They're mad as hell and they're not going to take it anymore.
The protesters that have occupied Wall Street since Sept. 17 have done more than shout out windows. They've poured into the streets. They've organized, gathered and forced the United States to take notice.
But among the chanting, sign holding and impassioned speech-giving, what should the world specifically listen to? The protesters claim to be the other 99 percent of the population, as opposed to the very few in control of the economic world, but with a group so large and so diverse, is it unthinkable to believe their goals would be just as diverse? Pinpointing their message and determining what specific goals they strive to accomplish is a challenge to passionate activists and interested bystanders alike, let alone the reporter trying to cover this complex, ever-changing issue in less than 500 words or a two-minute sound bite.
That's not to say the reporters and editors should be off the hook. It's their jobs as bearers of news to accurately record the going-ons of the world and present complex issues in a meaningful and understandable way. It shouldn't take a seemingly innocent group of girls being sprayed with Mace, penned in by a cop with a history of excessive force to capture the attention of the press.
Those who wish to cover these passionate and ultimately necessary protests must do so with a particular frame of reference — the real value of Occupy Wall Street is in the process as opposed to the end result. There are many desired outcomes by the other 99 percent, ranging from ending the student debt crisis to bridging the pay gap between workers and CEOs to regulating corporations whose greed blinded them of all sensible ethics and the list does go on and on. This is why these protests are so important. It doesn't matter whether you agree with taking up the picket line and joining the masses in New York, what matters is taking action. If there is an issue, an injustice that you deem unfit, find your like-minded companions and find a way to voice your concern.
A group of students is leaving Elon's campus during fall break to join the thousands already in New York, to help bring light to various causes.
"Here is where the mainstream media is confused," said Elon senior Maggie Castor, one of the students leaving for New York. "(They ask) where are the demands? We don't know what this is about. People are grappling with the how but this is more about the process. A lot of it is there are so many people who not only have so many wants, but also needs, that are unfilled. And it's hard to address needs with future oriented planning, it needs to be taken care of now."
For those who find themselves unable to go to New York, there are similar occupations planned for Raleigh, Durham and Greensboro. Please, attend and let your voice be heard. You're a human being and your life has value. Get out of your chairs.