Zeke Speir, social capital and the Internet as a tool for social activism

First, read "the radicalization of Zeke Speir" under course documents. Zeke (his real name) became radicalized by his experience with the police when he attempted to engage in political activism. The story here is positive and optimistic: the Internet facilitates democracy and creates new forms of social capital (defined as the degree of engagement with others to achieve social goals that add value to society). Be sure to read the counterargument, summarized on p. 103, that the Internet leads to the decline of social capital and therefore undercuts democracy. Some things to consider:

1. What does the author mean by "new forms of social capital?" What are these new forms? How do they differ from creating social capital the old fashioned way, i.e., face to face?

2. This article recounts activities from 1999-2000. What can you find out about social movements, political activism and the Internet today?

3. During his presidential campaign, Barack Obama was next the first candidate to really "get" the potential for social networks, blogs and websites and also the production of content by users for making a run for the president into a social movement. Google various Obama web sites, including "MyBarackObama.com", to see how he structured online activities to create a grassroots political movement (leave aside for the moment how you think he's doing so far as president; the focus here is on the 2008 campaign). In what sense is this different from, or similar to, the use of the Internet which got Zeke involved in that social movement (also google "zeke speir" to see what he's doing now).

4. Google "opposition to Obama" to see how the political right is using feelings about Obama to generate a right-wing social movement. Are there any differences or similarities to Speir or Obama, circa 2008?