Back in the 80’s, we eager young seminarians were required to take a class in social action: how to plan and implement a protest, how alter public opinion, and generally make change.  Good stuff like how to manipulate the media and the best way to get arrested were also on the curriculum.  The goal was to get out there and get labelled an elemento subversivo.  

Part of the art of a successful protest is knowing when you’ve been successful.  Seems self-evident, but it’s not.  Groups forget to set a goal on the front end, then have no way to recognize success when it arrives.   Part of this task (art) of course, is setting a realistic goal.

The Occupy movement is a case-in-point.  If the goal was to end capitalism, or corporatism, or bring Wall Street (Bay Street) down, then the goal has failed.  If the goal was to alter public opinion, and bring the ideas of the 1% and the 99% to the popular consciousness, then the goal has been achieved.  All that is left to do is call the press, declare victory, and go home.

When I spent the first day of Occupy in St. James Park, I wasn’t thinking about the end game.  I was caught up in the moment, flashing my sign around, and encouraging my artist son in the practical application of his art.  Perhaps others were thinking about goals and goal achievement, but I was unaware.  I wish now that I had asked around.  A good ending is an important part of every protest.