“Internet activism is a form of leaderless resistance. Bloggers
and online commentators lack command links and operate without the
constraints that hierarchies impose. Since there is no visible
hierarchy, like in a political party or NGO, internet activists are
not susceptible to the sort of "infiltrate and destroy" tactics
commonly employed by government agents. And, given the current
climate in Singapore, internet activism is more effective than
street protests because you can get more participants, and not just
from around here but from outside of Singapore as well. Trying to
shut down the internet would be like trying to punch fog, but if
you take to the streets in the dozens they just have to send in the
police.”
“My first culture-jamming project was when I printed a set of
postcards about Singapore. The Singapore Tourist Board uses
postcards to promote tourism by showing off glamorous images of
Singapore. The postcards I printed showed activists being arrested
by police. I had them printed in England and distributed them to
show the world the other side of Singapore that they [the PAP] try
to hide. Singapore Sucks! is my second project. I have
other ideas but they cost funds to implement.”
“Yes. I would like to take this opportunity to reiterate what I
just said about the future of activism in Singapore. In dealing
with the modern police state, activists must learn to think outside
the box of traditional tactics. Otherwise, they are just making the
PAP’s efforts at suppression uncomplicated.
Also, I no longer believe in the political myths of intellectual
messiahs who will save us from ourselves. The 21st century is
shaping up to be an age of leaderless resistance and ordinary,
anonymous heroes.”
Excerpts from my interview with Kieran James. Read the full
interview at:
http://singaporecivilsociety.blogspot.com.au/2012/03/my-exclusive-interview-with-singa-crew.html