Occupy Wall Street

Definition

Occupy Wall Street was a protest movement that began in September 2011, primarily aimed at addressing economic inequality and the influence of corporate money in politics. It gained significant traction through social media and grassroots organizing, establishing a physical presence in Zuccotti Park, New York City. The movement highlighted issues of wealth disparity and sparked conversations about economic justice, leading to increased engagement in citizen journalism and raising questions about media credibility.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Occupy Wall Street popularized the phrase 'We are the 99%', which refers to the vast majority of Americans who felt economically marginalized compared to the wealthiest 1%.
2. The movement utilized live-streaming, blogs, and social media to share its message, enabling rapid dissemination of information and updates on protests.
3. Occupy Wall Street inspired similar protests worldwide, leading to movements like Occupy London and Occupy Toronto, showcasing global discontent with economic systems.
4. The camp at Zuccotti Park became a hub for discussions on various topics, including housing rights, corporate greed, and political reform, creating a diverse dialogue among participants.
5. Media coverage of the movement varied widely, with traditional outlets sometimes criticized for underreporting or misrepresenting the goals of the protesters.

Review Questions

• How did Occupy Wall Street leverage online platforms for organizing and spreading its message?
  • Occupy Wall Street effectively used social media and digital tools to organize protests and engage supporters. Platforms like Twitter and Facebook facilitated real-time communication, allowing activists to coordinate actions and share updates. The movement's reliance on live-streaming events enabled it to reach a broader audience beyond traditional news outlets, fostering grassroots participation and creating a sense of community among supporters.
• What role did citizen journalism play in shaping public perception of Occupy Wall Street?
  • Citizen journalism played a crucial role in shaping public perception of Occupy Wall Street by allowing individuals to report on events from their perspectives. Many participants used smartphones to document protests and share their experiences through blogs, videos, and social media. This grassroots reporting countered mainstream narratives, presenting a more nuanced view of the movement's aims and activities while also challenging traditional media's authority.
• Evaluate the impact of Occupy Wall Street on discussions around economic inequality and media credibility.
  • Occupy Wall Street significantly impacted discussions around economic inequality by bringing attention to the wealth gap and corporate influence in politics. It sparked broader conversations about economic justice that extended beyond the movement itself. Moreover, the varying coverage of the protests raised questions about media credibility; some outlets were criticized for downplaying the movement's significance while independent journalists provided alternative narratives that highlighted its importance. This interplay influenced how social movements are perceived in relation to mainstream media.

Related terms

Social Media Activism: The use of social media platforms to promote activism, mobilize support, and spread awareness about social and political issues.

Citizen Journalism: The act of ordinary people reporting news events and sharing information, often using digital tools and platforms to disseminate their stories.

Economic Inequality: The disparity in income and wealth distribution among individuals or groups within a society, often highlighted as a critical issue by various social movements.