Occupy Wall Street

Definition

Occupy Wall Street was a social movement that began in 2011, primarily aimed at addressing issues of economic inequality, corporate greed, and the influence of money in politics. The movement gained traction with its slogan 'We are the 99%' and symbolized a broader discontent with the economic system that favored the wealthy over the working class. It was marked by large-scale protests, sit-ins, and a focus on grassroots organization to challenge perceived injustices in the economic landscape.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Occupy Wall Street began on September 17, 2011, in Zuccotti Park, New York City, drawing significant media attention and public interest.
2. The movement was largely decentralized and utilized a consensus-based decision-making process, allowing participants to voice their opinions and contribute to discussions.
3. Protests were characterized by their diverse participants, including activists, students, and workers from various socioeconomic backgrounds advocating for different issues related to economic justice.
4. The movement inspired similar protests worldwide, leading to the emergence of other 'Occupy' movements in cities across the globe, including London, Sydney, and Toronto.
5. Despite facing challenges such as police evictions and criticism from various sectors, Occupy Wall Street left a lasting impact on discussions about income inequality and financial reform.

Review Questions

• How did Occupy Wall Street use public assembly to highlight issues of economic inequality?
  • Occupy Wall Street effectively used public assembly through large-scale protests in places like Zuccotti Park to raise awareness about economic inequality. By gathering diverse groups of people and creating a visible presence in public spaces, they drew attention to their message that the wealthiest 1% were disproportionately benefiting from the economic system at the expense of the 99%. This collective action fostered discussions around wealth distribution and corporate influence in politics.
• Analyze the methods employed by Occupy Wall Street to organize its protests and engage with participants. How did these methods reflect its goals?
  • Occupy Wall Street utilized grassroots organizing methods and consensus-based decision-making to engage participants in its protests. These methods allowed for a diverse array of voices and perspectives to be included in discussions and actions. This approach reflected the movement's goal of inclusivity and equality, emphasizing that all participants had an equal say in shaping the direction of the movement. By promoting collaboration among individuals from various backgrounds, they aimed to create a unified front against economic injustice.
• Evaluate the overall impact of Occupy Wall Street on American political discourse regarding economic policy and inequality since its inception.
  • The overall impact of Occupy Wall Street on American political discourse has been significant since its inception. It reignited conversations about economic inequality and prompted policymakers and politicians to address issues related to wealth distribution and corporate influence. The movement's framing of these issues brought them into mainstream dialogue, influencing legislation discussions like tax reforms and financial regulations. Furthermore, it laid the groundwork for future social movements advocating for economic justice, highlighting that grassroots activism could shape national conversations about policy.

Related terms

1% vs. 99%: A phrase used to highlight the disparity in wealth distribution, emphasizing that a small percentage of the population holds a majority of the wealth.

Civil Disobedience:

The active, professed refusal to obey certain laws or commands of a government as a way of advocating for social change.

Grassroots Movement: A type of political movement driven by the community rather than by established leaders or organizations, emphasizing local participation and action.