Ask HN: How are you using technology to fight fascism?

https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43648315

by frogperson • 1 year ago

21 18 1 year ago

news.ycombinator.com

We have all seen the headlines, we all know the sad state of affairs in US politics right now. Sometimes it feels like we are on a one way rocket trip to a not so nice place. For those of us that refuse to board the rocket, remain silent, or submit without a fight, I have a question for you.

How can we use technology to fight back?

This community is full of brilliant minds, and I'd like to have a discussion about what works, what doesn't work, and any interesting concepts that haven't yet been tested.

I know this isn't the typical topic here at HN, but it is technology related, and I hope the Mods will graciously allow us to have a civil discussion in good faith.

bigyabai• 1 year ago

I don't think we can "technology" our way out of this one. If you equivocate technology to power, then the only way to use it to fight fascism is to make it as widely available as possible to prevent it from being concentrated by the state or private capital. In America we have fundamentally failed to realize the basic implements of online privacy and software freedom and this is exactly what we deserve for it. We never democratized the technology that matters.

gibbitz3• 1 year ago

I might also argue that removing technology from the discourse would help.

satvikpendem• 1 year ago

equivocate

equate, not equivocate

NetOpWibby• 1 year ago

Technology facilitated us getting to this place in the first place. Misinformation is a beast, and a profitable one at that.

shadowvoxing• 1 year ago

Headlines? So are you just reading mainstream news? Diversify your sources and you'll have a much more balanced perspective.

Worked for me.

SOLAR_FIELDS• 1 year ago

It seems like you are implicitly trying to diminish the statements made by OP with this statement. Could you be more explicit? Maybe saying you don’t believe that what OP is saying is happening?

brianmurphy• 1 year ago

The primary technology we are lacking an implementation for is voter ID. After we ensure only eligible voters can cast a single vote, the next valuable technology is education.

gibbitz3• 1 year ago

And the tricky part of this is making it conspiracy proof.

BMc2020• 1 year ago

I think some way to deprive the fascist wealthy of their wealth would be a great way to start.

gibbitz3• 1 year ago

Like 100 GameStops would be a good start.

PaulHoule• 1 year ago

It's not about fighting fascism it is about having an alternative. My Uncle Nick voted for Trump, I think it was a bad move but I won't dehumanize him for it, as he saw it it was a choice between two bad alternatives.

quintes• 1 year ago

Careful where you get your news. Legacy media comes with caution. At least here in New Zealand I can’t watch MSM anymore as I can see alternate media and they are clearly setting narrative. Also

Education not indoctrination. Information isn’t always misinformation. Maybe you just don’t like it?

Also critical thinking.

dzhiurgis• 1 year ago

I’ve found RNZ not super fond of recent nazi icon (ie always point out his failures), but they never outright called him nazi and usually provided a fair perspective.

krapp• 1 year ago

1) It's a bad idea to discuss this on a forum full of feds and fascist sympathizers. Hacker News isn't neutral ground, it's enemy territory.

2) I think grassroots organizing, protest and activism will be more effective than "technology," but as far as that goes, I think efforts to archive data being removed by the government, keep track of censorship and support independent reporting are crucial to push against propaganda and misinformation. Also tools to increase visibility for the need of mutual aid for oppressed and at-risk groups.

aristofun• 1 year ago

By fighting anything abstract you only make it stronger.

Create something, do some positive impact. This way you will leave less space for bad things.

brudgers• 1 year ago

Woody Guthrie had the right technology.

jc01480• 1 year ago

I was thinking about this today and the best thing I could come up with is to volunteer at a food bank, homeless shelter, veteran assistance effort, or something meaningful to those that need it. Anything to directly connect my desire to change society to a kinetic action with real people. I’m not rich but still able-bodied and I work in tech. I’m always drifting off thinking about building something, a fence, minor repairs to a home, or even fixing a car where my hands could be more useful. Our country as portrayed through these digital devices is not the same nation we live in. Those people are there to monetize your anger and frustration, contempt, and outrage. Deny them thes responses and uplift your communities instead. You’ll feel better for it. I will feel better for it. Thank you and be safe!

tim333• 1 year ago

While Trump and Musk have tendencies that way the US hasn't really gone fascist yet and I guess in a democracy you have to kind of let the process run and protest a bit and vote democrat in the midterms.

The place that does seem to be doing proper roll the tanks towards Poland fascism is Russia and there is a lot going on in tech there with drones and the like.

Ask HN: How are you using technology to fight fascism?

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