So What Are You Afraid Of, Being Labeled? You Should Be!
Yesterday I was aggravated at the apathy I see. That hasn’t changed. In trying to understand the reasons for the general malaise I do what I do, I ask people questions.
Generally, people agree with the premise of the Occupy Movement, regardless of political affiliation. They are confused as to the message. I get that. Once explained and understood and agreed with, I must then ask the question, why no involvement?
It’s simple, fear. Fear of standing up or speaking out will cost them their jobs. Fear of being labeled a crack pot, anarchist, revolutionary, you name it, no one wants a label. I know I don’t want to be labeled. Being labeled in this country as it is now can be damaging. It can be damning. I have been labeled a dissident. A dissident, broadly defined, is a person who actively challenges an established doctrine, policy, or institution. To that, yes I am a dissident. The label infers much worse. In the past week I have also been called an anarchist. I am not. In the same time frame I was described as a “Progressive”. I was a former Ultra Right Wing Republican, turned Democrat turned Independent but not a Progressive, at least I didn’t think so. I went to Wikipedia to check it out……
“Progressivism is an umbrella term for a political ideology advocating or favoring social, political, and economic reform or changes through the state. Progressivism is often viewed by its advocates to be in opposition to conservative or reactionary ideologies.”
Apparently I fall under the umbrella of a Progressive in so much as I favor “social, political, and economic reform or changes through the state.” Most Occupiers fall under the same umbrella. But what happens if you cannot initiate change/reform through the normal channels, i.e., the government? I don’t know the answer. I personally am not ready for anarchy but what is the next step? What label could we assign to those of us who desire positive change for all Americans, social justice, economic justice, political reform and government accountability in a non-violent manner? How about Patriots?
Does anyone have any ideas?