Occupy D.C.

Our Thanksgiving race started at Freedom Plaza, which this year turns out to be right in the midst of the Occupy D.C. tent camp.  It was really fascinating to see the tents, read the signs, pick up a newspaper, and even engage a little with one of the protestors. When I told him I was a social worker, he started in on the social worker is a social control agent argument.  It's actually something I've struggled with over the years from time to time--this idea that social workers help people just enough to keep them above the breaking point, but that the U.S.social programs (which social workers often carry out and become very invested in) don't provide enough to help people really get on their feet.  One argument is that social workers should be true to their social justice mission and be advocating for system wide changes.  In truth, I find that argument very compelling.  However, I cannot justify the part that requires ignoring the basic needs of people in order to foment widespread uprisings.  Where the protestor and I really differed was when we discussed rape crisis services (my former job in social work). He argued that lawyers are benefitting from rape cases and that this promotes rape. He seemed focused on changing that financial aspect of it; I am adamant that we provide services to survivors. All in all, it was an interesting, respectful discourse about ideas and approaches.

I don't see myself going and camping on Freedom Plaza; Joseph, however, was ready for a committee meeting--he sat right down.

In the Occupied Washington Post paper that we received, there was a  powerful article by Bill Moyers.  It was adapted from a speech he gave and also included in an edition of The Nation. I think he eloquently expresses why I support the Occupy movement.

November 24, 2011