Occupy Wall Street

Definition

Occupy Wall Street is a social and political movement that began in September 2011, aimed at addressing economic inequality, corporate influence in politics, and the lack of accountability of financial institutions. The movement gained significant attention through its peaceful protests and encampments in New York City's Zuccotti Park, serving as a catalyst for global conversations about wealth distribution and corporate power in democracy.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Occupy Wall Street movement started on September 17, 2011, and quickly spread to other cities around the world, emphasizing grassroots organizing and participatory democracy.
2. Protesters used the slogan 'We are the 99%' to illustrate their stance against the disproportionate wealth held by the top 1% of society, challenging systemic issues of economic inequality.
3. The movement emphasized political art as a means of expression, with many participants creating banners, posters, and graffiti to communicate their messages and rally support.
4. Occupy Wall Street employed an egalitarian approach to decision-making, utilizing a consensus model where every voice was heard, reflecting ideals of direct democracy.
5. Although the physical occupation ended in November 2011, the movement had a lasting impact on political discourse and inspired various other movements focused on social justice and economic reform.

Review Questions

• How did Occupy Wall Street use political art to convey its message about economic inequality?
  • Occupy Wall Street relied heavily on political art as a tool for communication and activism. Participants created a wide array of visual materials, including banners, posters, and murals that depicted their messages about economic disparity and corporate greed. This form of expression not only raised awareness but also fostered a sense of community among protesters. The artwork served as a powerful means to engage with passersby and encourage broader participation in the movement.
• Analyze how the slogan 'We are the 99%' reflects the core values and goals of Occupy Wall Street.
  • 'We are the 99%' encapsulates the essence of Occupy Wall Street by starkly highlighting the vast economic divide between the wealthy elite and the general population. This phrase served not only as a rallying cry but also as an inclusive call for solidarity among those who felt marginalized by corporate interests. By focusing on this divide, the movement aimed to challenge systemic issues related to wealth distribution and advocate for policy changes that benefit the broader society rather than just the affluent minority.
• Evaluate the long-term impact of Occupy Wall Street on contemporary social movements and political discourse regarding economic reform.
  • Occupy Wall Street has had a profound long-term impact on contemporary social movements by shifting public discourse around economic reform and inequality. It laid the groundwork for future movements like Black Lives Matter and March for Our Lives, which similarly address systemic injustices. The emphasis on grassroots organizing and direct action inspired activists to seek change outside traditional political frameworks. Additionally, discussions around income inequality have become more mainstream in political conversations, leading to increased support for policies aimed at wealth redistribution and corporate regulation.

Related terms

1% vs 99%: A slogan representing the economic disparity between the wealthiest 1% of the population and the remaining 99%, highlighting issues of inequality and social justice.

Direct Action: A form of activism that seeks immediate change through nonviolent means, such as protests or sit-ins, rather than relying on traditional political processes.

Global Justice Movement: A broad social movement that opposes neoliberal globalization, advocating for social, economic, and environmental justice on a global scale.