Digital Counter-Cultures and the Nature of Electronic Social and Political Movements (From Dot.cons: Crime, Deviance and Identity on the Internet, P 147-163, 2003, Yvonne Jewkes, ed. -- See NCJ-199525)

• NCJ Number: 199534
• Author(s): Rinella Cere
• Date Published: 2003
• Length: 17 pages
• Sale Source: Willan Publishing
• Publication Format: Book (Softbound)
• Publication Type: Issue Overview
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

In discussing how political activists are using the Internet, this chapter distinguishes between two main types of Internet political activists: Net-dedicated activists ("hacktivists") and political users of the Net.

Abstract

The "hacktivist" refers to politically active people whose world of action and reaction is almost totally within the world of the computer and the Internet. Political users of the Net, on the other hand, focus mainly on the traditional channels of protest in the "real" world but are aware of the way in which political battles can be enhanced and linked at a global level through the Internet. This chapter is primarily concerned with the political uses of the Net by alternative political action and social movements. The analysis of the political use of the Net focuses on three case studies: the uprising of the indigenous people, the Zapatistas, against occupation by a tyrannical government in Chiapas, Mexico, which began January 1, 1994; an online demonstration with the people and participants of the World Social Forum in Porto Alegre, capital of the southernmost Brazilian State of Rio Grande do Sul; and the causes of the feminist movement. Many of the dedicated Web sites mentioned in this chapter are helping to further the cause of indigenous people, the fight against poverty, and women's struggle for equality. The Internet provides a unique tool for strengthening support and action for transnational social movements, thus ensuring the survival of vital political alliances beyond geographical boundaries. 6 notes