Occupy Wall Street

Definition

Occupy Wall Street is a protest movement that began in September 2011 in New York City, focusing on issues of economic inequality, corporate greed, and the influence of money in politics. This grassroots movement sparked a global conversation about wealth distribution and social justice, employing a variety of activist performance techniques to convey its message and engage the public.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Occupy Wall Street movement began on September 17, 2011, when protesters camped in Zuccotti Park in Manhattan's Financial District.
2. The movement's main slogan, 'We are the 99%', highlighted the growing economic divide between the wealthiest Americans and the rest of the population.
3. Occupy Wall Street utilized various performance tactics such as marches, sit-ins, and theatrical demonstrations to draw attention to their cause and engage the public.
4. The movement inspired similar protests around the world, leading to the formation of 'Occupy' movements in cities across the globe, from London to Sydney.
5. Despite facing police evictions and challenges from authorities, Occupy Wall Street significantly impacted discussions on economic reform and corporate accountability.

Review Questions

• How did Occupy Wall Street use performance strategies to communicate its message about economic inequality?
  • Occupy Wall Street employed a variety of performance strategies such as marches, sit-ins, and creative demonstrations that visually represented their message about economic inequality. These performances not only engaged participants but also attracted media attention, which helped amplify their cause. By using direct action and communal participation, they fostered a sense of solidarity among protesters and brought broader public awareness to issues like corporate greed and wealth distribution.
• In what ways did Occupy Wall Street influence global movements addressing economic issues and social justice?
  • Occupy Wall Street had a profound impact on global movements by inspiring similar protests that addressed economic inequality and social justice. As the movement gained traction in various cities worldwide, it created a shared language of resistance against corporate influence in politics and economics. This international solidarity not only connected diverse groups but also spurred conversations around systemic change, ultimately leading to policy discussions and reforms in many regions.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of Occupy Wall Street on contemporary activism and public discourse regarding economic disparities.
  • The long-term effects of Occupy Wall Street on contemporary activism are significant, as it brought issues of economic disparity and corporate power into mainstream public discourse. The movement’s emphasis on grassroots organizing and direct action has inspired new generations of activists to adopt similar tactics in their struggles for social justice. Additionally, concepts like 'the 99 Percent' have persisted in political dialogue, influencing debates around income inequality and prompting policymakers to consider reforms aimed at addressing these critical issues.

Related terms

99 Percent: A slogan representing the vast majority of people who are economically disadvantaged compared to the wealthiest 1% of society, emphasizing the disparity in wealth and opportunity.

Direct Action: A form of political activism that involves taking immediate action to achieve a specific goal, often outside traditional political channels, which was a core strategy used by Occupy Wall Street.

Mic Check: A method used in protests where participants repeat a speaker's words in unison to amplify their message without the need for sound equipment, enhancing community engagement.