Occupy Wall Street

Definition

Occupy Wall Street was a protest movement that began in 2011, focusing on issues of social and economic inequality, corporate greed, and the influence of money in politics. It is best known for its encampment in Zuccotti Park in New York City, where demonstrators voiced their frustrations against the financial system, symbolized by the phrase 'We are the 99%.' This movement has significantly influenced street art, which often served as a medium for political expression and social commentary related to these themes.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Occupy Wall Street started on September 17, 2011, and quickly gained traction as a global movement addressing issues of economic inequality.
2. The protestors utilized various forms of art, including murals, graffiti, and posters, to communicate their messages and rally support.
3. The movement's slogan 'We are the 99%' became a rallying cry that symbolized the struggle against corporate influence and wealth disparity.
4. Occupy Wall Street highlighted the connection between politics and economics, advocating for changes to campaign financing and corporate regulation.
5. The movement inspired similar protests around the world, including in cities across Europe and Asia, demonstrating the global nature of discontent with economic systems.

Review Questions

• How did Occupy Wall Street utilize street art to communicate its messages about economic inequality?
  • Occupy Wall Street leveraged street art as a powerful tool for communication and expression. Artists created murals, posters, and graffiti that depicted the struggles of everyday people against corporate greed. These artworks often contained slogans like 'We are the 99%' which resonated with the public and helped to spread awareness about the issues at stake. By using public spaces for artistic expression, protestors transformed their environment into a platform for dialogue about social justice.
• In what ways did the Occupy Wall Street movement challenge traditional political processes through direct action?
  • Occupy Wall Street challenged traditional political processes by adopting direct action strategies that bypassed conventional methods of advocacy. Protestors engaged in sit-ins and organized marches that drew attention to their demands for economic reform. This approach created a sense of urgency and visibility around issues like corporate influence in politics and income inequality. Instead of relying solely on lobbying or electoral processes, participants aimed to disrupt the status quo and galvanize public support for change.
• Evaluate the long-term impact of Occupy Wall Street on contemporary movements advocating for social justice and economic reform.
  • The long-term impact of Occupy Wall Street can be seen in its lasting influence on contemporary movements advocating for social justice and economic reform. The movement popularized themes of economic inequality and corporate accountability that continue to resonate today. It also inspired grassroots organizing techniques and creative forms of protest that many current movements use, such as Black Lives Matter and climate change activism. By framing these issues within a broader narrative of class struggle, Occupy Wall Street set a foundation for ongoing dialogue around systemic inequities in society.

Related terms

1% vs. 99%: A slogan that highlights the growing wealth gap between the richest 1% of the population and the remaining 99%, emphasizing social and economic inequality.

Street Art: A form of visual art created in public spaces, often characterized by its political or social messages, aiming to engage viewers in discussions about relevant issues.

Direct Action: A strategy used by activists that involves taking immediate action to create change, often outside of traditional political processes, such as protests or demonstrations.