Conclusion

In conclusion we found that there were two strongly contrasting opinions about the Occupy movement.  The majority of the cartoons were in support of the protest.  Many of the cartoons showcased the problems that the protesters were fighting against such as, trickle down economics, corporate greed, the housing crisis, etc.  The reality shown in these cartoons and the way they were framed as very positive and American, and not simply something that only young, jobless, hippies care about.


photo from this.org

Another frame we found was that of a more conservative view.  This viewpoint portrays the occupiers as radical hippies who only want a free handout from the government.  It also frames the protesters as a lazy, entitled generation.

While a good number of the occupiers are the typical, crazy, dirty-looking hippie you see on tv; the overwhelming majority (85%) actually do have jobs and are by most accounts "normal" looking.  The occupiers are genuine in their demands and viewpoints and, really do hope for a better future. The problem is that simply "occupying" space isn't going to bring any of that change to fruition.  There have been some small victories such as, bringing corporate greed and the housing crisis to the forefront of many media outlets.  While they have caused a stir about such topics nothing has really been changed, no policies, no laws, if they really want to start checking things off from their list of grievances, they might want to start at the voting booth.