Occupy Wall Street

Definition

Occupy Wall Street was a grassroots protest movement that began in September 2011 in New York City, primarily focused on social and economic inequality, corporate greed, and the influence of money in politics. The movement highlighted the disparity between the wealthiest 1% and the rest of the population, calling attention to issues like corporate malfeasance, unemployment, and student debt. It utilized social media and traditional forms of protest to mobilize participants and raise awareness on a global scale.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Occupy Wall Street began on September 17, 2011, in Zuccotti Park in New York City, attracting widespread media attention and participation.
2. The movement emphasized a leaderless structure, allowing for horizontal organization and decision-making through consensus rather than traditional hierarchical systems.
3. Participants camped out in public spaces as a form of protest, establishing a physical presence that symbolized their demand for change in the financial system.
4. The slogan 'We are the 99%' became a rallying cry, representing the collective frustration of many Americans regarding economic inequality and lack of opportunities.
5. Occupy Wall Street sparked similar movements globally, inspiring protests in cities across North America and Europe focused on economic justice and corporate accountability.

Review Questions

• How did Occupy Wall Street utilize media to mobilize supporters and spread its message?
  • Occupy Wall Street effectively harnessed both social media and traditional media to reach a wide audience. Platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and livestreaming allowed organizers to share updates, coordinate actions, and build community among participants. The movement's reliance on hashtags and viral content helped amplify its message about economic inequality and fostered solidarity with similar movements around the world.
• Discuss the significance of the '1% vs. 99%' framework in shaping public perception during the Occupy Wall Street movement.
  • The '1% vs. 99%' framework played a critical role in framing the narrative of Occupy Wall Street. By clearly delineating between the wealthiest Americans and the majority struggling with economic challenges, it resonated with many individuals who felt disenfranchised. This slogan not only galvanized support for the movement but also sparked discussions about income inequality, prompting mainstream media to cover these issues more extensively.
• Evaluate the long-term impact of Occupy Wall Street on subsequent social movements and discussions surrounding economic inequality.
  • Occupy Wall Street has had a lasting influence on social movements by bringing issues of economic inequality to the forefront of public discourse. Its emphasis on grassroots organizing and direct action inspired newer movements such as Black Lives Matter and climate justice protests. The ideas propagated by Occupy have influenced political rhetoric regarding wealth distribution and corporate power, making them central themes in discussions about social justice in both national and international contexts.

Related terms

1% vs. 99%: A slogan that illustrates the economic divide between the wealthiest individuals (the 1%) and the vast majority of the population (the 99%), which was central to the messaging of the Occupy Wall Street movement.

Media Activism: The use of media strategies and platforms to promote social change, often seen in movements like Occupy Wall Street, which relied heavily on social media for organization and communication.

Direct Action: A form of activism where participants engage in immediate and sometimes confrontational actions to achieve their goals, frequently employed by Occupy Wall Street through protests and occupations.