The internet has many uses and one thing it conveniently offers is the boosting of individualism while rebranding it as a platform of empowerment. It poses unique challenges for community building and the pursuit of activism.
Activism is our fact-checking initiative against so-called “fake news.” We cannot engage in politics without a proper social investigation. Mao Zedong has a succinct quote for it: “No investigation, no right to speak”. Our statements must be grounded on the reality that affects the masses. We articulate the social condition based on verifiable facts.
“They have repeatedly weaponized social media to proliferate blatant and dangerous fabrications against activists and critics through red-tagging, or when local officials post violent ‘shoot-to-kill’ threats against the public — violent threats hewn directly from the president’s own violent and terroristic threats.” By ANNE MARXZE D. UMIL Bulatlat.com MANILA – Human rights alliance Karapatan said…
We are reminded that the best model of ‘audience engagement’ is still direct organizing in communities. Mainstream and social media can broaden reach, but in politics what counts is the solid membership in barangays, districts, cities, and provinces.
If you know Philippine history, you’ll get the jokes.
By BENJIE OLIVEROS Bulatlat perspective What started as a platform for updating, interacting with and expanding a person’s network of friends and a venue for self-expression, social media sites and tools have evolved through the years. According to an article published by the website Small Business Trends in May 8, 2013 entitled Complete History of…
QUESTION EVERYTHING Mong Palatino Bulatlat.com When Third Word dictators are ousted, many people celebrate the emergence of a democratic space in society. After years of repression, there is suddenly a micro explosion of multiple freedoms in the streets, in schools, in workplaces, and in the press. Interestingly, it proves that public space is not inherently…
QUESTION EVERYTHING Mong Palatino Bulatlat.com The opposite of internet activism is not street activism but no-activism. Online petitions and political hashtags are indispensable in the campaign for change while non-action is a convenient option that only serves the interest of status quo. Internet activism is sometimes equated with impotence but at least it exists. There…
The recent protests in Tunisia and Egypt have shown that social media can be a driving force for social and political change.
Developments that show the popularity of activism through social networks and other online media have led some people to believe that activism online would be sufficient in addressing issues of general concern. But is it really?