35 Facts About Occupy Wall Street

Origins of Occupy Wall Street

Occupy Wall Street (OWS) began as a protest movement against economic inequality and corporate influence in politics. It quickly gained traction and became a global phenomenon.

1. The movement started on September 17, 2011, in New York City's Zuccotti Park.
2. Adbusters, a Canadian anti-consumerist magazine, initially proposed the idea for the protest.
3. The slogan "We are the 99%" highlighted the income disparity between the wealthiest 1% and the rest of the population.
4. Social media played a crucial role in organizing and spreading the word about the protests.
5. The movement was inspired by the Arab Spring and the anti-austerity protests in Europe.

Key Events and Milestones

OWS had several significant events that shaped its course and impact. These moments drew attention and support from around the world.

6. On October 1, 2011, over 700 protesters were arrested while attempting to march across the Brooklyn Bridge.
7. November 15, 2011, saw the eviction of protesters from Zuccotti Park by the New York City Police Department.
8. The movement's first major victory came when Bank of America dropped its plan to charge a $5 monthly fee for debit card use.
9. Occupy Sandy, an offshoot of OWS, provided disaster relief to victims of Hurricane Sandy in 2012.
10. The movement inspired similar protests in over 80 countries and 1,500 cities worldwide.

Notable Figures and Supporters

Several prominent individuals and groups supported OWS, lending credibility and visibility to the movement.

11. Naomi Klein, an influential author and activist, was a vocal supporter of OWS.
12. Slavoj Žižek, a renowned philosopher, gave a speech at Zuccotti Park, urging protesters to continue their fight.
13. Celebrities like Susan Sarandon, Mark Ruffalo, and Russell Brand visited the protest site to show their support.
14. The hacker group Anonymous endorsed OWS and helped spread its message online.
15. Unions such as the Transport Workers Union of America and the United Federation of Teachers backed the movement.

Impact on Politics and Society

OWS left a lasting impact on political discourse and social movements, influencing various aspects of society.

16. The movement brought the issue of income inequality to the forefront of political discussions.
17. It led to the creation of the "Robin Hood Tax" campaign, advocating for a financial transaction tax on Wall Street trades.
18. OWS inspired the formation of new activist groups like Strike Debt, which focuses on debt resistance.
19. The movement's emphasis on direct democracy influenced the decision-making processes of other social movements.
20. OWS highlighted the power of grassroots organizing and the potential for change through collective action.

Criticisms and Challenges

Despite its successes, OWS faced several criticisms and challenges that hindered its progress.

21. Critics argued that the movement lacked clear goals and a cohesive strategy.
22. The decentralized nature of OWS made it difficult to coordinate actions and maintain momentum.
23. Some accused the movement of being too focused on symbolic actions rather than concrete policy changes.
24. The presence of homeless individuals and drug users at protest sites led to negative media coverage.
25. Internal conflicts and power struggles among organizers weakened the movement's unity.

Legacy and Continuing Influence

Although OWS eventually faded, its legacy continues to influence social and political movements today.

26. The movement's emphasis on economic inequality paved the way for discussions about a universal basic income.
27. OWS inspired the formation of the Bernie Sanders presidential campaign, which focused on similar issues.
28. The movement's tactics, such as occupying public spaces, have been adopted by other protests like Black Lives Matter.
29. OWS contributed to the rise of progressive political candidates who prioritize social and economic justice.
30. The movement's focus on corporate accountability influenced the development of shareholder activism.

Cultural Impact and Representation

OWS also left a mark on popular culture, with its themes and imagery appearing in various forms of media.

31. The movement was featured in documentaries like "99%: The Occupy Wall Street Collaborative Film."
32. TV shows like "The Newsroom" and "Parks and Recreation" referenced OWS in their storylines.
33. Musicians such as Tom Morello and Third Eye Blind released songs inspired by the movement.
34. Street artists like Shepard Fairey created artwork that captured the spirit of OWS.
35. The movement's slogans and symbols, like the Guy Fawkes mask, became iconic representations of resistance.

The Legacy of Occupy Wall Street

Occupy Wall Street left a lasting impact on society. It brought attention to income inequality, corporate greed, and the influence of money in politics. The movement's slogan, "We are the 99%," became a rallying cry for many. While the physical encampments may have disappeared, the ideas and conversations sparked by Occupy continue to influence activism and policy discussions today.

The movement also showed the power of grassroots organizing and social media in mobilizing people. It inspired other movements worldwide, from the Arab Spring to anti-austerity protests in Europe. Critics argue about its effectiveness, but there's no denying its role in shaping modern protest culture.

Occupy Wall Street may not have achieved all its goals, but it succeeded in changing the narrative around economic justice. Its legacy lives on in the ongoing fight for a fairer, more equitable world.