Occupy Wall Street

Definition

Occupy Wall Street was a social movement that began in September 2011, primarily focusing on issues of economic inequality, corporate greed, and the influence of money in politics. This movement utilized various strategies and tactics, such as peaceful protests, sit-ins, and the establishment of encampments in public spaces, notably Zuccotti Park in New York City. The movement's grassroots nature and emphasis on collective action significantly impacted public discourse on economic justice and policy reform.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The movement began with a rally on September 17, 2011, organized by the Canadian activist group Adbusters, which called for a protest against corporate influence in politics.
2. Occupy Wall Street popularized the term 'We are the 99%' to articulate the struggles of the majority against the wealth and power concentrated in the hands of a few.
3. The encampment at Zuccotti Park became a symbol of the movement, drawing attention from media worldwide and inspiring similar protests in cities across the globe.
4. Despite facing eviction from their encampments, the movement succeeded in shifting public conversation toward economic inequality and corporate accountability.
5. Occupy Wall Street influenced various political movements and initiatives, leading to greater awareness of issues like student debt, healthcare access, and workers' rights.

Review Questions

• How did Occupy Wall Street's strategies and tactics contribute to its visibility and impact on social issues?
  • Occupy Wall Street employed strategies like peaceful protests, sit-ins, and establishing encampments to bring attention to economic inequality and corporate greed. By using visible public spaces like Zuccotti Park for their protests, they attracted media coverage which amplified their message. The grassroots approach encouraged widespread participation and solidarity among diverse groups, making their cause more relatable and urgent in the eyes of the public.
• What were some key cultural shifts that resulted from the Occupy Wall Street movement's focus on economic inequality?
  • The focus of Occupy Wall Street on economic inequality led to significant cultural shifts regarding how people perceive wealth distribution and corporate power. The slogan 'We are the 99%' became a rallying cry that brought awareness to socioeconomic disparities. It also helped initiate discussions about systemic issues such as student debt, affordable healthcare, and workers' rights, shaping how these topics were addressed in popular culture and political discourse.
• Evaluate the long-term impact of Occupy Wall Street on contemporary social movements addressing economic issues.
  • Occupy Wall Street has had a lasting impact on contemporary social movements by introducing new methods of grassroots organizing and emphasizing economic justice. Its use of consensus decision-making and direct action has influenced movements like Black Lives Matter and climate justice initiatives. The increased public awareness about income inequality that Occupy generated has paved the way for policies aimed at addressing these issues, showing that social movements can effectively challenge established power structures and inspire change over time.

Related terms

1% vs. 99%: A slogan used by Occupy Wall Street to highlight the wealth disparity between the wealthiest 1% of the population and the remaining 99%, emphasizing issues of economic inequality.

Direct Action: A form of activism that seeks to achieve goals through immediate and confrontational methods rather than through traditional political channels or negotiations.

Consensus Decision-Making: A collaborative process used by Occupy Wall Street to make decisions collectively, ensuring that all voices are heard and considered before reaching a conclusion.