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Dress For Protest: Group Wants Wall Street Occupiers To Suit Up
By
Garth Johnston
Published Oct 10, 2011
Modified Oct 11, 2011
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By
Garth Johnston
Published Oct 10, 2011
Modified Oct 11, 2011
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Among the many issues that people have with the crowds currently still occupying Wall Street is that, well, the folks down there look like a bunch of dirty hippies. A large part of America still doesn't like listening to folks who look like they just got back from a Phish show. But at least some protestors have gotten the message. Enter Suits for Wall Street, an IndieGoGo project that would make Barney Stinson proud. Because "In the Battle of Ideas, Aesthetics Matter."
The project, which has already exceeded its goal of raising $800, is clever and to the point:
We all look great in suits. To reporters, to workers, to skeptical tourists, we'll look like people to listen to, or, at the very least, to hear out. Lazy journalists won't be able to easily dismiss us and will have to actually listen to what we say. The conversation will grow out of the echo chamber and into the wider world -- where it belongs.
Suits are camouflage in the warrens of Wall Street. And there are other advantages.
Need a bathroom? Try wearing a suit. It's easy.
Want to walk past a police barricade? Put on a suit.
Put another way? "In the 1960s you could fly your freak flag high. In 2011, it just looks sloppy. We are the 99 percent, but we need the support of the 60 percent who think we're just messing around."
The group is looking for money (or suits!) and plans to dress protestors for success on October 15 when, along with a "crack team of well dressed artists, designers, and wardrobers" they "will deliver racks and racks of business attire, free of charge to anyone at Liberty Square. We'll be joined by progressive tailors, radical barbers, and folks who want everyone to look great."
Want to help? You can give them money over here or you can send nice suits you aren't using anymore to:
Proper Business Attire Working Group
C/O The House of Yes
342 Maujer Street
Brooklyn, NY
11206
Any extra suits will go to threads for success. Suit up!
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manhattan
occupy wall street
ows
suit up
suits for wall street
Garth Johnston
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