Today’s class was fantastic (thank you to Eve and Jamil)! In the end the discussion was really about social justice movements and whether the objectives of various social groups are bettered by digital tools or would not have been possible without them.
So am I cyber-realist or cyber-utopian in this particular discussion? I remain unsure but in the end, it is the active participation of people that incites change, whether it is fueled by digital action or by a man burning in the street. The Internet enables communication, and has liberated the speed of collective action. I doubt that any day soon, anyone will believe that the march is no longer required, just as I”m sure no one should doubt the increased power of networks that has come with digitization.
What is Anonymous?
This particular group of digital social activism was of particular interest to our class today. I think the description I preferred was that Anonymous is not a ‘who’ but rather the intent(s) of thousands, without a single leader, and without a celebrity representative. It encapsulates multiple expressions, evolved from lulz (for enjoyment and jest) and morphed into collective action (social justice).
diverpinpigs 