Occupy Central's Generation Gap

Since early last month, Occupy leaders have been suggesting that students consider withdrawing as they note a growing backlash from people affected by the occupation of streets. 

According to a survey by Polytechnic University's centre for social policy studies, 73.2 per cent of 554 respondents felt now was the right time to stop the protests. 

"A civil disobedience movement would risk losing public sympathy if it lasts too long. The backlash against the disruption to people's lives is growing as the government adopts a wait-and-see strategy," Chan said.
The federation believes it would be wrong to withdraw before the government makes any concession. But with the occupation in its sixth week, Chan said students should reconsider. 

"If no compromise can be made between the students and government, we should work out some action plans for occupiers to help the spirit of democracy take root in different communities and not just focusing on the occupation per se," he said.

The protests have veered dramatically from the script prepared by Occupy's co-founders.

More @ SCMP: http://m.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/article/1632526/generation-gap-hampers-efforts-direct-occupy-protests-hong-kong