Interviews

The following are the 5 questions I asked to 5 different people at the protesting at Dewey Square. I changed the language of the required questions so that I’d get more natural responses rather than more formal ones.

1. Why did you choose to protest in the streets, rather than doing the same, but on the internet and blogs?

2. Does Dewey Square as a space benefit protesting? Or does it diminish it in anyway?

3. How have you coped with living here in the public?

4. The weather has been very nice lately. If it were pouring rain out, or maybe the middle of winter, would you still be here?

5. Do you plan on staying here as long as possible, or do you have other commitments, such as a job, or a family to attend to?

Stan, 42 years old:

-With the internet the public doesn’t see your face, or who you are. Out here we can reach out to more than just people who use the internet.

-It definitely helps us more than it hurts. Yeah we have to deal with police, but being in such a populated area really helps.

-It hasn’t been that bad actually. The others here are very friendly and this weather has been great.

-Of course. I stand by my rights and my opinion and weather doesn’t affect how I’m going to express myself.

-Until they kick us out, I’ll be here. My family understands my decision.

Matt, 27 years old:

-The internet? The streets and public is something we’ve always had, so I think it reaches out to more people.

-This place is vibrant with people of all ages and classes. But the actual physical space you mean? It’s small, but that doesn’t hurt us. SO I’ll say it benefits us as a group because we interact with each other.

-Just like camping, but with loud noises. (laughter). I’ve dealt with it pretty well I’d say.

-As hard as it may be, I just may stay here in either case. I feel very strong about my opinion so if that’s what it takes, than sure.

-I’m actually in grad school so my work is getting a bit behind, but I plan on staying for as long as I can.

Cara, 25 years old:

-I could do both if I wanted, with today’s technology. But out here, I feel more of a connection. Like I’m making a difference.

-Helps, for sure. The smaller space brings us protesters together and gives “one voice.” Plus with these large buildings surrounding us it kind of brings us out more to people.

-It’s been a little rough. I’m a light sleeper so the noise has been the most difficult when it comes to sleep. Other than that I don’t really mind it.

-It would make it much, much harder to stay as long as I have, but I still think I would be here that’s for sure.

-My family doesn’t want me to be out here, so rule them out. My job on the other hand might be in jeopardy pretty soon, which really sucks because I wish I could let people hear me out without possibly ruining my future.

Paul, 58 years old:

-I don’t even own a computer, so that’d be impossible young man. Even if I did, I have no intentions to do so. The public eye is more important to me than a computer screen.

-Helps, helps, helps. The way this space is set up, and its location is amazing. It brings focus to us.

-I’ve been doing this kind of living for years now. It’s second nature, so I wouldn’t say I’d need to “cope” with anything.

-Once again, I’ve lived in those conditions for quite some time now. So that wouldn’t change anything.

-My job is this. Speaking for the 99% of Americans that aren’t running this country into the ground. I’ll be here and elsewhere for as long as I live.

Kim, 33 years old:

-I’ve actually been involved with many blog sites and voiced my opinion there as well. Out here however I feel like I get more of our point across.

-Neither. It’s more about location than the space itself in my opinion. We’re near the Financial District, so that obviously plays a huge part in it all.

-Everything has been going great! Except for maybe the hygiene. I’ve found myself wandering off just to use the bathroom, which may be looked at negatively by other protesters but oh well.

-I’ll be honest. I would probably be blogging still. I’m all for getting out into the public and making a stand, but I think health comes first; At least to me.

-I took a week off from work, and plan on going back after Columbus Day. I still feel like I’ve done a lot just by being here though. The length of stay shouldn’t matter as long as you are prideful about your opinion.