inside of the movement, but it vaguely touches the reasons behind the Occupy Wall Street Movement. And since the chapters (articles) of the book were written by many different people, there is just a lot of repetition.
The only thing that would make me recommend this book is that it's a very short one (84 pages). But, after reading it, i have to say that i'm still to see a book that goes into details about all the ins and outs of the Occupy Movement.
It's not actually a book, it's more of a collection of different articles written by many people, some of which were actually involved in the Occupy movement. The book does give a clear idea about what was going on on the inside of the movement, but it vaguely touches the reasons behind the Occupy Wall Street Movement. And since the chapters (articles) of the book were written by many different people, there is just a lot of repetition.
The only thing that would make me recommend this book is that it's a very short one (84 pages). But, after reading it, i have to say that i'm still to see a book that goes into details about all the ins and outs of the Occupy Movement.
March 9, 2016
I agree with Nasser's review, which called the "book" (more like an extended political pamphlet) premature. Most of the articles (2-3 pages each) were written in the heat of the moment by those who were participating. I understand that probably the intent was to get out quickly the message about what Occupy was about, but in 2015 this quality leaves one unsatisfied. Even the pieces by David Graeber and Naomi Klein are quickly penned, propaganda-like but without much analysis. It does give one a good sense of the spirit of the time, but little else.
July 14, 2024
A CRITICAL BOOK FOR UNDERSTANDING THE "OCCUPY" MOVEMENT
The Foreword to this 2011 book states that YES! magazine decided to publish a book about the OWS movement, because "We found most media reports on the Occupy movement confusing or dismissive... we felt we could help the growing number of people interested in this movement understand its import." Sarah van Gelder (executive editor of YES! magazine) assembled articles to "1) feature voices from inside and outside the movement, 2) spotlight changes capable of shifting our society's wealth back to the 99%, and 3) show the power of social movements to bring about change."
The first essay notes that "we are not to blame for a weak economy, for a subprime mortgage meltdown, or for a tax system that favors the wealthy but bankrupts the government." (Pg. 2) It asserts that "Today's economy redistributes wealth from the poor and middle class to those at the top," since the income of the top 1% grew 275% between 1979 and 2007, while the income of the bottom 20% grew just 18%. (Pg. 3)
Explaining why OWS has presented no "list of demands," the same essayist notes that "A list of specific demands would make it easier to ... divide the movement... Occupy Wall Street is ... developing consensus statements at its own pace." (Pg. 7) In the "Declaration" of the NYC movement, however, issues such as housing foreclosures; corporate bailouts of banks giving their executives huge bonuses; huge student debts; outsourcing of labor, etc. (Pg. 36-38)
This book---along with others such as 'What is Occupy?: Inside the Global Movement,' 'Occupy!: Scenes from Occupied America,' and 'Voices From the 99 Percent: An Oral History of the Occupy Wall Street Movement'---is an excellent one for anyone interested in learning more about the OWS movement.
The Foreword to this 2011 book states that YES! magazine decided to publish a book about the OWS movement, because "We found most media reports on the Occupy movement confusing or dismissive... we felt we could help the growing number of people interested in this movement understand its import." Sarah van Gelder (executive editor of YES! magazine) assembled articles to "1) feature voices from inside and outside the movement, 2) spotlight changes capable of shifting our society's wealth back to the 99%, and 3) show the power of social movements to bring about change."
The first essay notes that "we are not to blame for a weak economy, for a subprime mortgage meltdown, or for a tax system that favors the wealthy but bankrupts the government." (Pg. 2) It asserts that "Today's economy redistributes wealth from the poor and middle class to those at the top," since the income of the top 1% grew 275% between 1979 and 2007, while the income of the bottom 20% grew just 18%. (Pg. 3)
Explaining why OWS has presented no "list of demands," the same essayist notes that "A list of specific demands would make it easier to ... divide the movement... Occupy Wall Street is ... developing consensus statements at its own pace." (Pg. 7) In the "Declaration" of the NYC movement, however, issues such as housing foreclosures; corporate bailouts of banks giving their executives huge bonuses; huge student debts; outsourcing of labor, etc. (Pg. 36-38)
This book---along with others such as 'What is Occupy?: Inside the Global Movement,' 'Occupy!: Scenes from Occupied America,' and 'Voices From the 99 Percent: An Oral History of the Occupy Wall Street Movement'---is an excellent one for anyone interested in learning more about the OWS movement.
September 1, 2021
3.5/5
For what it was (i.e. a very quickly-made book, where proceeds went the movement and 500 copies were distributed directly to occupiers), it was great. I unfortunately did not get to partake in this movement, but I would've loved a book like this at the time.
That said...it doesn't age well, and by that I simply mean it's not actually a comprehensive view of the movement. Most essays are too short, and (for obvious reasons, being that it was written during the movement) it doesn't show what happened because of the movement. I wish they'd update an updated version, perhaps with essays from the same people, reflecting on the time afterward. But, again, it fulfilled its purpose, but may not be the best resource for someone ten years later.
For what it was (i.e. a very quickly-made book, where proceeds went the movement and 500 copies were distributed directly to occupiers), it was great. I unfortunately did not get to partake in this movement, but I would've loved a book like this at the time.
That said...it doesn't age well, and by that I simply mean it's not actually a comprehensive view of the movement. Most essays are too short, and (for obvious reasons, being that it was written during the movement) it doesn't show what happened because of the movement. I wish they'd update an updated version, perhaps with essays from the same people, reflecting on the time afterward. But, again, it fulfilled its purpose, but may not be the best resource for someone ten years later.
February 22, 2018
Interesting look into Occupy Wall Street. I don't necessary agree with the politics behind it, but I found learning about how it was organized and played out was engaging.
