Talking to the same people about the same things gets old, especially when that conversation takes place in a tent and bathing is a luxury long since lost. It should be no surprise that Occupy Pittsburgh protesters seek fresh faces.
If you have not walked through Mellon Green, home to the local movement, you are missing a discussion that is very Pittsburgh. This struggle–between large and small, many and few–has been embodied by Pittsburgh since Mellon, Carnegie and Frick built it. Regardless of position or belief, to turn a cheek would be disrespectful to the city and every Yinzer in it.
Before visiting the park, arm yourself with some knowledge nuggets (and humor) to keep the conversation going.
- Occupy Wall Street (OWS) has been called the Tahrir Square of America, which is like Mike Huckabee’s visit to Pittsburgh when he compared the fiscal future of the US to Nazi genocide.
- OWS is a horizontal democracy, meaning that hundreds of thousands of people must coordinate the movement from tents around the world.
- David Letterman supports the protests and argues, ”What better way to send a message to Wall Street than by sitting in a pup tent banging on a drum.”
- Why not also blame the majority–me, you and the other 99 percent– for the movement’s list of offenses? The titans of industry are not forcing us to watch Desperate Housewives of Atlanta instead of Meet the Press.
- Evenings in Mellon Green feature more than Kumbaya and bad drum beats. See the list of upcoming events.
- There is a zero tolerance policy on drugs and alcohol but what stance is taken on shampoo?
- Have you seen those great Occupy Wall Street tees? Glad someone found a way to make a buck.
Visit Occupy Pittsburgh and ask questions. Lots of questions. What is the protest hoping to accomplish? What constitutes success? How is your dental hygiene? They have created a beautiful opportunity and it would be a shame to see it fizzle through inaction.
If they are unresponsive, try some of these OWS pickup lines. At least you will be an active part of the conversation.
