The November 16th class readings focused on the history and expansion of ‘Anonymous,’ originating with their traditional form of lighthearted dissent and satire for the sake of ‘lulz’ to becoming a passionate political movement. Personally, I find that Anonymous cannot be both types at the same time–it not only detracts from the groups identity, it also obscures its purpose of existence and stretches its influence far too wide. The two forms of Anonymous are polar opposites of each other! One is supposed to be lighthearted and the core purpose is to poke fun at people who do take things too seriously in life. The other side, people have taken politics–one of the most serious topics ever–and have become active under the pseudonym, ‘Anonymous.’

This is far from appropriate. Let the original Anonymous stand! Indeed the use of anonymity is powerful and use in political activism but it is wholly inappropriate to remain under the original lulz-based Anonymous group. Arguably, the only commonality is that they both use satire and both are hacking anonymously. The politicization of Anonymous has shifted its focus into serious real-world issues.

One phenomenon that demonstrates an interesting marriage between the two sides is the recent online meme, ‘Pepper Spray Cop’ after police pepper sprayed peaceful student protesters at UC Davis. Some examples of these new meme can be seen here: http://www.niemanlab.org/2011/11/image-as-interest-how-the-pepper-spray-…
These satirical pictures are an obvious form of Lulz-based Anonymous. Yet it is not only that, Lulz has become a form of spreading “non-lulzy,” serious messages. These pictures are not only for laughs, they have become politicized based on the association that they have with the protest event. They are spreading awareness and discussion about a serious injustice.

This is all wonderful but in the end, I still cannot help but feel that political Anonyous should seek a branding of its own.