A lot has been written about the Berkeley Free Speech Movement of 1964. The initial success of the movement became the prototype for similar protests throughout the country over the coming years with reference to the Anti-War Movement. But it's success was also it's downfall as many saw this as a springboard to mayhem, agendas and derailment. And as was remarked in the wonderful film Documentary Berkeley In The Sixties, the message got muddled and distorted as a result. And what started as pure intentions at sincere and positive change became, in part, a forum for chaos.
A point that is currently of great concern with OWS. One which, as far as I can see, is being addressed and consciously dealt with. That's a good and positive thing and a big departure from the atmosphere of Berkeley and its aftermath in 1964.
But in 1964 it was new, and aside from the Civil Rights Movement in the South, untested waters. Here is a radio documentary produced by Pacifica that outlines some of the early elements and voices of the movement. Most notable was Mario Savio, who came to prominence as a sort of architect of the Free Speech Movement.
I would strongly recommend watching Berkeley In The Sixties to see what came after and who was involved. This radio documentary covers primarily the beginning of the movement.
It all has a history attached to it. Everything. It all got started someplace. It all got going by somebody.
