Matthias Reiss : Small successes , such as circumventing the ban on megaphones by collectively repeating the words of each public speaker , provide a sense of empowerment and create a positive public image . Occupy Wall Streeters say they are the 99 % , as opposed to the wealthy . Reiss : Protest is part of movement started in 18th century to keep streets away from elites . Harsh police are softened as Civil Rights Movement made martyrs of victims , he says . He says movement has intensified , started a public debate and allowed media to report on it .
Matthias Reiss : Occupy Wall Streeters say they are the 99 % , as opposed to the wealthy . Reiss : Protest is part of movement started in 18th century to keep streets away from elites . Harsh police are softened as Civil Rights Movement made martyrs of victims , he says . He says movement has intensified , started a public debate and allowed media to report on it .