The Occupy Movement: An Opportunity for Change

Protestor waves American flag at the Occupy Oakland General Strike on Nov. 2, 2011

SAN JOSE – The Occupy Movement, which physically began in New York in September, has spread globally to hundreds of cities in which thousands of people are demanding an end to numerous injustices and inequalities.

“There’s very few people that have vast amounts of wealth and a vast amount of power,” said Cesar Juarez, a local San Jose resident and activist. “[There is] an extremely large group of people who are fed up with this kind of structure and this situation.”

Juarez began participating in political activism in 2003, when he was just 17 years old. Inspired by his mother’s struggles and sacrifice, Cesar decided to take action and contribute his share to change the world. “Through struggle, through challenges –overcoming challenges– she was able to achieve all of her dream, so that inspired me,” he mentioned. “Understanding those struggles, understanding that system, I came to realize that there is something wrong.”

Like many others across the world, Juarez was instantly attracted by the Occupy Movement’s demand for political and social change. Unhappy with the United States’ financial problems and racial discrimination, he decided to add his grain of sand by actively participating in the movement.

Initially, Juarez decided to begin his participation locally. He began attending general assembly meetings every Sunday in Occupy San Jose’s campsite in City Hall, eventually visiting the scene on a more regular basis. He felt it was important to make an impact within the community, as well as throughout the nation.

On Nov. 2, Juarez, along with several friends and fellow activists, headed to Oakland, CA to partake in the country’s first general strike in 65 years. “It was very powerful,” he recalled. With the cooperation of thousands of individuals, the Occupy protestors were able to make an important and symbolic statement by shutting down the Port of Oakland. Prior to that hundreds of businesses had closed their doors in solidarity and support for the movement. An estimated 10,000 protestors attended the general strike and rally.

Although he believes he is causing change through his advocacy, Juarez recognizes that political activism can only thrive if it is an ongoing, cooperative effort. “Individually, I know I’ve been able to contribute tremendously, but I understand that I’ve been able to contribute because other people also support the idea, or I support their idea,” said Juarez, “we struggle together and we achieve justice together.”

Lastly, Juarez made a call for the American youth to step up and demand change. “In every movement, it’s actually the youth primarily that lead any transformation of any nation… As students we have to be well informed, but also take action.”