The Occupy people are prototyping new language and civic ritual. The lexicon of dissent is growing as we watch. Reuters’ Laird Harrison concludes that the ‘human mic; (or ‘mic check’) is established as a part of Occupy culture. I predict that it’ll be bigger. This awkward, kooky, consensus-building mechanic that arose because landlords and cities wouldn’t permit amplified sound will become a part of the wider culture. It’s about the unamplified voice, about patience, sharing and agreement. It’s fascinating. Kanene Holder, quoted in the Reuters piece, says:

I think it could turn America on its head… It’s such a beautiful thing if people do understand each other and hear each other’s voices.

(pic by Lorraine Murphy. Some rights reserved).