sign of the times

We are living in interesting times here in the United States. This is the first time in my adult memory that there have been continuous public demonstrations by a significant number of people across the country resisting and challenging the status quo. Occupy Wall Street has taken on a life of its own and spread to many other cities and towns and neighborhoods.

As an activist photographer, I have been watching the Occupy phenomenon here in Chicago and documenting when I can. I hear a lot of talk about how we are the 99% who are being oppressed by the top 1%.  And while that may be technically true, I know that within that broad category of the 99%, oppression is not experienced in the same way or equally. People of color, women, those who are queer/trans, undocumented immigrants, people with disabilities, those who are homeless or in prison--these people experience oppression differently from those who come from privileged backgrounds.

As we ponder on being thankful this month, I would challenge us to also recognize the various privileges we benefit from, whether we are conscious of them or not. If we're going to live like we are all in this together (like the sign in the photo states), we need to see that "injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere."

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As photographers, we have the opportunity to document and share with the world the work that is happening within our own communities, whether it's a rally or protest against injustice, the occupation of public space, or the everyday hard work of community organizers and residents. Please share with us today your stories and/or images of those who work in love and struggle in your own communities so that we can be reminded that we are, indeed, all in this together.

Comments

[Marcie]

I - too - have been fascinated by the whole 'occupy' movement.
Wonderful thoughts and documentary image to remind us of what's going on in the world today!

[Kat]

Great topic! The documentary photographers among us have such an important role in our society. I look forward to seeing the images shared.

[Angela]

Great topic.

[Becky Sue]

I think it is exciting to see people so passionate about their opinions. I often think that we've become a complacent and indifferent society.

This week, as I've said here before (dead horse but our reality) we've gone days on end without electricity. The utility workers have worked their tails off getting power restored. I am so thankful for their hard work when, more than likely, they didn't have power at home either.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/rslaflam/6319581144/

[Holly {Soupatraveler}]

This was taken a couple of months ago at the Caribbean festival in Philadelphia. Food trucks and vendors are all the rage these days, but sometimes we forget how hot and demanding the work can be. I often think we should celebrate an honest day's work, whatever that might be. http://www.flickr.com/photos/soupatraveler/6081099040/

[Melody]

Yes! Just, yes.

[Thomas Arne Strand]

Fantastic topic!

[Masha Tkacheva]

The topic is great.
I completely agree with the words "injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere."
Just recently was reading the Amnesty International site. There is Injustice. Everywhere...
http://www.amnesty.org/en

[Jill]

thank you for your words. One of the more thoughtful takes on the protests.

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