Occupy Wall Street

Definition

Occupy Wall Street refers to a social movement that began in 2011, advocating against economic inequality and the influence of corporate money in politics. The movement gained widespread attention through its protests centered in New York City's financial district, highlighting issues like wealth disparity, corporate greed, and the need for political reform. This grassroots initiative emphasized the importance of collective action and free assembly to voice dissent against perceived injustices within the financial system.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Occupy Wall Street movement began on September 17, 2011, with thousands gathering in Zuccotti Park to protest against corporate influence and economic inequality.
2. The slogan 'We are the 99%' became iconic, symbolizing the fight against wealth concentration and highlighting disparities in income and opportunity.
3. Occupy Wall Street utilized social media effectively to organize protests, share information, and spread awareness about issues related to economic injustice.
4. The movement led to various offshoots and inspired similar protests globally, emphasizing its impact on raising awareness about economic disparities.
5. Despite facing challenges from law enforcement and evictions from encampments, Occupy Wall Street influenced discussions around economic reform and corporate regulation.

Review Questions

• How did Occupy Wall Street utilize the concept of freedom of assembly to express its message?
  • Occupy Wall Street effectively leveraged the right to freedom of assembly by organizing large gatherings in public spaces like Zuccotti Park. This allowed protesters to collectively voice their concerns about economic inequality and corporate influence in politics. The movement's emphasis on peaceful assembly not only drew attention to their cause but also highlighted the importance of public space for democratic expression.
• Discuss the role of social media in the mobilization and messaging of the Occupy Wall Street movement.
  • Social media played a crucial role in mobilizing supporters for Occupy Wall Street by facilitating communication and coordination among activists. Platforms like Twitter and Facebook enabled organizers to share real-time updates, rally participants for events, and amplify their message beyond New York City. This digital outreach contributed significantly to the rapid growth of the movement and its ability to connect with similar struggles worldwide.
• Evaluate how Occupy Wall Street contributed to changing perceptions about economic inequality in America and its long-term implications.
  • Occupy Wall Street significantly shifted public discourse around economic inequality by bringing issues like wealth concentration and corporate greed into mainstream conversations. The movement challenged individuals and policymakers to reconsider existing economic systems and their impacts on society. In the long term, this increased awareness has led to broader discussions on wealth redistribution, reforms in campaign financing, and sparked initiatives aimed at promoting social justice across various sectors.

Related terms

1% vs 99%: A phrase used to illustrate the disparity between the wealthiest 1% of the population and the other 99%, which became a central theme of the Occupy Wall Street movement.

Civil Disobedience: A form of nonviolent protest against laws or policies perceived as unjust, often employed by movements like Occupy Wall Street to challenge economic and social inequalities.

Social Justice: The pursuit of equality and fairness in society, which was a primary goal of the Occupy Wall Street movement as it sought to address systemic issues affecting marginalized groups.