I write this as the Occupy Wall Street movement spreads across U.S. cities at an astonishing rate, and I’ve been reading with interest the reports of what’s happening in the midst of the seemingly well-organized unorganized movement.
I tend to be fascinated with, but never at the center of, this kind of activism. It never seems like where I stand on any issue can fit on a sign I’d want to carry, and I have a deep distrust of chanting mobs of people — even if they are all my friends. I’d much rather be around a table in deep discussion over disagreements. But that’s easy to say, since it’s rarely how politics (at my level, anyway) are played out.
It has been inspiring to hear that there is a respectful, kind and earnest vibe at the Occupy gatherings. One that holds lots of rage, but isn’t consumed by it. One that is working to be the change it wishes to see in the world, by working hard to listen to feedback about the missing voices and self-correct; to enter into dialogue about points of honest disagreement and work toward consensus; to manage everyone’s desire to get their most passionate concern on the list of demands against the need to have a clear goal and unified purpose. It hasn’t been perfect, but it’s such a joy to watch from the sidelines and see people working on being good while trying to do good. Whatever happens with the demands or the protests, as long as they are doing that work faithfully, they will have my heart.
I’ll be at Occupy Boston for a vigil with other UU’s Sunday evening October 9th at 5:30. Join us!
