reflecting on occupy wall street through douglas rushkoff's 'present shock'
Introduction to 'present shock' and its relevance
This post explores themes from Douglas Rushkoff's book, Present Shock: When Everything Happens Now, and its resonance with the spirit of the Occupy Wall Street movement. The author, midway through the book, finds it both disturbing and stimulating, offering insightful perspectives on contemporary issues. Rushkoff’s work critically examines how our present-day media environment impacts our understanding of time, narrative, and ultimately, our society. It connects powerfully to the frustrations and critiques voiced by the Occupy movement.
The collapse of narrative
A key concept Rushkoff highlights is the collapse of narrative. Traditional storytelling, which provides structure, meaning, and a sense of progression, is being eroded by a constant stream of real-time information and fragmented experiences. This leaves individuals feeling disoriented and overwhelmed. The Occupy Wall Street protests, with their decentralized and often amorphous organizational structures, indirectly reflect this breakdown in traditional, hierarchical narratives of power and authority.
The false now
Rushkoff describes the “false now,” a state where we are constantly bombarded with immediate stimuli, making it difficult to reflect on the past or plan for the future. This constant present-focused mindset prevents deeper engagement with complex issues. The urgency and immediacy of the Occupy movement, while effective in gaining initial attention, also faced challenges in maintaining long-term strategies due to this relentless focus on the present.
Digital lives vs. reality
The book explores the disconnect between our digital lives and our physical reality. We increasingly inhabit virtual spaces, which can distort our perception of the world and erode our sense of community. Occupy Wall Street, despite utilizing social media for organization and communication, aimed to reclaim physical public spaces and foster tangible connections amongst protestors, highlighting a desire to counterbalance this digital detachment.
Related themes and influences
Rushkoff draws upon the work of thinkers like Alvin Toffler (author of Future Shock) and explores ideas related to physics, science, and the humanities. The discussion extends to broader themes of core values, education, and the role of stories in shaping our understanding of the world. The critiques of the Tea Party and comparisons with other social movements add further depth to the analysis.
Beyond the book: diverse perspectives
The original post references several blogs and websites offering varied perspectives on literature, politics, and culture. These include The Queenslander, Medicine for All, and Tin House. Further, the mention of Virginia Woolf’s quote about the freedom of the mind underscores the importance of critical thinking and independent thought, values that strongly resonated with the spirit of Occupy Wall Street, which championed dissent and challenged established power structures.