The Occupy movement is taking place all over the world. Whether you agree with it or not, it is a global phenomena that shows no sign of abatting. Temporary dissent or the beginnings of a pan-continental revolt..its difficult to call. People from different backgrounds, cultures and countries have been galvanised into action because they don’t want empty campaign bullshit politician slogan “Change”…they want ACTUAL change.
The empty UBS in the City has been occupied as part of this movement and re-named the ‘Bank of Ideas’, with lectures, art spaces, and protest workshops now going on in a building that has sat empty for seven years.
To celebtrate their activities and bolster morale they threw their version of a bank xmas party. And 3d from Massive Attack and Thom Yorke from Radiohead turned up to show their support for the protestors and together played a killer set..which was nice.
Like all events of the modern era it was heavily documented…you could barely move without staring down the barrel of an SLR (mine included!)
At first it seemed excessive, especially given the intimate nature of the proceedings but digital documentation is in fact an integral part of this modern movement. The desire and ability to instantaneously show (albeit virtually) to potentially billions what is only being experienced by a small group is fundamental to this cause.
Technology has given local protests global coverage and the scope to spread their experiences and ideas which will in turn inspires others to do the same. Megabite momentum has enabled the masses to mobilize in a way inconceivable before these Internet led times.
This is the very reason it is happening simultaneously across the planet in so many seemingly unconnected places but what’s really connecting people is not technology but shared grievance and the worse things get the more the masses will bond and bind.
But despite its world changing desires and media minded intentions, it was at the end of the day just a kickin party and a perfect moment in time for those present..
Where’s it all heading? Who the fuck knows? As Jim Morrison once so eloquently put it….
“I don’t know what’s going to happen man, but I wanna get my kicks before the whole shithouse goes up in flames”
Amen.
