Case Study 6 – Crowd behaviour in the public zone: Occupy Wall Street Most political or social demonstrations occur in the public zone, with demonstrators often separated from authorities by barriers. When this public zone is invaded, rioting is more likely. Public zones are for amplified speeches, shouted slogans and displays; sharing social and personal zones may lead to violence as tempers flare and insults are traded. Consider the two photos below, which show scenes from the 2011 Occupy Wall Street protests. Discussion 1. Comment on some of the behaviour, postures and facial expressions of the protesters in both photos that would concern anyone viewing these images on television or the Internet. 2. Are there any indications of potential violence? Does the positioning of the camera make the demonstrators seem more threatening and violent? Does the photograph suggest the growth of violence? 3. What non-verbal message are protesters such as those in the Occupy Wall Street movement sending by symbolically protesting and inhabiting such a public space?

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