Heather McKee Hurwitz Boeken

The book explores the complexities of the Occupy movements as organizers navigate issues of economic inequality alongside internal frustrations regarding gender, race, and sexuality. It delves into the negotiations among participants over leadership, messaging, and inclusivity, highlighting the challenges of addressing harassment. Through these discussions, the narrative offers valuable insights for the future of inclusive organizing within progressive movements, emphasizing the importance of addressing diverse identities and fostering a truly equitable environment.

The protestors that comprised the Occupy Wall Street movement came from diverse backgrounds. But how were these activists—who sought radical social change through many ideologies—able to break down oppressions and obstacles within the movement? And in what ways did the movement perpetuate status-quo structures of inequality? Are We the 99%? is the first comprehensive feminist and intersectional analysis of the Occupy movement. Heather McKee Hurwitz considers how women, people of color, and genderqueer activists struggled to be heard and understood. Despite cries of “We are the 99%,” signaling solidarity, certain groups were unwelcome or unable to participate. Moreover, problems with racism, sexism, and discrimination due to sexuality and class persisted within the movement. Using immersive first-hand accounts of activists’ experiences, online communications, and media coverage of the movement, Hurwitz reveals lessons gleaned from the conflicts within the Occupy movement. She compares her findings to those of other contemporary protest movements—nationally and globally—so that future movements can avoid infighting and deploy an “intersectional imperative” to embrace both diversity and inclusivity.