Occupy Wall Street

Definition

Occupy Wall Street (OWS) is a grassroots protest movement that began in September 2011 in New York City, aiming to address issues of economic inequality, corporate greed, and the influence of money in politics. The movement is widely recognized for its slogan 'We are the 99%,' which highlights the disparity between the wealthiest 1% and the rest of the population. OWS utilized both physical occupations of public spaces and digital platforms to mobilize support and raise awareness about social and economic injustices.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Occupy Wall Street started on September 17, 2011, in Zuccotti Park, New York City, and gained national attention within weeks.
2. The movement emphasized a leaderless organizational structure, relying on consensus decision-making processes to promote inclusivity and participation.
3. OWS inspired similar movements globally, leading to protests in cities around the world addressing issues of economic inequality.
4. Social media played a crucial role in OWS by facilitating rapid communication, coordination of events, and spreading its message beyond New York City.
5. Despite facing challenges from law enforcement and public perception, OWS significantly influenced conversations around economic justice and corporate accountability.

Review Questions

• How did Occupy Wall Street utilize digital activism to enhance its message and reach a wider audience?
  • Occupy Wall Street effectively leveraged digital activism through social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook to spread its message and organize events. By sharing live updates, personal stories, and calls to action online, OWS was able to reach individuals who might not have participated in traditional protests. This digital engagement allowed the movement to rapidly mobilize supporters across various locations and foster a sense of community among those advocating for economic justice.
• What role did alternative media play in shaping the narrative of Occupy Wall Street and its goals?
  • Alternative media was vital for Occupy Wall Street as it provided coverage that often contrasted with mainstream media portrayals. Outlets like independent blogs, community radio stations, and activist-run websites showcased diverse perspectives on the movement's goals and strategies. This coverage helped amplify the voices of marginalized participants and enabled OWS to frame its narrative around economic inequality and corporate influence in ways that mainstream media often overlooked.
• Evaluate the long-term impact of Occupy Wall Street on social movements advocating for economic justice in the United States.
  • The long-term impact of Occupy Wall Street on social movements advocating for economic justice is significant. It helped catalyze a broader conversation about wealth disparity and corporate power in politics, influencing subsequent movements like Fight for $15 and various labor rights initiatives. OWS also set a precedent for grassroots organizing strategies that emphasize leaderless structures and digital engagement. The movement's legacy continues to shape activism today, encouraging new generations to address systemic inequalities through collective action.

Related terms

Digital Activism: The use of digital tools and platforms to promote social change, organize protests, and engage communities around specific causes.

Social Movements: Organized efforts by groups of people advocating for social or political change, often using collective action to influence public opinion and policy.

Alternative Media: Media outlets that operate outside mainstream channels, often focused on providing perspectives that challenge dominant narratives and empower marginalized voices.