Occupy Oakland General Strike, Nov.2, 2011 - Day Turns Into Night
The Strike started of in a peaceful light, people playing music, kids dancing, people praying under trees and hugging... the day proceeded into your your typical strike rally with signs, chants about justice and so forth. I left for a while because Ironically enough I had to go to work (A fair trade, activist company not located in Oakland). When I returned, it seemed like a different planet. The Streets Were blockaded with stolen garbage bins, waste was piling up around trash cans... There were marching brigades of men in black face masks and hoodies carrying "Revolt" signs and encouraging outrage and fury. People started to get more and more worked up, people with loud speakers directed everyone to go to a building they had "taken over," to go and occupy it. I hesitated and then went nervously with the crowd to see what all the fuss was about. I befriended a nice guy and we walked there together. When I got to the building, it started off empty. They didn't really "take over" a building, they just found a big empty one and broke in - Not cool.
However, the Port of Oakland was closed by all of the strikers and protesters during the course of the day. I am proud that something great was accomplished that actually makes a positive impact, by the people, for the people. The port was closed during the day when things were still pretty mild; which says a lot about a large gathering of peaceful people - peace does the trick without the excess of anger. Watching the protest turn ugly and violent is the opposite of what will mend the tares in our flag. It is about regaining equal power with kindness, not hating in spite... It's not about being a hypocrite and hurting people because they hurt you. it's about doing the best that you can to make that positive change you want to see, and inspire others to do the same.
It was really disappointing to see something that has so much potential and positive power to forget what it really stands for. Not only that, but it was also an unfortunate and inaccurate reflection on the rest of the Oakland community, most of whom were the peacemakers in the sunshine, doing all their energy healing.
There was a point in taking over that building in particular, though, that the protesters had in mind. But how it was handled could have been done in a more effective and peaceful way. The building used to be a shelter for the homeless and was later foreclosed on and turned into a library...
I left when the building was taken over by the protestors, it was getting dangerous. By that time the police were on their way in large numbers - It was cold and everything was just one big, obnoxious, angry street party. I didn't want to stick around, I just wanted to get out.
The purpose of these protests is to help people, not scare them and trash the city. The mob just seemed like an excuse to be angry and to attempt to pseudo commandeer an abandoned building. It was as though the protestors were challenging the police to a duel, not the other way around. The night ended on a surprisingly light note, good thing, it could have been a lot worse.
So The Story Goes... "In The Beginning There Was Light"
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| "Liberate Oakland" |
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| The Day Started Off With Peace And Fun... |
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| The People Singing |
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| Hugging And Holding Hands |
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| Shalom |
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| Vendetta |
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| Peaceful Warriors |
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| They Were Chanting About Better Schools. They Had No Intentions To Hurt Anyone. Though They Do Look Mighty Fierce, Especially Those Two On The Left. Part Of Their Sign Reads "Children Will Occupy the Future," And "Stop The Insanity." |
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Then Day Turned Into Night
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Things Turned Ugly (Overturned Garbage Bin Blockades)
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| Bored Protestors Keeping Warm By A Flare |
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There Was Anger And Fists Of Rage...
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Ninjas With Black Face Masks, Most Of Them Refused To Be Photographed...
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| They Led Their Brigades... |
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| And Everyone Was Directed To Occupy A Building That Was Empty In The First Place... Of Course Everyone and their Dog Went. Who Is This Lady Anyways And Why Are People Listening To Her? |
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| I'm Pretty Sure this Guy Sat There For An Hour With His Fist Like That, I'm Surprised His Arm Didn't Get Tired. He Didn't Do Anything But What You See Here - It Was Kind Of Lame, But That's Good By Me. We Don't Need Another Riot. And P.S. This Is Oakland, Not Santa Cruz. |
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| Buildings Trashed, People Scared, Streets Blocked Off, Garbage Piling Up, All For This Abandoned Building Takeover Which Was Embarrassingly Ineffective (Good Thing Though)... The Men In Dark Masks Were Gone And The Cops Showed Up Later - By Then I Had Already Left Fed Up With The Angry Street Party, Went Home And Went To Sleep. So, next time let's keep it peaceful people - a little peace can go a loooong way. |
