They're young, in school, hit more keg stands than the average person, and have a reputation for being apathetic and lazy. Many say expect them to stay home on Election day, 2012, and throw the White House back to the Republicans as a result. But there they are, demonstrating on the streets of New York (and other cities now, too), even getting arrested for their troubles. Are they dovish 1970s hippies? No, they're college students from the 21st century. And along with many other kinds of people, they are passionately "Occupying" Wall Street. Why are they doing it?
This question is discussed in my newest Education News article, which you can find here or in the 1st-paragraph link. Basically, Occupy Wall Street is the kind of movement that caters ideally to the young and educated set. They are young, saddled with student debt, and can't find good entry-level jobs, which makes them poor; but at the same time, they are highly educated and were raised to believe that education is the key to financial independence and success. Now that this key has apparently vanished into thin air (or been snatched from their grasp by the powers-that-be controlling the nation's financial and political system), they are frustrated and disillusioned. And in many cases, very angry about it.
Check out the article for more detail on the research into the sociology and psychology of Occupy Wall Street's appeal to young adults. I am unable to attend the festivities on account of currently residing on the other side of the world, but I hear it's becoming quite the gathering.