DigiActive.org

Theory: “Nothing Can Substitute for the Street”

Although this site is about how technology empowers activists on a global scale, we must not be blind optimists or think of digital activism as a panacea. For this reason we include thoughtful criticism of digital activism. If we want to make truly meaningful change we must address the Pros & Cons of digital activism.

The following quote is from a profile in the New York Times of Jessie Cagan (pictured above), the leader of the anti-war coalition United for Peace and Justice. She is talking about the use of the Internet in protesting the Iraq war.

“On the one hand, it’s a terrific tool,” she said. “We are able to get word out to massive numbers of people like that.” She snapped her fingers to make the point. “But the downside is that some people think that if they sign an online petition, that’s it.”

Whether one is for or against the war, nothing can substitute for the street.

“When you do something online, you do it in your home or your office,” Ms. Cagan said. “It’s not public.

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