Unoccupy Wall Street

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Constance-Marie James

Constance-Marie James is a senior and activist at the University of Michigan concentrating in Sociology and Philosophy. She is dedicated to improving underserved youth's access to quality education and fortifying self-sustaining communities.

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December 1st, 2011 2:26 AM

By Constance-Marie James

In just over two short months, the “Occupy Wall Street” occupations have begun changing the discourse on income inequality and greedy corruption. Americans are fed up with a socioeconomic system that exploits the majority to satisfy the greed of the very few. Finally we are coming together to fight for a radical change that will usher in a new era of democracy and equality in America. But something’s wrong…

According to the National Retail Federation, ‘Black Friday’ 4-day weekend sales surged 16% this year, reaching a record $52.4 billion. Despite the continuing economic uncertainty, devastating unemployment and inescapable student loan debt, Americans still turned out in droves to cash in (and fight over) deals. While some Americans continued their Occupations of Wall Street, others left the Thanksgiving table early to camp outside of WalMart and Best Buy.

In the sunrise of the Occupation movement, Americans are still clinging tightly to the values of consumerism. With occupations sweeping across the nation, the movement risks becoming self-defeating as we continue to occupy Wall St. in another way: with our capital.

In this corporatocracy, how we cast our economic votes is just as important as how we cast a ballot. While our mouths are saying we’re tired of inequality, and corporate influence, could our dollars be singing a different tune? The turn out for Black Friday certainly suggests so.

If we are to be successful in challenging big banks and big corporations, we must hit them where it hurts: their pockets. November 5th’s Bank Transfer Day was met with astounding success, but it’s not enough. Until we commit to abandoning big corporations in favor of small business and self-sufficiency, we will fuel the monster that continues to exploit us. Until we eradicate our burning desire for consumerism, we will continue to proliferate the greed that leaves us with little while the elite few rest in overwhelming abundance.

Let's put our money where our tents are. Unoccupy Wall Street.