3.5.+What+about+joining+Occupy+Wall+St+movement?

**A.** **Occupy Wall Street is a "leaderless resistance movement with people of many colors, genders and political persuasions".** ** Refresh your knowledge by going through the following worksheet **. ** State your opinion on the ****Occupy Wall Street** **movement** **and its goals.** I really appreciate what those people did because when all of us stay quite while the government is cutting salaries they stood up and fought for what they believe. MarianaFerreira
 * 3. 5. WHAT ABOUT JOINING OCCUPY WALL ST MOVEMENT? **** Hi everyone! This new page will be open till the 5th February, the eve of our test. So, avoid the RUSH HOUR and start editing! :)) **

I think it's noble that a group of people gathered and is now fighting for the 99% of their society.The first time I saw this movement on the news I thought that it wouldn't get anywhere and it wouldn't have future. Now I see how far they've come and actually managed to achieve their goals. They have been struggling against all odds and kept truthful to what they believe. Emilia Mota

I agree with Emília. The Occupy Wall Street movement managed to show to the people who weren’t aware (or didn’t want to know about) the injustices of today’s economy and how the 1% controls all of the political power and the money. Marta Ferreira

I think it takes lot of courage and confidence to be part of this movements and believe that the world will change. Occupy wall st movement waked us for the reality, made us want to express our opinions and fight against the injustice. Rita Pinto

Unlike most people here, I don't really support this movements. Why? mostly because sh*t happens (sorry for the expression, but there is no other way to say it), our leaders started spending money on things we don't even need and then we sunk into an economic crisis which bought most of us down, and instead of reaching a consensus and helping the world pass through this and fighting for it never to happen again, they are making it worse by stirring up things. OWS doesn't like this gap between rich and poor people, because it makes rich people rich enough to make a presence and poor people too poor to even show up, and there is a reason why I don't agree with what they are doing; it's simple, we live in an almost free world, where people can do almost anything they want, study or not, go to college or not, choose this or that profession, no one forces you, they only want you to work, and there is one thing that I've learned, something that my parents keep telling me since i was a child, "you can only be someone if you work for it", and that's why people are rebelling because they made the wrong decisions and now it's too late to turn back, because i bet most of that 1% worked hard to reach there, and i bet some of them came from poor families and made all their way to the top...and you don't need to be in the stock market to make millions, there are many other ways, architects and engineers make tons of money, there are athletes, entertainers, politicians...it's not the profession that doesn't pay enough it's us that don't work enough for it and if it is us that don't work for it, then we have no right to fight against that 1%. The truth is people don't like the ones that are on top because they rub it on our faces and we have to take it, because they were the ones who made the right choices...only the best survive, that's the law of nature. // Diogo Pinto //

The idea of chaging the world by occupying it sounds very appealing. Our society as grown in a way that we´ve become increasingly attached to the government´s policies and highly dependent on the market and banks. It´s about time that we change this tendency, whether the correct way to do it is by occupying the streets I guess the answer is yet to come. I´m a bit more pessimistic, I believe that we need to change mentalities and that´s a long process. I wonder who realistic this movement is.

Perhaps because I have come across some hipocrisy in what concerns I'm not 100 % sure where I stand regarding this movement. Its fundadores may be truly interested in change but some followers are denying its very own ideals... [] Rita Rebelo

If we have social differences in Portugal, that is a small and poor country, when compared to the US, there, they are much bigger. You have the homeless that have nothing and on the other hand, the rich bankers that talk about millions like we talk about cents. Its that huuuuge gap between their possessions that makes lots of people go out on the streets to fight against social injustice. Nuno Bico

I believe that the people its an important part of the democratic sistem, we should pay atention to the situation of our country, city or group of countries ( as it is the case of the european union, we should pay atention to the decisons made by the politicians in brussels), however we shouldn't intervene unless it is really necessary. I think that in the USA it was needed an intervention because the situation was getting out of control and the politicians\authorities weren't acting. Telmo Cortinhal

It is true that some of the ideals they follow are a bit unrealistic, however, I think it's a good movement that shows how the message can be easily spread trough all the globe. Thousands of people are nowadays feeling the injustices commited by the 1% and if this is one way of protesting, the best one or not, they should do it. If we ignore this situation and others, in our countries, in our world that means we don't care, we are indifferent and we should't be. We need to take action, protest. Our money, our properties, our life is in risk because nothing is secure on current days. Teresa Silva

I am happy for knowing that someone is trying to make a stand in relation to this issue, but if we look deep o the question most of the people that belong to that movement are also cliens fo thoe banks anda those multinotionals. In order to "destroy" them we have not to shout in front of wall street stock market but make them loose some profits. Renato

As ana teresa saied we have to admit that this movement ideals are parcial an utopic dream however, it is a historical an movement that made people from all over the world come together and fight for the same goals, forgeting their different beliefs, creeds and interests. It would not be enought to change the world's situation but it is a beginning to open people's eyes and show them that we were all being victims of an unsustainable global system. Moreover, it helps to emphasize the ideia that the people's voice could be heard if we all participate and take a stand to defend our own ideals and our own future. Ana Paula 12E

