Blogging for Freedom

Recent events have brought up an interesting discussion about the role of new forms of media and communication in civil activism. In Iran, with a government crackdown on protesters who don't think Mahmoud should be in office some of the most accurate news was coming via Twitter, Facebook, and Youtube. Protesters utilized social networking sites to organize protests and coordinate their activities. What does this mean for the future? Are oppressive regimes honestly going to be brought down because of these sites? No, well, not exactly. I think where this really comes into play is the radical youth. All 3 of those sites are obviously used by, and geared towards young people. When the internet reaches nations, young people are exposed to new ideas and viewpoints. This is very interesting.

When the Berlin wall fell, the main reason (besides David Hasselhoff) was the activities of young people in East Germany. Watch that video, who filled up the crowd of onlookers as the wall fell? It was mostly young people. In this past presidential election, young people were a key demographic. With that in mind, candidates increased online campaigning beyond usual levels. Obama, the winner, was one of the first people in a long time who got young people out and voting. He was also the candidate who best used social networking sites to his advantage. There was even a debate based on questions posted on Youtube. That's progress.

I think it would be the ultimate irony if these sites that were invented with no serious purpose helped to cause a regime change in a totalitarian state (fingers crossed for Israel). We are watching the dawning of a new age in politics and political activism. Is it a good thing? We'll see, but I'm of the opinion that anything that is more inclusive, anything that allows more access, especially to young people, is a very good thing.