Occupy And The Tapestry of Social Justice.

Across America minority communities witness the Occupy movement’s expressions that the political system is fundamentally flawed. While the Occupy protesters may seem few, on a national scale they are having a profound effect; creating the perception that the political system is beyond repair. While not protesting, millions of Americans have expressed their agreement with the goals and positions of this movement.

What does all this mean for the political landscape in this nation? First, participation in the political system is beginning to be seen as a statement of support for the corporate controlled political parties. Second, examination of this shift in opinion reveals a possible profound effect on voter turnout in the upcoming elections. Finally, for the first time since the 1960’s minority voices have the ability change the direction the country is headed.

With the marriage of corporate and political abuse becoming part of the internal belief system of Americans we will see increased attempts to act outside of the established systems of change. No longer will citizens believe that they can contact their “representatives” with issues, complaints, petitions etc. and expect any reaction other than a defense of the corporate controlled system. This shift in belief may well lead to more protests and civil disobedience and the development of new alliances among America’s minority voices.

Even more profound may be the effects on established voting trends. While many of the Occupy protesters, such as myself, profess intent to vote in upcoming elections the simple fact is our message is having a ardent effect on the American psyche. If the system is irreparably broken what motivation is there for those who even nominally support Occupy to vote? This issue goes to something deeper than individuals expressed support for the voting system. If, as a group, Americans feel distrustful of the system there will be a major impact on voter turnout, likely effecting election results.

Finally, the resurgence of the belief that protesting and bringing forward minority opinion can affect the national debate will construct a new political landscape where alliances between minority groups are forged. 2012 may be the year when those seeking religious, cultural, sexual and gender-based equality unite with those seeking economic justice in the realization that these goals are all woven into a tapestry called Social Justice.

As an individual, I support both the Occupy movement and the belief that voter participation is important. Holding these two seemingly in conflict beliefs is challenging. The temptation is strong to engage in dialectical thinking and align with one or the other. To make that choice however would make me part of the problem. It is this kind of right vs. wrong, left vs. right, capitalist vs. socialist thinking that has brought this country to the brink of social turmoil. We need enter into an era of honest dialog with other citizens and leave the old “us vs.them paradigm” on the ash heap of failed political systems.