This Changes Everything: Occupy Wall Street and the 99% Movement

by Sarah van Gelder, YES! (Editor)

We're bombarded by messages telling us that bigger and better things are the keys to happiness—but after we pile up the stuff and pile on the work hours, we end up exhausted and broke on a planet full of trash. Sarah van Gelder and her colleagues at YES! Magazine have been exploring the meaning of real happiness for eighteen years. Here they offer fascinating research, in-depth essays, and compelling personal stories by visionaries such as Annie Leonard, Matthieu Ricard, and Vandana Shiva, showing us that real well-being is found in supportive relationships and thriving communities, opportunities to make a contribution, and the renewal we receive from a thriving natural world. In the pages of this book, you'll find creative and practical ways to cultivate a happiness that is nurturing, enduring, and life affirming.

Genres: Politics, Nonfiction, Sociology, Activism, Economics, History, Ebooks

97 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2011

Reviews

[Martyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a hard book to rate. On the one hand it does capture the energy, chaos and heteroglossic nature of the very early days of the Occupy movement but it also, unfortunately, contains the themes that point to its demise as a political force.

I had to wait until I was two-thirds in before someone, correctly, identified the oppression of people because of race, sex, physical ability or religion as an issue of economics rather than sociology and this rather highlighted the lack of true analysis in this book.

As I was reading it, it felt like a rushed job and it lacked the cohesive structure that time and close editing, not to mention more content, would have brought to the project. In many ways it’s a mirror of the movement itself, which seems to have blossomed energetically and emotionally into being from nothing only to fracture into leaderless splinter groups without any strong, centralized manifesto for change.

There are some great essays that point to the precise reasons for the current economic climate that we all must struggle to live in, but they are all so brief that this title can only ever be a primer for the generally interested; to be fair that may be the intention of the editors. Read section two to learn the most about why we are here and what we can do, the interview with Richard Wilkinson and David Korten’s essay stood out to me, otherwise it’s all very emotive stuff but light on depth.

I think I was most disappointed by the essay from Hena Ashraf, who clearly does not understand the full implications of the term “the 99%.” It was while reading her essay that I realized that we on the left will never be a progressive force for good in the world until we understand the need to drop our insistence on recognition for the myriad historical oppressions that we can all name and that, as one united human mass, we need to point at the “corporate supremacists” (thank you Ralph Nader) and say “Wait just one second…”.

[Nasser · Rating 2 out of 5]

If i am to describe this book, i'd say it was premature. It's clear that it was put together in such haste as to publish it to meet a deadline, or rather spread awareness of the movement during the time of the occupation.

It's not actually a book, it's more of a collection of different articles written by many people, some of which were actually involved in the Occupy movement. The book does give a clear idea about what was going on on the inside of the movement, but it vaguely touches the reasons behind the Occupy Wall Street Movement. And since the chapters (articles) of the book were written by many different people, there is just a lot of repetition.

The only thing that would make me recommend this book is that it's a very short one (84 pages). But, after reading it, i have to say that i'm still to see a book that goes into details about all the ins and outs of the Occupy Movement.

[Colleen · Rating 2 out of 5]

I agree with Nasser's review, which called the "book" (more like an extended political pamphlet) premature. Most of the articles (2-3 pages each) were written in the heat of the moment by those who were participating. I understand that probably the intent was to get out quickly the message about what Occupy was about, but in 2015 this quality leaves one unsatisfied. Even the pieces by David Graeber and Naomi Klein are quickly penned, propaganda-like but without much analysis. It does give one a good sense of the spirit of the time, but little else.

[Steven H · Rating 5 out of 5]

A CRITICAL BOOK FOR UNDERSTANDING THE "OCCUPY" MOVEMENT

The Foreword to this 2011 book states that YES! magazine decided to publish a book about the OWS movement, because "We found most media reports on the Occupy movement confusing or dismissive... we felt we could help the growing number of people interested in this movement understand its import." Sarah van Gelder (executive editor of YES! magazine) assembled articles to "1) feature voices from inside and outside the movement, 2) spotlight changes capable of shifting our society's wealth back to the 99%, and 3) show the power of social movements to bring about change."

The first essay notes that "we are not to blame for a weak economy, for a subprime mortgage meltdown, or for a tax system that favors the wealthy but bankrupts the government." (Pg. 2) It asserts that "Today's economy redistributes wealth from the poor and middle class to those at the top," since the income of the top 1% grew 275% between 1979 and 2007, while the income of the bottom 20% grew just 18%. (Pg. 3)

Explaining why OWS has presented no "list of demands," the same essayist notes that "A list of specific demands would make it easier to ... divide the movement... Occupy Wall Street is ... developing consensus statements at its own pace." (Pg. 7) In the "Declaration" of the NYC movement, however, issues such as housing foreclosures; corporate bailouts of banks giving their executives huge bonuses; huge student debts; outsourcing of labor, etc. (Pg. 36-38)

This book---along with others such as 'What is Occupy?: Inside the Global Movement,' 'Occupy!: Scenes from Occupied America,' and 'Voices From the 99 Percent: An Oral History of the Occupy Wall Street Movement'---is an excellent one for anyone interested in learning more about the OWS movement.

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5

For what it was (i.e. a very quickly-made book, where proceeds went the movement and 500 copies were distributed directly to occupiers), it was great. I unfortunately did not get to partake in this movement, but I would've loved a book like this at the time.

