During my visits to the Occupy camps last week I had a few bizarre encounters and puzzling conversations. I spoke to a man who offered bizarre lucubrations on greed, jealousy and the way people wipe faeces from their faces (yes, you read that correctly). He had just broached the subject of genital hygiene when Rhys*, a leader of Occupy UBS, interrupted us. He must have sensed my confusion and impeding exasperation.
Despite his exhaustion (he had been up all night preparing a case against the occupiers’ eviction), Rhys helped me grasp the fundamental need for these worldwide occupations.
Simple truths, such as the fact that the bank bailouts could have paid for 1,500 new schools, are clear evidence of a need for change, and failing that, a need for protest.
Rhys, however, feels not enough of the activists are as informed as they should be on the issues at hand to be an asset to the movement. It is wonderful the disused UBS building can be used as a modern day agora, as well as providing shelter for people who need it, but he thinks managing a space occupied in part by runaways, vagrants and drifters is taking its toll on the movement’s momentum.
His disappointment extends to the St Paul’s camp, the reputation of which is being marred by allegations of severe substance abuse among occupiers. These camps are the public face of the movement and for it to have wider influence and, ultimately, success it must be seen to be in control.
Finally, Rhys thinks the movement in the UK has lost its momentum and is going to fade. For now. In 3-4 years’ time, he claims, when the economic situation worsens, the movement will resurface with renewed determination.
If you find yourself having doubts or questions about one of the biggest movements of the last few decades, then go visit an Occupy camp and strike up a conversation!
View the full set of photos here.
*Not his real name.
