Every Saturday, we’ll be posting a new illustration by David Lester. The Mecca Normal guitarist is visually documenting people, places and events from his band’s 27-year run, with text by vocalist Jean Smith.
Looking at Facebook, I see documentation rolling by. First-hand accounts from Occupy Wall Street with the odd note of dissent or confusion about the movement’s chances of success without clear demands and a leader.
I see a lot of coverage of tension between those present, occupying and protesting, and the police. There is a focus on media coverage. The media are covering the media’s coverage of media coverage. All very interesting.
Can anything be accomplished without a leader? The creation of a time and place to ask this question is an important accomplishment.
This story is about experiencing a general assembly, witnessing consensus on a financial matter, seeing “a lot of learning going on down there,” and then the political turns personal when a declaration moves forward with wording that strikes a chord with the author.
“Let me tell you what it feels like to stand in front of a white man and explain privilege to him. It hurts. It makes you tired. Sometimes it makes you want to cry. Sometimes it is exhilarating. Every single time it is hard. Every single time I get angry that I have to do this, that this is my job, and that it shouldn’t be my job.” —Manissa McCleave Maharawal
