Is it easier to become an activist these days? Hadn't really considered it before, until I read an article the other day from the director of the Digital Activism Research Project - an organisation which, 'investigates the global impact of digital media on political contention'.
I suppose it shouldn't come as a surprise that there is such a thing. Every new trend has to be researched, analysed to PHD level. The team behind this outfit are young high-flyers with academic credentials to match, headed up by a professor from the University of Washington and other educational establishments.
Technology certainly appears to make it easier to get a campaign up and running.
There isn't a day goes by without something popping up, on Facebook particularly, requiring a 'signature' to support an urgent petition. And I'm happy to be able to do it.
I want to believe that as individuals we can still make a difference. Given the nature of digital media, mobilisation runs into millions. I guess sometimes billions. It's a powerful collective voice. And we need it to be. And the range of issues are quite extraordinary.
When it comes to matters of social injustice, I am a total convert to digital activism. It's an effective means not just of making a protest, but sustaining it. And that couldn't be better.
If the result is that our leaders are constantly jolted out of their indifference and us punters are constantly jolted out of our complacency - then all I can say is - bring it on!
No comments:
Post a Comment