http://anarchistcookbook.com/activity/
As you can tell from the URL the anarchist cookbook is a site devoted to anarchy. This is a forum based website that allows people to talk on any topic, whether it is about how to make bombs, other weapons, drugs, and conspiracies. One of the main slogans of this group is that government is not the solution it is the problem. These members are devoted to rebelling against the government any way they can. As this is a public forum a good portion seem to be playing it safe by not being to open but their are clear cases of people talking about effective bomb and drug recipes.
Whether these people are supporting each others illicit endeavours for fun or for more destructive motives I feel that this is definitely a site devoted to promoting a deviant behavior. Many members of the anarchist cookbook end up getting arrested for being too public, But others are smarter and use the wiki chat function to secretly talk about different recipes, something that must be done as the federal government is watching this site pretty closely. One of the reasons I decided to use school computers rather then my computer
I know first hand that the draws to make a small bomb, even if it is not for a sinister purpose, can be overwhelming. But when it comes down to it this is definitely an activity that goes against the social norm of being non destructive and to follow the rules. And when there is a site promoting the complete opposite of that norm it must not only be labeled a deviant but must be monitored.
First of all, I think it's very clever of you to use an on-campus computer to conduct research on deviant behavior. Especially when it come to anarchy just to be safe on your end. (Although as long as you're not participating on that site you should be okay in my opinion.) Also, I think that anarchy was a good topic to use for deviant behavior. Anarchy definitely falls outside of any of our social norms and can be a particular destructive force to society.
ReplyDeleteThe anarchist cook book is pretty insane and the website should definitely be monitored. This is, however, not a particularly good representation of anarchist behavior. I have to disagree with Dan's last comment about anarchy being a destructive force to society. The vast majority of anarchists in the states are pacifists. In fact the whole basis of anarchy somewhat relies on pacifism and cooperation in allowing one's self to be autonomous while allowing others to do the same. Although anarchy is deviant, it really isn't nearly as destructive as people think. And the cookbook just additionally soils anarchists already bad reputation.
ReplyDeleteGreat example! Really difficult to know whether or not this type of site should be protected under first amendment.
The use of the Anarchist cookbook website is very interesting and one I did not think of but is very informational. While I know that the government does keep tabs on certain sites as well as what the websites say I personally am unsure if the site is "bad." There is a difference between knowledge and using that knowledge, the website I looked at had to deal with lock-picking and I have to admit I am curious about some of the things. Would I ever use them, probably not. But I would still like to know.
ReplyDeleteThese people have got to be under surveillance by the government. I know that this has been in place for some time. I was actually the topic of a discussion in one of my 6th grade classes (not to in depth obviously). Definitely deviant from a societal safety standpoint.
ReplyDeleteThey used to monitor who checked this book out in libraries that owned them...interesting that now the internet offers a little more anonymity...
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