In my last two posts (Occupy DC Eviction Showdown–or Not, and The Face(s) of Occupy DC) I documented the events of the Occupy DC eviction showdown that wasn’t. Today I am wrapping up this short series with some additional photography that tells another part of the story from that day.
Have fun, and go make some great photography.
Craig
Yesterday I posted a series of photos from the anticipated eviction showdown between Occupy DC and the U.S. Park Police (Occupy DC Eviction Showdown–or Not). Today we are taking a look at the face of Occupy DC. With all the hours I have wandered around the Occupy DC encampment talking with the protestors I have found their views are as diverse as their photographs. The only consistent them that runs through all these conversations is a distrust in government they believe has created and perpetuated a system of wealth inequality.
I also found that the dynamics of the Occupy DC protestors are a bit more complicated than they may appear on face value. In addition to the varied views held by individuals, there are groups within the encampment with similarly diverse concerns – and they don’t necessarily agree. There is an anarchist group, there is a group focused on homelessness, another that believes the income inequality has led to unbalanced representation in government, others that support any number of conspiracy theories, some that believe in governments ability to do more for the “99%,”and yet others who have difficulty presenting a coherent argument. And the list goes on.
I also found that within the Occupy DC factions, there exists a power struggle. Several times I heard complaints that one group was getting more air time with the press and was therefore driving the message. Plotting and scheming sessions are common. And lets not forget one of the most prominent divides – those who favor an aggressive approach and those who support a more passive approach to the protest. This divergence in philosophy was quite evident in views of how to handle visits by the U.S. Park Police.
The remainder of this post is devoted to the many faces of Occupy DC.
Have fun, and go make some great photography.
Craig
Over the weekend, the Occupy DC encampment received notification that enforcement action for their residence in McPherson Square would begin at noon today – 30 January. I arrived at McPherson Square at about 10:15am to document the day’s events. Upon my arrival, the protestors were outnumbered 3 to 1 by the media. The police were conspicuously absent.
At about 11:30 am, a small group of police took a tour of the park, surrounded by protestors and media, but no enforcement actions were taken. I remained at McPherson square until 2 pm during which little more than dancing, singing, chanting, tenting of the monument, extensive media interviews, a press conference by a police representative, and a lot of mucking about occurred.
I will let the photography tell the rest of the story, but a couple things caught my attention. First, it was clear that the protestors are not of one mind. When the police visited, there were equal numbers antagonizing the police and others demanding that no attention be given their visit. Second, as I stood in the mass of reporters, cameras, and video jocks, it was clear to me that nothing would happen when the witching hour of noon approached. With complete media saturation, it would have been unproductive to highlight protesters being herded off in restraints or use of force against the more aggressive faction of the protestors.
Here is the rest of the story in photos.
Have fun, and go make some great photography.
Craig
With the paying part of my life occupying much of my time along with all the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, I have yet to revisit the Occupy DC encampment. However, I still have plenty of photos to share.
Have fun, and go make some great photography.
Craig
My last visit to the Occupy DC camp was several weeks ago. I have it on my work list to visit McPherson Square later this week. In the mean time, here are a few shots I have not yet shared.
Have fun, and go make some great photography.
Craig
On the day after Halloween, I made my first visit to the Occupy DC tent city at McPherson Square in Washington DC. I continue to visit the camp every couple of weeks to document the changes in the camp – like the next shot – my last visit found the University of the 99% was established. I can’t tell you about enrollment or faculty. Sorry.
I was intending to hold on to these shots for a while, then publish a series. However, after reading the news yesterday, of the protestors building a two story wooden structure that eventually led to a conflict with the DC police and several arrests, I decided to share several of the photos.
The guys above and in the next shot were new additions upon my last visit, and had a nice new white enclosure from which they were able to talk to passersby about their economic perspective – and hand out flyers for their landscaping business.
The eclectic gathering of people that make up the Occupy DC protestors is quite interesting. I was happy to find the Latinos were well represented.
I have a whole pocket full of photographs from McPherson Square. I intend to continue shooting as long as they save. Come back soon for more from Occupy DC.
Have fun and go make some great photography.
Craig
