Occupy Wall Street

Definition

Occupy Wall Street was a protest movement that began in September 2011 in New York City, aiming to address economic inequality and the influence of corporate money in politics. The movement quickly spread to other cities around the world and highlighted issues such as social justice, wealth distribution, and corporate accountability. It became a significant symbol of grassroots activism and is closely tied to themes of censorship, independent media systems, and mobilization efforts by ordinary people.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The movement started in Zuccotti Park in Manhattan and quickly gained attention for its use of nonviolent protest techniques and communal living.
2. Participants used slogans like 'We are the 99%' to emphasize the disparity in wealth distribution and advocate for economic reform.
3. Occupy Wall Street utilized social media extensively for organizing, sharing information, and raising awareness, which helped spread its message globally.
4. The movement faced significant pushback from law enforcement, leading to numerous arrests and evictions from protest sites, which raised concerns about censorship and the right to assemble.
5. Although the physical protests dwindled over time, the ideas and discussions sparked by Occupy Wall Street have continued to influence debates on economic justice and corporate regulation.

Review Questions

• How did Occupy Wall Street challenge existing narratives about economic inequality and corporate influence in politics?
  • Occupy Wall Street challenged existing narratives by bringing attention to the stark divide between the wealthiest individuals and the rest of society through its slogan 'We are the 99%.' The movement highlighted how corporate money influences political decisions, mobilizing public discourse around economic justice. By creating a platform for diverse voices through protests and community discussions, it reshaped conversations about wealth distribution and accountability in governance.
• What role did independent media play in the dissemination of Occupy Wall Street's messages and objectives?
  • Independent media played a crucial role in disseminating Occupy Wall Street's messages by providing alternative coverage that mainstream outlets often overlooked. Through blogs, social media channels, and grassroots publications, independent journalists and activists documented protests, shared stories of participants, and provided analyses of economic issues. This coverage allowed for a broader understanding of the movement's goals, emphasizing social justice and highlighting grassroots perspectives that challenged dominant narratives.
• Evaluate the long-term impacts of Occupy Wall Street on grassroots mobilization efforts in contemporary social movements.
  • Occupy Wall Street has had a lasting impact on grassroots mobilization efforts by inspiring a new generation of activists to address economic inequality, climate change, and social justice issues. Its emphasis on decentralized organizing and consensus-based decision-making has influenced how contemporary movements operate. The methods employed during OWS, such as using social media for coordination and creating inclusive spaces for dialogue, continue to be integral to modern activism. As a result, OWS has shaped how activists think about community engagement and collective action in addressing systemic issues.

Related terms

1% vs. 99%: A slogan used by Occupy Wall Street to illustrate the wealth gap between the richest 1% of the population and the remaining 99%, emphasizing economic inequality.

Social Movement: A collective effort by groups of people to bring about social or political change, often through protests, advocacy, and public demonstrations.

Alternative Media: Media outlets or platforms that provide news and information outside of mainstream channels, often focusing on underrepresented voices and social issues.