So far in class and through readings we’ve talked about globalization, the spread of propaganda–and upcoming, freedom of speech. I thought that the recent ISIS video’s link with Britain would be interesting to look into, because it is a good example of globalization.
“We are also seeing propaganda about a five-star jihad — the depiction of this jihad as an adventure. This sort of propaganda has always been there, but the internet is being used to make it reach the masses.” (The London Standard)
“We in Britain have a deeply entrenched problem. Islamist extremism is poisoning our community relations, hijacking our youth, and we are doing very little to address it.
Throughout the Nineties our communities grew together, apart. This was applauded instead of being seen for what it was: fetishisation of minorities for those bent on romanticising “authentic” Eastern culture.” (The Times)
Analysis of Online Extremism and How to Counter It (Quilliam Foundation)
” “What I think really matters is the informal use of social media—Instagram, Twitter, and Ask.fm being chief among them—not only by IS’ formal media outlets but by this global following of informal advocates, surrogates, and cheerleaders,” he told me via e-mail. “IS fighters have created fascinating direct lines of communication from the battlefield with fans around the world using these channels.” [Jarret Brachman] This savvy was reflected during the World Cup in June when ISIS supporters hijacked soccer-related hashtags to spread news of their victories in Iraq.” (Slate)
Like #jadapose and #proanorexia, attention drawn to this can have a significant negative long-term impact.
“The network has made tags like #thinspiration, #probulimia, and #proanorexica unsearchable. Although this was an enormous step for Instagram, users can still easily find over 300,000 graphic photos by searching the tag #ana …” (Buzzfeed Infographic)
*Update! New info–CNN estimates that ISIS has at least 1000 western participants, and at least 10% of these come from America (video and article). 🙁