Anonymous

From OttawaLulz

Throughout the ongoing ‘war against Scientology’ the media has had trouble delivering news about the entity known as Anonymous. Many articles depict Anonymous as a group of faceless hackers, while others in the media have researched Anonymous and believe it is made up of the racist, immature, meme-reciting and ADD-affected kids who post on a group of forums known as ‘the chans.’

The truth is that Anonymous is nothing at all. Anonymous is a cloak that the collective internet has chosen to use. Anonymous has no organisation, no control, no hierarchy and no members. Anonymous is a common idea that the world can unite, without politics or ego, free of barriers, to achieve a goal. The goal, however, varies greatly depending on which Anonymous you speak to. Many are simply looking for the innocent humour of internet memes; some are even malicious and share questionable information, or even go so far as to collectively attack shared enemies through the anonymity of the internet. Anonymous consists of a wide gamut of people: from bored teenagers to young professionals looking to make a difference. But there is no label or cultural insignia one can affix to Anonymous.

You won’t find a member of Anonymous. You can search the internet for weeks, asking to speak with Anonymous, to join its legions, to understand its purpose, but you will ultimately find only fakes and attention-seekers. If you want to find Anonymous and become part of Anonymous, you are Anonymous. There are no initiation rituals or a charter. Anonymous has no face, no representation and no desire to make itself known.

An attractive goal has made itself apparent in recent months. A goal which all of Anonymous, of varied types and mindsets, have felt compelled to attain. The goal of shutting down the cult of misinformation and greed, The Church of Scientology, has proven to be a goal that has united and expanded Anonymous. And because of this, Anonymous is evolving. This goal has become attractive to more than just Anonymous; they were simply the catalyst. The goal is in turn spreading information, encouraging the ignorant to engage, and the apathetic to fight for something morally just and noble. This has become much more than Anonymous. This has become a goal for the world. If the media is looking for a single person or leader to speak for this movement against Scientology, it need not look further than its own neighbour or brother or lover. This is a goal that all peoples of the world are uniting to achieve, free of ego or contempt.

The world is Anonymous. Are you?