Thousands of protesters joined with the Occupy Oakland movement in a general strike aimed at shutting down schools, banks, corporations and the city's busy port.
The strike and movement have targeted the wealthy, or the 1 percent of the population that demonstrators say has most of the nation's wealth, the same goals as on Wall Street and elsewhere.
The general strike was supported by some unions, including hundreds of teachers who came out to support the cause. The Service Employees Union, which represents city workers, was there as well.
The Oakland protest attracted national attention last week, when police swooped in and tore down the campsite and battled the protesters, using tear gas and harsh tactics.
Quotes
"We have swept out a city block in all these cities across this country to sit down and talk, which is something that our generation has not done a lot of." - Shon Kae, a musician and one of the organizers.
"This is a people's movement. And this is about the 99 percent. This is what, like, real workers want. And it goes beyond, like, racial lines or class lines." Ryan "Sweet Potato," Occupy Oakland.
Warm Up Questions
1. What is a protest?
2. Why do people protest?
3. Where is the city of Oakland located? Why are people protesting there?
Discussion Questions
1. Would you join this protest movement if you could?
2. Do you think protesters should have a clearer message. Why or why not?
3. What is a strike? Why are the protesters in Oakland trying to aim their strike at businesses and schools?
Additional Resources
NewsHour Extra: Youth Profiles from Zuccotti Park
Democracy Protests Spread From New York to Other U.S. Cities