I guess that if you find yourself a victim of all the crisis ambience and feelings of anger and unfairness between the 99%, you should go out in the streets and state it. Plus, if you're in a place where no job is found, you, actually, get yourself a lot of free time. So, among constantly looking for a job in the papers and being depressd at your (mother's) house, u can join this movementsand really put your vision out there. We're a bit too young to discuss what it feels like to have no job but I can imagine how frustrating and embarassing for me if I go to college and study for another four, five, or six years and in the end not finding a job! If that time comes, I can picture myself joining this movements because, in reality, I guess that if you go there, you'll first think you found your soulmates. A life with no job, bills to pay, feelings of anger, depression and lack of power, feeling like you can't handle the situation,.. Second of all, you (I guess) will feel like at leat you're doing something. You're speaking out, You're telling how you feel and that your position is not a good one, and it is not your fault, and in the end, it is better to go out in the street than just sitting home, doing the old usual. Mariana Marques

I find it a very selfish and dishonest attitude to think of self profit only and to be indifferent to a whole nation's economic problems caused by that heartless greed (a whole nation, or the world itself). Demonstrating on the streets won't help that much, because those greedy ones are truly in charge, but to remain silent is to let the world know you're happy with that situation. The Occupy Movement might not have changed a lot, but it is present, and people hear about it and know that they can join it, whenever they decide to become active and make the world notice that they are discontent. That, in my point of view, is important. __J.Pereira__

** B. Comment on the following poster. **

those pictures only show the disapointment even of New York citizens... Dispite all the depression and measures of the banks and government, there are people all over the world trying to fight for their rights and trying not to let the banks take over the economic society. Mariana Ferreira

This poster clearly shows that art is a powerful weapon and one of the best ways to express our dissatisfaction. It doesn't let us be indifferent to the situation. Rita Pinto

I like very much the first one. The girl on top can represent the balance and equality that is supposed to exist in the world and also her domination of Wall Street's symbol, one animal apparently bigger and stronger than she really is. On the other hand, she can represent the way this movement is doing things as their methods are a little bit different from what we are used to see. I also like very much the "anonymous mask" representing the 99%. It shows the similarities and the situation we are in. Teresa Silva

The first poster symbolizes the 1% taking control of the bull ( wall street's symbol). It shows that all the effort by the protesters wasn't in vain, and that the apparently smaller and weeker can tame the beast. NUNO BRANCO

**C. Why are they using the revolutionary Arab Spring tactics to achieve their ends and encourage the use of nonviolence?**

Maybe because the mainstream media doesn't gice them the support they really diserve and sometimes they only criticise them instead of spreading their message. What they sould know isthat by publishing bad crtitics they are also showing the world what Occupy Movement is doing. Mariana ferreira I think they tried to innovate and make something a little bit different as the mainstream media often change the facts and messages they wanted to convey. Teresa Silva

**D.**** Comment on the following [|INDIGNADO INTERVIEW] ****interview with M15 Indignado - Andres Villena Oliver.**

**E. a.** ** What's your opinion about "O MOVIMENTO DOS INDIGNADOS" (Indignado Movement) in Portugal? ** The most important thing we are unfortunately seeing nowadays is that more and more people are becoming part of Indignado Movement and it is not only the new generations but also people with much more years of experience in terms of work and life. This just means the problem is already happening and it is also affecting older people. All the society is having difficulties in surviving with such austerity measures and unemployment. As a result it is important to protest and give other solutions to Portugal overcame the situation. Teresa Silva Obviously, this movement is a repercussion of all the austerity mesures imposed to the people that, in my point of view, were not ready to such drastic changes... Above all, is important to maintain the fighting spirit and show that even in times of crisis we can be united and fight for a common gold. Diogo Silva

This movement in Portugal is an answer to all the changes that we are facing and the rigid period we are going through. I belive that it is deeply important that people show their indignation and make politians realise that their decisions have real consequences with real effects on citizens lifes. Moreover protests like this one would help to keep people unit fighting for a single objective that is a better future. Ana Paula 12E **b. Watch the clip [|Demonstration in Lisbon 21st January 2012]and state your opinion on it.**

**F. Why was "THE PROTESTER" elected the Person of the Year by Time magazine?**

Throughout last year we heard about protests and revolutions going on all over te world. The __PROTESTER__ is definitly the person of the year. As I've mentioned, before last year's riots I didn't believe that protests could make real changes nowadays. Guess what...I was wrong. Gaddafi is death: his own people hunted him down and only stoped when libya was free from their ruler. That's impressive and it showed me that our opinion and will can make a difference. Events like those sent a message to the world's population and specially to the leaders: the population is not happy and is willing to do anything to have social equality. This video demonstrates that powerful companies and personalities are in danger. media type="youtube" key="-u_4FTVg5fs?version=3" height="231" width="378" Emilia Mota