That said...it doesn't age well, and by that I simply mean it's not actually a comprehensive view of the movement. Most essays are too short, and (for obvious reasons, being that it was written during the movement) it doesn't show what happened because of the movement. I wish they'd update an updated version, perhaps with essays from the same people, reflecting on the time afterward. But, again, it fulfilled its purpose, but may not be the best resource for someone ten years later.

[Drew Jeffrey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting look into Occupy Wall Street. I don't necessary agree with the politics behind it, but I found learning about how it was organized and played out was engaging.

[xkdlaej · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5
睇得出本書係好趕噉拼湊而成，文嘅質量參差。有啲幾好嘅分析，有啲好淺白嘅敍述，所以冇咩太大得着。

[Nell Dimitrova · Rating 3 out of 5]

because you know, in a moment, it could all go...boom

[Andy Luke · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting at-the-time snapshot of Occupy NY, with twenty bite-size essays by those present in the first months. As such it presents a helpful reminder and education of the movement's origins, ambitions and achievements. The 'live' format ignores the detraction of later and the critiques of sharks and thus, an inspiring read. Not loftily sentimental.

[Richard Gombert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Most of this book was repetitive, since it was different people's views on the same event ( and mostly written early).
There are a couple pieces that are very good and thus raise my overall opinion of the book. Those are:
"No Leaders, No Violence" Nathan Schneider
"How Inequality Poisons Society..." Brooke Jarvis
"Six Ways to Liberate Main Street from Wall Street" David Korten
"How to Create Living-Wage Jobs ..." Sarah van Gelder and Doug Pibel
(abbreviated some titles - too much typing involved :)

[Pisces19 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good explanation of a movement that has been largely mischaracterized by the media at large and by its detractors. I cannot say I agree with all the points they make or all of their goals, but they do have many good ideas, some of which I would like to see implemented and they have some very inspiring essays. It's a nice revitalizing read for those feeling disillusioned with politics and government in general. Motivating.

[Kurt Anderson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh. I was hoping for good things with this book, but it didn't do anything for me. If I'd read it in 2011, maybe I would've enjoyed it more. Alas.

My main complaint: it's very sterile. It takes a movement full of passion and makes it dry and academic. I'm all for academic studies, but it's not what I was expecting.\

Highlight: the letter to the man who started the Arab Spring. Try to find that article online - it's quality.

[Matt Roberts · Rating 3 out of 5]

A primer to the complexities of the Occupy movement. The first half of this book tells great stories from inside the beginning stages of OWS. This book left much to be wanted, though, as it was hastily thrown together about two months after OWS kicked off. As a collection of essays, "This Changes Everything" will give you an array of opinions and show you that OWS does not side with a political agenda, but sets out for solidarity and economic equality.

[Jemma Z · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not sure if the Occupy movement changes everything, but it is nice to read about the movement from people inside of it. At least these people are trying to do something. I think the book its self is fairly unorganized, which I suppose embodies the movement well, but the lack of consistent. Tone makes for a disconnected read.

[Dale · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a very small book consisting of short essays by Occupy participants and others (Naomi Klein and Ralph Nader among others). My biggest takeaway was the declaration of Occupy Wall Street of October 1. The news media kept asking 'what do they want?', yet the declaration lays it out clearly. So apparently the news media was simply too lazy to actually ask Occupy, or to read their declaration.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Collection of short articles from the initial months of the Occupy movement. While this was assembled quickly to document current events, it's also a well-selected overview. Most pieces are 2-3 pages, and lend themselves well to occasional reading and reflection, or could be used as seeds for group discussion.

[Ryan · Rating 2 out of 5]

A nice collection of first hand accounts, essays, blog-posts, etc. that tell the story of the 99% from those who were/are actively participating in the movement. If you want to know what the Occupy movement is all about this is the book for you.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this was an informative book because it included real books sections, speeches and articles published during the Occupy movement. It was very inspirational to read the platform for the movement.

[Kimberly]

Was looking for the Naomi Klein book, but checked this one out too. Learned a lot about the Occupy movement that was really exciting, I must say.
The practice of general assemblies in particular is exciting. And the frame of practical anarchy.
Quick read and informative. Glad I read it.

[Miroslaw Aleksander · Rating 1 out of 5]

The book is a premature celebration of something that never came into fruition. It mostly discusses the movement in a celebratory manner, but often glosses over the structural problems that led to this movement.

[Spicy T AKA Mr. Tea · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick read; lots of little articles about the occupy movement and all the various and diverse realities associated with it. A decent intro into occupy.

[Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very helpful in understanding the OWS movement; also creates a desire to be pro-active.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

epic. The Occupy Movement is beautifully articulated in much needed ways through this book. The only thing better than reading this book is living it..

[Micah · Rating 3 out of 5]

To be honest, I expected a lot more from this short anthology of essays. I've read van Gelder's work before and had much higher expectations.

[Temoca · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick pieces put together about this movement from various locations. I love the principal behind OWS and when students have asked me about it we've had great discussions.

[Jacqui · Rating 4 out of 5]

Energizing. Gd reminder of core democratic values.

[Tim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Relatively short, but it provides a good insight into the grassroots of the Occupy movement.

[Mary Einspahr · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is very informative about the Occupy Wall Street movement directed from the progressive point of view.

[Emily Gell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great introduction to the Occupy movement! Short and outdated at this point, but certainly helped me pinpoint issues I want to read into further.

[Tony · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wish there where still occupiers