Being Informed of Hacktivism

As we have seen in many historical social movements that force change from collective action, violence tended to erupt as a result. From people being hurt to being killed, and tensions soaring sky high between racial and political groups, Hacktivism provides an excellent avenue that reduces the chance of violence. From anti-war movements like the "Chicago Seven" and Kent State Vietnam protests, to workplace movements like the Homestead Steel Strike, the evidence clearly speaks for itself. With so many historical social and political movements inextricably linked with violence, the use of Hacktivism rather than face-to-face protests provides a different yet still effective alternative. As the modern era's technological advancements provide new methods to disseminate information rather than at the foreground itself, it creates a much safer arena to influence social and political change. Therefore, because Hacktivism has much less of a tendency to spark violence, it can be seen as a positive method to inform the public.
             Although we are seeing different types of political means being accomplished in contemporary movements as compared to historical ones, the idea of getting your message across and striving for change remains constant. I believe that this difference is a result of our changing world. For example, "Total News Today," seeks to uncover the evidence of corruption and irresponsibility within governmental, corporate, and private organizations and parties. In previous historical movements, there was a greater focus on war, workplace, and racial equality, issues that were perceptually obvious on a day-to-day basis within society. Although we have not reached "perfection" in these realms (i.e. the ongoing Ferguson protests, continued uncoverings of corporate scandals, etc), it is safe to say that we have seen improvements. With the contemporary agitational movements focusing on these new types of reforms, the only way to achieve change in today's world is to unravel the hidden corruption through electronic sources, many times the only place they can actually be found.