The Real Issue Behind the Occupy Wall Street Movement

Us human beings love to feel like we’re right. And we love it more when we feel like we’ve been wronged and can be righteously indignant. And perhaps that is most evident by the “Occupy Wall Street” movement and related franchise protests.

It seems that the protesters desperately want to be proven right and oppressed. And they’ll goad the police repeatedly until they can be oppressed by the Man.  

In this case, it’s the richest 1%.  Buncha jerks. They must be doing something wrong and should be stopped.  Unfortunately, we’re just not sure exactly what they’re doing that’s evil, but somehow Bank of America and Ben Bernanke are involved.

However, there’s a fundamental flaw with the protest.  There always will be a richest 1%. No matter what. That’s just how math works.  So – there’s no apparent end to the protest.  No exit strategy.

It’s vaguely reminiscent of the Civil Rights movement. Or – the protests against dictators in Egypt and Libya. Or even the American Revolution. But the difference is those were real.  Palpable. Undeniable. 

Today’s political environment, and I dare say, the entire “Occupation” movement is all rooted in a (false) self righteousness.  It’s a feeling that we’re intellectually and morally superior and being wrongfully oppressed.  And everyone knows that being self righteous … just feels good.

And somehow the rich people are evil, and it’s up to them in their tents and signs to save humanity.

But the real problem is we all are not a smart or good or moral or talented as we think we are (including this post’s  author). And if we really saw ourselves in a true light, these political debate shows and Occupation protests would no longer be necessary.

There are probably a thousand issues worth being arrested, or even trading your life if necessary.  But a vague, self righteous gripe against really rich people isn’t even close.

But then again, that might be my own self-righteousness talking.