Thursday, March 19, 2009

Hacktivism???

Hacking is something that the mainstream media and generally respected societal institutions have condemned. Hacking is illegal in many forms but it has often been difficult or impossible for law enforcement to apprehend or punish talented hackers. The “definition” of ‘hacktivism’ on Wikipedia was not surprising to me. Being a publically built and maintained website, the connotation of anything related to activism is likely to draw contribution from supporters not opponents. I was left with a similar overall impression after exploring the website hackblog.org. The website is essentially a blog about hacking that stresses its use in a positive manner. Their mission statement in summary talks about the use of technology in a liberating manner, strengthening local communities through education and manner and supporting and defending a free and positive internet and society.

To most readers such goals would seem positive and attract very positive attention, what would be less appealing to many is the way in which they go about attaining these goals. In summary much that is spoken off goes against the grain of society and popular culture. It is originally shocking but when further examined the viewpoints and stories displayed are not nearly as radical or ridiculous as many judge hacker culture to be.

As Jim Thomas put it hackers have often been referred to as criminals and people who are detrimental to the social fabric society functions on. Hackers were lumped into one category that unfairly labelled them as threats to society. To someone new to the idea of hactivism, I am impressed with the content of “hackblog.” For the most part their intentions did seem in tune with their mission statement seem legitimately politically motivated. It is important to understand both sides of the argument on hacktivism. Original goals of hacking are in support of free and unlimited access to the internet and in support of free speech. Both of these ideas are central to much of what I have learned constitutes a healthy public sphere. While I do not say that hacking is always positive, voicing oppositional viewpoints is crucial to a healthy public sphere and keeping both corporate and political power in check.

Why shouldn’t we question institutions and society more rigorously? The tone of the website is relaxed and oppositional. Cursing, criticism and even spelling mistakes are present, yet most arguments have merit and are well thought out.
I personally was surprised to see a story about underpaid, overworked women labour in China producing keyboards. This along with other stories exemplified to me that the goal of this blog is not what many popular conceptions of hackers is, but embodies a high degree of social responsibility and is very reluctant to conform to a society in which they feel controlled. Freedom seems to be at the root of the website and their mission statement hold surprisingly true.

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