Date of Award

Spring 5-20-2012

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts

Major

Human Rights

First Advisor

Stephen Valocchi

Second Advisor

Sonia Cardenas

Third Advisor

Sarah Raskin

Abstract

It has changed the landscape of America in just the last eight months. Cries of “We are the 99%” fill the air. People are angry. Many will argue for years to come what the occupation has actually done for American society, politics and culture. It is clear though that things are changing. A precipice has been reached and it does not seem that those truly devoted to changing the system will back away quietly. Over the last 28 weeks I have read countless articles and interviews of occupiers from all over the world who have converged on Zuccotti Park in Manhattan, New York since September 2011. Reading these articles has not only enlightened my view of social movements and the power of protest in the name of human rights, but it has restored my faith in the promise of American democracy. While there are mountains left to climb before any of us will ever be satisfied, the people of Occupy Wall Street and all the Occupations of the world are fighting. They are fighting hard. The reverberations of change have sat stagnant in the air for a while. Whether it was the turn of the century, the predictions of social apocalypse, the recession or the obvious decline of great cities such as Detroit and New Orleans it is clear that the state of our state is declining. This is a pivotal moment in the history of social justice and change. The Occupy Wall Street phenomenon, some may argue will never be a movement. They are wrong.

Comments

Senior thesis completed at Trinity College for the degree of Bachelor of Arts in Human Rights.

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