Occupy Wall Street

Definition

Occupy Wall Street was a protest movement that began in September 2011, aimed at addressing economic inequality, corporate greed, and the influence of money in politics. The movement became emblematic of a broader discontent with the economic system, particularly following the 2008 financial crisis, and it highlighted the struggles of the '99%' against the wealthiest 1%. Its grassroots nature inspired a variety of creative expressions, including protest songs that voiced the frustrations and demands of those involved.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Occupy Wall Street began on September 17, 2011, in Zuccotti Park in New York City and quickly grew into a global movement.
2. The slogan 'We are the 99%' became a rallying cry, emphasizing the disparity between the wealthy elite and ordinary citizens.
3. Musicians and artists played a significant role in the movement by creating songs that captured its spirit and message, fostering a sense of community among protesters.
4. The use of social media was crucial for organizing events, sharing information, and amplifying the movement's message to a wider audience.
5. Occupy Wall Street sparked discussions about financial reform, income inequality, and corporate influence on democracy that continue to resonate in contemporary politics.

Review Questions

• How did Occupy Wall Street utilize music as a form of protest, and what role did it play in shaping the movement's identity?
  • Occupy Wall Street effectively used music as a way to unite participants and express their collective frustrations with economic inequality. Protest songs became anthems for the movement, encapsulating its themes and energizing demonstrators during rallies. This musical expression fostered a sense of community among activists, reinforcing the movement's identity while also attracting attention from media and broader audiences.
• Analyze how the concept of 'We are the 99%' reflects the economic concerns that drove Occupy Wall Street and influenced protest culture.
  • 'We are the 99%' encapsulated the fundamental economic grievances behind Occupy Wall Street, highlighting disparities in wealth and power that were exacerbated by corporate greed. This slogan resonated not only with participants but also with many Americans who felt disenfranchised after the financial crisis. It sparked dialogue about systemic issues within capitalism and became a symbol for various social movements, pushing protest culture to focus on collective action against economic injustice.
• Evaluate the long-term impacts of Occupy Wall Street on contemporary discussions regarding economic inequality and social justice movements in society today.
  • The long-term impacts of Occupy Wall Street are evident in today's ongoing discussions about economic inequality and social justice. The movement brought issues like income disparity, corporate influence on politics, and financial reform into public consciousness, influencing newer movements such as Black Lives Matter and climate justice activism. Its grassroots approach has inspired a generation of activists to leverage social media for organizing while continuing to advocate for systemic change across various platforms.

Related terms

99% Movement: A term used to represent the majority of the population who are economically disadvantaged compared to the wealthiest 1%, highlighting issues of income inequality.

General Assembly: A consensus-based decision-making body used by Occupy Wall Street to facilitate discussion and organize activities among participants in the movement.

Protest Music:

Songs that express dissent and social or political messages, often played at rallies and protests to inspire unity and convey the movement's goals.