Serving the UMN community since 1900

The Minnesota Daily

Serving the UMN community since 1900

The Minnesota Daily

Serving the UMN community since 1900

The Minnesota Daily

Daily Email Edition

Get MN Daily NEWS delivered to your inbox Monday through Friday!

SUBSCRIBE NOW

By demonizing pleasure, we set ourselves up for unfulfilling sex lives.
Opinion: Let’s talk about sex
Published March 27, 2024

Occupy favors direct action

OccupyMN has created a way to act outside the political system.

 

On Oct. 7, 2011, the OccupyMN movement first gathered at the People’s Plaza in downtown Minneapolis in solidarity with the Occupy Wall Street protests in New York. Like many Occupy movements across the nation, OccupyMN now finds itself at a crossroads.

At its inception, Occupy used nonviolent protest to raise awareness of corporate greed and government corruption while resisting calls for it to become a political movement. This resistance reflects the need for separation between community-based action and participation in the political system.

Since being kicked off at the plaza, OccupyMN has turned its sights toward greater community action, inspiring students and citizens alike to avoid the pitfalls of political organization in the interest of direct activism.

From foreclosure assistance to raising awareness of nonprofit banks and credit unions, this activism outside of the political system is where the movement truly shines and is where its energy should remain.

While participation in the political process and community-based activism are both worthy of student&undefined;s energy and time, a balance between the two provides a broader civic education that can only be found outside of the classroom.

With 2012 now here and political pundits pounding the pavement, students interested in community action should consider groups like Occupy. The movement&undefined;s primary message of bringing diverse people together is something that cannot be legislated, but like political involvement, simply showing up can make all the difference.

Leave a Comment

Accessibility Toolbar

Comments (0)

All The Minnesota Daily Picks Reader Picks Sort: Newest

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *