Occupy The Walls
Walls have a twofold function. They keep things out as well as in. They protect and serve as well as imprison and restrict. We know this well, so the next question is, What are our walls all about right now? Where do we stand in relation to them?
Occupy Protestors. Image source: http://www.uft.org
These questions are becoming increasingly relevant and crucial with time. In the wake of the financial crisis, the austerity measures and spending cuts, the layoffs and uncertainty, and the bumpy way ahead, there has been lots of anger brewing against the injustices perpetrated. This anger needs to be examined and understood if we are going to achieve a lasting resolution to the problems plaguing us.
To cut the long story short, the anger in question is widespread and has two faces. One is directed at the system proper, accusing it of serving the interests of the rich and powerful at the expense of the poor and helpless. The other is directed at the way freeloaders and spongers have taken advantage of the situation, milking the system at the expense of hard-working people – or at the detriment of responsible individuals, regardless of nationality (a point we need to consider if we are to avoid reintroducing racism and national fascism to society on the backdrop of economic prowess) rendering entire systems defunct and unable to function properly.
There are a number of ways to go about the subject and try to elaborate on the complexities behind what is going on, how the scene is not straightforward anymore; how it’s hard to assess and make sense of what is happening around the world. But sometimes pictures speak louder than words, and so does music.
So let’s use a music video to make the case for us and clear the air. Here is Another Brick In The Wall (Part 2), by Pink Floyd. It’s a pretty edgy, outspoken piece of work. How does it make you feel? Does it inspire you and give you hope or does it fill you with fear and apprehension? Is it right on the money and appealing or seditious and inappropriate? Revolutionary or revolting?
Bearing in mind recent events and developments, both local and international, it is evident that Walls have once again become relevant, from Wall Street in New York to firewalls in the Eurozone. We are going to have to face ours sooner or later, to each our own, if we haven’t already. We better figure out where we stand and why we are standing there, and fast.
Eyes open, mind sharp.
Nicolas Sampson is on Twitter and Facebook.
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