On Saturday October 15, inspired by the social uprisings that began in Tahrir Square in the Arab Spring and later in the indignado movements in Greece and Spain and the #occupywallstreet campaign people in 961 cities throughout the world spoke out in their squares and meeting places.In the Haymarket over a hundred of us gathered to discuss the financial system that is squeezing the majority (99%) in favour of the ruling elite (1%). It's a global protest against the existing order, but it's also about taking part in a creative process in which the voices of ordinary citizens converge in order to manifest social change. Real democracy on a planet in a state of crisis.
Our prevailing "official" culture is rooted in the Western “business-as-usual” control of resources that denies rather than reflects systemic collapse. However the myths on which it is based - endless economic growth, the supremacy of the rich and famous - are being eroded as people everywhere are waking up to the reality that we need to create a new story that includes us all. On Saturday several of us from Transition Norwich were there (and one or two still are) as one of the key strands within this new cultural narrative.
Two weeks later the camp, like hundreds across the globe, is still active and holding assemblies, workshops and events like this weekend's The Undead Rise Up to join the 99%', with the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse (politicians, bankers, media, capitalism/greed), Vampires (politicians/bankers) and Zombies (the 99%)!
Occupy Norwich has also set up an information hub for anyone wanting to find out what this global movement is all about and what can be done locally. Do go along to their camp at the Haymarket or get in touch via Twitter, Facebook or their website.
Charlotte Du Cann
(See also Open Letter of Support to Occupy London by Jay of Transition Wivenhoe)
Photo: poster for #occupynorwich; consensus decision making on Day 2 by Ruski Fari
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