OCCUPY: Call & Response… ad infinitum

Posted on November 18, 2011 by Skippy R

One of the distinctive characteristics of the Occupy movement has been its quirky “call and response” way of chanting slogans and communicating within the group.  Our blindfolly reporter met with Scott Wilfred, second in command and media consultant,  in the city park where the Occupy group was milling around, chanting and releasing positive energy.

Occupy crowdReporter: Scott, we’ve heard about the “call and response” communication you use. Could you demonstrate?

Scott:  Sure, just a minute. OK, people! “We are the 99 per cent!”

Occupy Chorus:  We are the 99 per cent!

Scott: This is what a police state looks like!

Occupy Chorus: This is what a police state looks like!

Reporter: That’s amazing, Scott. But it seems like an awkward and slow method. This is, after all, the era of instantaneous social media. Doesn’t this get on your nerves sometimes?

Scott:  No! You’re trying to confuse and subvert the revolution!

Occupy Chorus: No! You’re trying to confuse and subvert the revolution!

Reporter: Scott, I’d really prefer to hear your own private views on this. Can you leave the chorus out of it?

Scott:  No! We are united and one with the people!

Occupy Chorus: No! We are united and one with the people!

Occupy GuyReport: OK, then, do they all come with you to the port-a-potty?

Scott: Ha, good one. OK, go ahead and ask your questions.

Occupy Chorus: Ha, good one. OK, go ahead and ask your questions.

Scott:  No, people. Really, I need to talk for a minute with the reporter, please.

Occupy Chorus:  No, people. Really, I need to talk for a minute with the reporter, please.

Scott: Hey… No! Stop repeating what I say!

Occupy Chorus:  Hey… No! Stop repeating what I say!

Scott: No, seriously you idiots. Shut up. I need to talk here!

Occupy Chorus: No, seriously you idiots. Shut up. I need to talk here!

Reporter: Um, I could leave… if you …

Scott: No, no, I’ve got this. People! Do not repeat what I’m saying.

Occupy Chorus: No, no, I’ve got this. People! Do not repeat what I’m saying.

Reporter: Try this one– “The Proletarians have nothing to lose but their marbles.”

Scott: The proletarians have nothing to… wait a minute!!

Occupy Chorus: The proletarians have nothing to… wait a minute!!

Scott: This interview is over!

Occupy Chorus:  This interview is over!

About Skippy R

Skippy R is retired after toiling as a scribe for a large denominational newspaper in Texas for about 40 years. He's written for The Wittenburg Door and Beliefnet. He lives in Dallas with his wife, Mrs. Skippy, and leads a Bible study in his home. Mostly spends time running after his grandkids. He is -- what are they calling it now? -- a Jesus follower.
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