August 24, 2021
2.5
睇得出本書係好趕噉拼湊而成，文嘅質量參差。有啲幾好嘅分析，有啲好淺白嘅敍述，所以冇咩太大得着。
睇得出本書係好趕噉拼湊而成，文嘅質量參差。有啲幾好嘅分析，有啲好淺白嘅敍述，所以冇咩太大得着。
February 27, 2025
because you know, in a moment, it could all go...boom
February 13, 2017
An interesting at-the-time snapshot of Occupy NY, with twenty bite-size essays by those present in the first months. As such it presents a helpful reminder and education of the movement's origins, ambitions and achievements. The 'live' format ignores the detraction of later and the critiques of sharks and thus, an inspiring read. Not loftily sentimental.
January 25, 2014
Most of this book was repetitive, since it was different people's views on the same event ( and mostly written early).
There are a couple pieces that are very good and thus raise my overall opinion of the book. Those are:
"No Leaders, No Violence" Nathan Schneider
"How Inequality Poisons Society..." Brooke Jarvis
"Six Ways to Liberate Main Street from Wall Street" David Korten
"How to Create Living-Wage Jobs ..." Sarah van Gelder and Doug Pibel
(abbreviated some titles - too much typing involved :)
There are a couple pieces that are very good and thus raise my overall opinion of the book. Those are:
"No Leaders, No Violence" Nathan Schneider
"How Inequality Poisons Society..." Brooke Jarvis
"Six Ways to Liberate Main Street from Wall Street" David Korten
"How to Create Living-Wage Jobs ..." Sarah van Gelder and Doug Pibel
(abbreviated some titles - too much typing involved :)
November 16, 2012
This was a good explanation of a movement that has been largely mischaracterized by the media at large and by its detractors. I cannot say I agree with all the points they make or all of their goals, but they do have many good ideas, some of which I would like to see implemented and they have some very inspiring essays. It's a nice revitalizing read for those feeling disillusioned with politics and government in general. Motivating.
May 13, 2013
Meh. I was hoping for good things with this book, but it didn't do anything for me. If I'd read it in 2011, maybe I would've enjoyed it more. Alas.
My main complaint: it's very sterile. It takes a movement full of passion and makes it dry and academic. I'm all for academic studies, but it's not what I was expecting.\
Highlight: the letter to the man who started the Arab Spring. Try to find that article online - it's quality.
My main complaint: it's very sterile. It takes a movement full of passion and makes it dry and academic. I'm all for academic studies, but it's not what I was expecting.\
Highlight: the letter to the man who started the Arab Spring. Try to find that article online - it's quality.
January 3, 2014
A primer to the complexities of the Occupy movement. The first half of this book tells great stories from inside the beginning stages of OWS. This book left much to be wanted, though, as it was hastily thrown together about two months after OWS kicked off. As a collection of essays, "This Changes Everything" will give you an array of opinions and show you that OWS does not side with a political agenda, but sets out for solidarity and economic equality.
February 12, 2012
I'm not sure if the Occupy movement changes everything, but it is nice to read about the movement from people inside of it. At least these people are trying to do something. I think the book its self is fairly unorganized, which I suppose embodies the movement well, but the lack of consistent. Tone makes for a disconnected read.
February 21, 2012
This is a very small book consisting of short essays by Occupy participants and others (Naomi Klein and Ralph Nader among others). My biggest takeaway was the declaration of Occupy Wall Street of October 1. The news media kept asking 'what do they want?', yet the declaration lays it out clearly. So apparently the news media was simply too lazy to actually ask Occupy, or to read their declaration.
January 3, 2013
Collection of short articles from the initial months of the Occupy movement. While this was assembled quickly to document current events, it's also a well-selected overview. Most pieces are 2-3 pages, and lend themselves well to occasional reading and reflection, or could be used as seeds for group discussion.
June 2, 2014
A nice collection of first hand accounts, essays, blog-posts, etc. that tell the story of the 99% from those who were/are actively participating in the movement. If you want to know what the Occupy movement is all about this is the book for you.
October 26, 2013
I thought this was an informative book because it included real books sections, speeches and articles published during the Occupy movement. It was very inspirational to read the platform for the movement.
Read
January 20, 2015Was looking for the Naomi Klein book, but checked this one out too. Learned a lot about the Occupy movement that was really exciting, I must say.
The practice of general assemblies in particular is exciting. And the frame of practical anarchy.
Quick read and informative. Glad I read it.
The practice of general assemblies in particular is exciting. And the frame of practical anarchy.
Quick read and informative. Glad I read it.
May 8, 2021
The book is a premature celebration of something that never came into fruition. It mostly discusses the movement in a celebratory manner, but often glosses over the structural problems that led to this movement.
December 13, 2011
A quick read; lots of little articles about the occupy movement and all the various and diverse realities associated with it. A decent intro into occupy.
July 30, 2015
Very helpful in understanding the OWS movement; also creates a desire to be pro-active.
January 19, 2012
epic. The Occupy Movement is beautifully articulated in much needed ways through this book. The only thing better than reading this book is living it..
March 29, 2012
To be honest, I expected a lot more from this short anthology of essays. I've read van Gelder's work before and had much higher expectations.
May 24, 2012
Quick pieces put together about this movement from various locations. I love the principal behind OWS and when students have asked me about it we've had great discussions.
July 11, 2012
Energizing. Gd reminder of core democratic values.
February 7, 2013
Relatively short, but it provides a good insight into the grassroots of the Occupy movement.
June 26, 2013
This is very informative about the Occupy Wall Street movement directed from the progressive point of view.
August 11, 2013
Great introduction to the Occupy movement! Short and outdated at this point, but certainly helped me pinpoint issues I want to read into further.
September 27, 2014
I wish there where still occupiers
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