Blog Post #10: Link between Rivera's Mural & the Occupy Movement

The in-depth message that Diego Rivera's Frozen Assets mural shows is how capitalism reigns over cities, while poor laborers don't get benefits and the wealthy does. The Occupy Movement that's going on today has to do with protesting for economic and social equality that many people in America feel is lacking. Rivera's mural and the movement are connected because the artwork brings up things that are lacking in America.

The connection between the two aren't very clear because they're set in different times. However, they point out the same issues. Rivera's artwork was created around 1931-1932, and the problems seem to closely tie into today's events. The Occupy Movement goes more in depth to say that most of America is represented in 99 %tile, and they are paying the wealth's taxes (the 1%). That 1% also collects more money than any class below it, as the government undermines the 99%'s labor output.

An incident very similar to today's protest happened during the Great Depression, and that's what Rivera tried to showcase in his piece. The top half of the picture shows corporate banking business being built, while the second half shows homeless laborers sleeping in sheds and not reaping benefits. The bottom half shows a secret trade between the bank and a few wealthy people.

After getting insightful information about the mural, I can see where the "We are the 99%" motto that is used in the movement comes from. The wealthy are getting paid money under the table, which should be shared with the laborers. While all of this is going on, the only concern the government has is building corporate America, instead of building homes for workers. I feel that it takes a lot of reading between the lines to see the connection between Rivera's artwork message, and the Occupy Movement today.

Info:
Diego Rivera's Frozen Assets Mural
The Occupy Movement
The Great Depression