I found this Christmas message posted by anonymous this year, the group is asking, or rather scaring the public into being aware of what they are doing this year for Christmas. With all the material objects that are purchased simply fueling the dominant classes. Anonymous set out to remind individuals of the simulation of buying gifts for loved ones in the Christmas spirit is a way for corporations to maximize their profits and push their products onto the public. Anonymous want to display their presence in the digital world, yet messages like this set a tone that is not too welcoming for the public inviting them to support their cause. Yet these hacktivists are neutral as they want what is best for the people and make attempt to slow the control of the capitalist powers on our society.
Do you think messages from hacktivists remind people of the control they are under by the higher powers or do you feel that these messages that are distributed online mean very little?
Hey Mike! Great post/read here- very relevant material that is applicable to our course content. I believe that the hacktivists do indeed remind people of the power that large corporations have over people, especially at this time of year. I think that the messages themselves mean a lot but they don't necessarily have the power themselves to distribute this message to as many people as they would like. And as you mentioned, it wasn't done in the most positive/inviting way ever so it's kind of off putting for people who are trying to be happy at this time of year. (Definitely a message to think about though! - This year I've personally been trying to give experiences as gifts instead of tangible products)
ReplyDeleteYour question definitely brings to mind McLuhan's "the medium is the message". I actually think it's important that Anonymous distributes their messages online as they are an activist group which operates in that exact same method. This is also essential in evaluating the success of this method of distribution. Anonymous obviously works to disseminate messages which counter mainstream ideologies meaning they have to use alternative channels to do so. While YouTube isn't entirely alternative, it does mean that far fewer people will receive the message than if it were broadcasted on popular radio. I also think because people have to actively seek out information about and videos produced by Anonymous, they are probably already weary of capitalism and society's manipulation of consumers. Unfortunately, we're all engaged in a capitalist society so while we can try and resist capitalist values, we're likely to engage in practices such as gift-giving.
ReplyDeleteYour question definitely brings to mind McLuhan's "the medium is the message". I actually think it's important that Anonymous distributes their messages online as they are an activist group which operates in that exact same method. This is also essential in evaluating the success of this method of distribution. Anonymous obviously works to disseminate messages which counter mainstream ideologies meaning they have to use alternative channels to do so. While YouTube isn't entirely alternative, it does mean that far fewer people will receive the message than if it were broadcasted on popular radio. I also think because people have to actively seek out information about and videos produced by Anonymous, they are probably already weary of capitalism and society's manipulation of consumers. Unfortunately, we're all engaged in a capitalist society so while we can try and resist capitalist values, we're likely to engage in practices such as gift-giving.
ReplyDeleteMessages from hacktivists i think remind people that there is probably more out there than they know, and thus influences people to challenge and think critically about information provided to them by mass media outlets. These corporations are build around profit and often have strong government ties whereas the Internet creates a space where anyone can comment on the ongoings of society. Having a channel of communication that isnt as strongly influenced by those in power gives people a place to engage in discourse that may be weary of capitalism. If the message was sent through traditional channels the element of activism may be lost as it conforms too much with mediums that are seen as distributing information from the people in favour of capitalism.
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