Hacktivists and Eco Warriors

Reading today’s news on the terrible tale of a young victim highlights that the justice system isn’t always foolproof against social condemnation. Daisy Coleman’s family were forced to flee their home town after they spoke out against the attack and were largely condemned by locals.  It could be argued the failure to protect victims and their families was a failure of the justice system but the justice system can only reprimand certain behaviours.

When the justice system fails us who do we turn to?

In this case… global hacktivist group Anonymous will step in and use their power as expert internet hackers.  They hope to bring justice for the girl and her family by investigating the alleged attacker.

I have read about their work previously after reading about a young Canadian girl who took her own life after being bullied following an attack. Anonymous claimed to use their skills to name and shame those involved and release incriminating footage. “What the Anonymous community is trying to do is make sure that she did not die in vain.”

Daisy Coleman speaks about how a whole town turned on her

What are your views on breaking traditional laws to seek justice and to promote human rights for all people? What about the rights of animals?

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I recently had the privilege of an exclusive tour on board the Sam Simon Sea Shepherd vessel.  I was inspired to hear how these eco warriors volunteer their time and risk their lives to protect the world’s marine life.   The crew were busy preparing for a mission to the Antarctic where they hoped to protect whales against International whalers.  They go to sea for a few months at a time to actively get in the path of the whaling ships, which are often better resourced and larger.

The Sea Shepherd foundation were able to save at least 900 whales last year from one mission alone and are committed to ensuring this endangered species are protected for future generations and to sustain the current ecosystem.

http://www.seashepherd.org.au

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-10-24/russia-gazprom-piracy-charges-greenpeace-activists-hooliganism/5042078

http://news.com.au/world/breaking-news/russian-piracy-charges-remain-greenpeace/story-e6frfkui-1226751684090

http://news.com.au/technology/online/anonymous-indonesia-hacks-dry-cleaning-plumbing-websites-in-response-to-australia-spy-claims/story-fnjwnj25-1226752860278

Festival of Dangerous Ideas

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Sydney Opera House are delivering a unique opportunity for Australians to listen to thoughts on issues that confront society.
http://www.fodi.sydneyoperahouse.com

The Festival of Dangerous Ideas challenges our assumptions, forces us to confront what society usually ignores, and will make you think, react…. and maybe even change your mind.

I was very excited to hear that Emeritus Professor of Sociology at the University of California, Arlie Hochschild, was delivering a speech titled ‘We have outsourced ourselves‘ .

Remote assistants respond to calls and emails. Life coaches assist with personal decisions. Smartphone apps tell us where to eat dinner. Nameologists help choose names for babies that will be raised by live-in au pairs.

Sociologist Arlie Hochschild looks at the long-term consequences of a frictionless existence and the implications of replacing the community with a marketplace in favour of faster, lonelier lives.

Delivered in conjunction with St James Ethics Centre

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