Occupy Wall Street: Utilitarianism
OCCUPY WALL STREET
Occupy Wall Street
Jeremy Banks
BUS309 February 3, 2013
Professor Zimmerman
OCCUPY WALL STREET
Abstract
The Occupy Wall Street movement is based on utilitarian theory. They believe it is only fair for everything to be done for the greater good of all. As long as politicians continue with the ways of Reaganomics, the income inequality and wealth distribution in the United States will continue to worsen. This responsibility lies with every American, but it is especially true for politicians. The government needs to change economic ways before the American economic model influences and leaves the global economy in ruins. Wealthy people should pay the same share …show more content…
We believe that we are all individuals and that society is only the net result of our individual choices. Therefore, all we can do is vote for progressive candidates and write checks to progressive organizations. The sociologist Emile Durkheim understood that utilitarianism is a convenient fiction. Ultimately, we cannot be reduced to individuals making rational decisions, because our very understanding of reality is socially constructed. The significance of Wall Street, the invisible movements of billions of dollars, the bailout, the financial crisis––none of these things have any empirical substance. They are all mutually agreed upon realities. (Laycock, …show more content…
A year after the occupation of Zuccotti Park in lower Manhattan, the Occupy movement seems scattered and almost vestigial. It has no place in the current Presidential race. Its numbers are small. And while it continues to send up a flare or two from the socioeconomic front lines of the American commons, there is no lasting organization, no powerful network of tendons linking large-scale movements around the country, and no centered political message. Yes, part of this is by design. Occupy remains mainly leaderless, and its flavors vary widely city by city, region by region. Against our quadrennial election struggle, its membership and impact seem minimal this fall, in strong contrast to last year’s constant social media flow, marches and headlines. (Watson,
Occupy Wall Street
Jeremy Banks
BUS309 February 3, 2013
Professor Zimmerman
OCCUPY WALL STREET
Abstract
The Occupy Wall Street movement is based on utilitarian theory. They believe it is only fair for everything to be done for the greater good of all. As long as politicians continue with the ways of Reaganomics, the income inequality and wealth distribution in the United States will continue to worsen. This responsibility lies with every American, but it is especially true for politicians. The government needs to change economic ways before the American economic model influences and leaves the global economy in ruins. Wealthy people should pay the same share …show more content…
We believe that we are all individuals and that society is only the net result of our individual choices. Therefore, all we can do is vote for progressive candidates and write checks to progressive organizations. The sociologist Emile Durkheim understood that utilitarianism is a convenient fiction. Ultimately, we cannot be reduced to individuals making rational decisions, because our very understanding of reality is socially constructed. The significance of Wall Street, the invisible movements of billions of dollars, the bailout, the financial crisis––none of these things have any empirical substance. They are all mutually agreed upon realities. (Laycock, …show more content…
A year after the occupation of Zuccotti Park in lower Manhattan, the Occupy movement seems scattered and almost vestigial. It has no place in the current Presidential race. Its numbers are small. And while it continues to send up a flare or two from the socioeconomic front lines of the American commons, there is no lasting organization, no powerful network of tendons linking large-scale movements around the country, and no centered political message. Yes, part of this is by design. Occupy remains mainly leaderless, and its flavors vary widely city by city, region by region. Against our quadrennial election struggle, its membership and impact seem minimal this fall, in strong contrast to last year’s constant social media flow, marches and headlines. (Watson,