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Why has the Occupy Movement failed ?

One of many | 21.11.2011 10:49 | Occupy Everywhere

As the worldwide Occupy Movement begins to come to an end now is the time to analyse why a movement that started with so much hope in the end failed to achieve any of its aims.

The Consensus Model of Direct Democracy is one of those ideas that seems entirely sensible and correct but which alongside Consensus Decision Making became the weakness of the movement that the State was able to exploit and use against us.

The sheer time it took to take decisions, the creativity that was suppressed by the need to achieve consensus, the lack of leadership that ensured splits were easy to exploit by agent provocateurs and the failure to plan because those stepping forward were often accused of "trying to take over" all contributed.

If we wish to change this country and this planet we need to accept that some individuals are simply unable to lead others (I am one of them) and need others to take this role, the movement needs leadership and direction not yet more meetings that lead to 'consensus'.

We were weakened and ultimately defeated by our slavish adherence to an ideology that prevents progress. We need to change.

One of many

Comments

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Consensus Decision Making

21.11.2011 10:55

Consensus Decision Making (CDM) is probably the biggest hindrance to progress the wider Anarchist world faces. CDM gives a disproportional value to those who are either nuts or professional trouble makers (often police funded) and undermines the work of those who want to see change.

I knew that the Occupy movement would fail the moment I saw the ridiculous 'jazz hands of agreement' at a meeting. People need leaders - tough to hear but realism.

Reformed Anarchist

Why has the Occupy Movement failed ?

21.11.2011 12:06

Because we failed to attract people from outside the usual activist bubble.

I saw this in Manchester where the curious were not made welcome, were routinely accused of being police and received a speech on veganism, anarchist theory and consensus decision making within minutes of arriving. Not surprisingly many simply left within a few minutes of arrival suffering disillusionment with what they found.

When my brother went to the London Occupy the very first thing he was told was that he, "looked like a cop" and was told he must prove he was not. Not unsurprisingly he told them to bugger off and left.

Occupier

It has not failed !!!!!

21.11.2011 12:16

With the imminent failure of Western governments highly probable the Occupy Movement will likely become the future elective body of several countries so it can hardly be classified as a failure.

Now is the time we need to prepare for initial executive power followed by the establishment of a completely new form of direct democracy. Those in Westminster, Washington and Paris do not realise how close they are to redundancy.

99%

Excellent comment

21.11.2011 12:58

"Consensus Decision Making became the weakness of the movement that the State was able to exploit and use against us"


I have long thought that the movement was weakened by the constant use of Consensus Decision Making in meetings and without doubt the Mark Kennedy affair showed how it allowed an individual to undermine an entire local group. I now believe that democratic election of leaders (within strict guidelines) is the choice to allow progress.

London Danny

Police infiltration

21.11.2011 13:04

I am aware of the confrontation that was mentioned above concerning a person being accused of "looking like a cop". This was a time when we suspected a number of people of being undercover police trying to infiltrate the camp so tensions were high. The individual should have understood this better and not taken such an aggressive approach to being questioned. Instead of replying in a calm manner he became angry at the questioning and left the camp before he could be questioned in detail. He clearly has some anger manner issues that need dealing with.

Occupy LSX person

@ Occupy LSX person

21.11.2011 14:00

If you accused me of being an undercover cop I would be pretty pissed off as well. Describing it as "anger management issues" is very patronising.

Not Important

You were not there

21.11.2011 14:04

You were not there and do not know the circumstances so we can safely ignore your opinion on the issue.

Occupy LSX person