So the Occupy movement has certainly intrigued me and it’s been really interesting to see how the media are covering it across the world. So why don’t I grab my swag and head down to Martin Place? There’s a large dose of apathy that most likely contributes to this choice to be inactive, but I would argue that support-in-theory is at least some kind of advocation.

Obviously Australia doesn’t have nearly the same concerns as the US (thank fuck for Medicare), however I don’t think that should necessarily detract from the significance of the Occupy movement. Sure critics have leapt upon the vagueness of their “demands” but I reason that’s because there are so many disparate areas of society and politics that need reformation. For a country that espouses “liberty and justice for all” things could be a lot better. Maybe stop treating corporations like people for a start.

Considering anti-capitalism seems one of the principle tenets of the movement I found it highly amusing that the whole thing was founded by Adbusters. Well maybe not amusing, but ironic in the extreme. Why? Because it was launched using a poster. An ad, if you will.

So now Occupy has become its own brand, and a global brand at that. Does this mean we need to start separating marketing and consumerism? Will we have to realign our view on advertising? Are we going to have to use that wanky media term, “piece of communication”, in lieu of “ad”?

Despite the gentle grating of Wil Anderson’s voice Gruen Planet is quite enjoyable - partly due to the interesting dissection of the advertising industry but mostly due to Todd Sampson’s dreaminess. Perhaps if more people were aware of advertising’s tricks and manipulations (and Todd’s soulful brown eyes), we wouldn’t feel quite so fucked when we realise life isn’t as aspirational as a “piece of communication” for Nike.

The cherry on the cake in this quagmire? Occupy merchandise. The irony hurts.

At least it’s a product with a sense of humour.