"The protester" is all of us mixed in his person. It is the figure that resume all the problems, revolutions, protests that ocurred in this last year. On 2012 more events like this will definitely happen and more people will take action in this movements. Teresa Silva Our voice is one of the most precious things we have. Because we face a huge economic, social and cultural crisis, it is important that people do not give up and keep expressing themselves. Consequently, the fact that everyone is unhappy with the situation of our society, protests become much easier and make a greater impact, as people can relate to what is being said. In my opinion, “The Protester” was considered the person of the year since nowadays we all feel the need to complain and protest against the unfair measures taken by the government and the terrible consequences those measures brought to society. Núria Paulo. 2011 was a year of revolution in which people from all parts of the globe, regartheless of their religion, race or background united themselves for a more egalitarian society. there were a lot of protests some of them ended well others didn't, however, the majority were revolutions without blood based on a common desire to rebel against corrupt, opressive and discriminatory systems. Protests were like a wave that spread it's power and transformed indignation into a global need of revolution that put Islamic, Europeand and Americans in the same boat.“The Protester” was named person of the year not only because we all feel the need to protest but also because it is a remarkable position to take in nowdays. Ana Paula 12E

**G. Is the only solution to our economic problems WORLD Revolution? Or would you advise / predict some other alternative?**

Unfortunately i don't really know what the solution is, i don't have all the answers, i would like to but i don't...still we can't help to see what is happening around the world, and in my opinion the future only brings war, and a huge one, and i hate to say that because if it does happen it'll be most likely my or my children's generation that will fight it. Again i don't support this, but can anyone see a different outcome? many more people are rebelling everyday, the situation we are in is bad, and instead of hoping for something better we lock it away and generate this chains of hatred around the world, making people panic, and instead of helping we are making it worse. People sometimes forget to stop for a minute and think, "what is best for this world?", is it rebel and fight when everything is completely fucked up or keep working even harder for a better tomorrow...right now we're doing the opposite of what we should do, what we should be doing is save this mess for when the world goes back to it's tracks so that an economic crisis never happens again. But still this is only one man's thought, not the rest of the world and while it is like that we might start preparing for the worst. // Diogo Pinto //

The solution is beyond world revolution and it is really complex, hard and it will take sacrifice and commitment of all of us. I don't think we should give alternatives to world revolution but we should add more ideas, bring more solutions, discuss this matter and hear different opinions. We are constantly saying we are in crisis and we have bad politicians and so on but we often just criticize instead of bring up other ideas. Our hope isn't much but is something and we should hold on to it and work as a unite to, step by step, solve the main issues of the world. Teresa Silva

The solution isn't a revolution at all, it is finding economists and managers that are competent and that can rule a country ( financially speaking) so that our contry can start to balance its accounts. If we start a revolution every time that the economy is down than we will be creating a vicious circle, and we will keep creating revolutions every time something goes wrong and that's not a good way of living. Bulding a strong economy that can surpass world crisis is possible we just need the right personnel, if we have portuguese people to do this its great, but if there isn't anyone available for the job why shouldn't we hire foreigners as our economy minister? The president and prime minister would still be portuguese and the country would remain Portugal, there is no need to be afraid to hire foreigners. Telmo Cortinhal

No, from my point of view a world revolution it will only bring temporary stability. I bet that after a short time we would be back to the old regime where the politics corrupt the world and where the money only matters. We need something big, something more dramatic. We can´t think that with only one measures we can bring back honesty and other values to the world. We need to mentalize that this will take time, maybe years, decades or even centuries but we need to start doing something. There will be always someone that will be to greedy and wants to be in power but it will be our job to keep them away from certain positions. We just can't stand and wait for the other to resolve this big issue because if we all think in this way we are not be able to end this vicious cycle.

Filipe 12º E

I believe that we need more than a world revolution to fight the situation we face today. However, desperate times lead to desperate actions. People got to the point where they don’t know what to do anymore, besides protest and fight. I think that these measures are important to call people and government’s attention to the importance of creating real solutions and to understand that enough is enough. It will certainly be very difficult, it will demand a lot from everyone and bring a lot of disagreements, but it’s definitely time to start. Núria Paulo.

I think that it won't be needed a world revolution. But in order to be successful we should all unite and battle to solve this critical situation. I don't know the answer for the future of our economy but as far as i can foresee times of instability and manifestations wait us ahead. If we all battle at the same side, then of course our effort won't be worthless. NUNO BRANCO

I understand that being in a position where unplyed people are nowadays doesn't feel really good but, I don't believe that a revolution is the solution. I see that the government took a lot of austerity measures. Although, for every measure the government ( the former and the current) there's always a group of people who go out on streets or speak to the media, saying how anger they are at that measures and how unfair it is. I guess that if we really want to overtake this crisis, we need to accept that it is necessary that brutal measures need to be taken in order to retrieve money we lost. Even though you feel like you didn't have any guilt, you need to take the measures because crisis won't resolve itself miraculously. So, that's why I believe tha revolution, for now, it is not the right solution. Mariana Marques