Jimmie Higgins
8th August 2011, 10:18
http://www.counterpunch.org/sparrow07292011.html
I don't agree with this counter-punch article because I think it over-suggests that a rise in far-right politics is somehow due to the internet culture rather than a general trend to the right in mainstream politics with an economic crisis on top of that is the underlying cause. It's sort of an inverse of the argument that the internet is inherently "democratizing" and undermines hierarchies (also an argument I think is unconvincing). I do think, however, that the internet as a tool does allow some subjective advantages or disadvantages such as easy of organizing and getting ideas out there. In regards to fascism, the interned has helped the NAZIs and far-right organize more because of the anonymity it allows, but it is not the underlying cause of increased far-right political ideas IMO. Anyway, I found it an interesting read despite my skepticism of the central argument.
I don't agree with this counter-punch article because I think it over-suggests that a rise in far-right politics is somehow due to the internet culture rather than a general trend to the right in mainstream politics with an economic crisis on top of that is the underlying cause. It's sort of an inverse of the argument that the internet is inherently "democratizing" and undermines hierarchies (also an argument I think is unconvincing). I do think, however, that the internet as a tool does allow some subjective advantages or disadvantages such as easy of organizing and getting ideas out there. In regards to fascism, the interned has helped the NAZIs and far-right organize more because of the anonymity it allows, but it is not the underlying cause of increased far-right political ideas IMO. Anyway, I found it an interesting read despite my skepticism of the central argument.