Occupy Wall Street

Definition

Occupy Wall Street (OWS) was a protest movement that began in 2011, primarily in New York City, aiming to address social and economic inequality, particularly the influence of corporate money in politics. The movement popularized the phrase 'We are the 99%' to highlight the disparity between the wealthiest 1% and the rest of the population. OWS also became a symbol of a larger global movement against economic injustice and corporate greed, using grassroots organizing and public assemblies to promote awareness and inspire activism.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Occupy Wall Street started on September 17, 2011, and lasted for several months, drawing attention to issues like financial corruption and economic inequality.
2. The movement utilized social media extensively for organization, outreach, and mobilization, highlighting its significance in contemporary activism.
3. Protesters used a consensus-based decision-making process during general assemblies, emphasizing democratic participation and collective voice.
4. OWS inspired numerous other movements globally, leading to events like Occupy London and Occupy Oakland, showing its far-reaching impact.
5. Despite being cleared from Zuccotti Park by authorities in November 2011, the ideas of OWS continued to influence discussions around wealth disparity and corporate power in politics.

Review Questions

• How did Occupy Wall Street utilize citizen journalism to amplify its message during the protests?
  • Occupy Wall Street relied heavily on citizen journalism as participants shared their experiences through social media platforms, blogs, and live streaming. This grassroots reporting allowed individuals to bypass traditional media filters and present real-time narratives about the protests. As a result, citizen journalists played a crucial role in shaping public perception and disseminating information about OWS's goals of addressing economic inequality.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of social media as a tool for organizing and mobilizing support for Occupy Wall Street.
  • Social media proved to be an incredibly effective tool for Occupy Wall Street by facilitating rapid communication and engagement among activists. Platforms like Twitter and Facebook allowed organizers to spread their message widely, coordinate events, and mobilize supporters quickly. This digital strategy not only helped gather large crowds but also created a global conversation about economic justice, demonstrating how social media can empower movements and foster community around shared causes.
• Analyze how the principles of Occupy Wall Street have influenced contemporary global activism beyond its initial protests.
  • The principles of Occupy Wall Street have significantly influenced contemporary global activism by encouraging a focus on issues like income inequality, corporate accountability, and participatory democracy. Movements such as Black Lives Matter and climate justice initiatives have drawn inspiration from OWS's grassroots tactics and emphasis on collective action. The legacy of OWS continues as activists adopt similar methods of organizing, using social media for outreach while advocating for systemic change within various societal contexts.

Related terms

The 99% Movement: A social movement that seeks to address the economic disparity between the wealthiest 1% and the remaining 99% of the population, focusing on issues like income inequality and corporate influence.

Zuccotti Park: The location in New York City where Occupy Wall Street began its protests, serving as the main gathering place for activists and symbolizing the movement's presence.

Global Occupy Movement: A series of protests inspired by Occupy Wall Street that spread across various cities worldwide, addressing issues of economic inequality and social justice.