Occupy movement

Social media-inspired protests often turn out spectacular crowds, but months later, most seem to sputter and die. There’s a reason, says a University of North Carolina professor.

Spain continues to struggle to rebuild its economy and those who are out of work are growing increasingly frustrated. In recent months, several workers marches have been held, and in some the generally peaceful protests have turned into mob actions, which include stealing from grocery stores and banks — ostensibly for the poor.

The Time Person of the Year for 2011 looks at the year of protests that have really circled the globe. From Tunisia to Syria, Egypt to Russia, China to the United States, the dissatisfied and disaffected have taken to the streets in an attempt to improve their lots or change their countries.

As the Occupy Wall Street protests dwindle, beset by winter weather and police actions, they’re trying a different tack, one that they hope will help reduce homelessness and help some people keep their homes from being foreclosed upon.

In Memphis, an online discussion between the two largest protest movements going right now, the Tea Party activists and the Occupy Wall Street protesters, led to an in-person discussion where the two sides tried to better understand each other and find common ground.