The Zapatistas are a group of indigenous people originating from the jungles and mountains of southeastern Mexico. These people had a target to retrieve the land of their ancestors that was stolen by the rich and the colonialists. They knew that if they had control over what truly belongs to them, they can be sell-sufficient and improve the lives that they are suffering from. After 10 years of secretly planning for an attack against the Mexican government, the attack occurred and the Mexican government responded by force and military attacks. The Zapatistas referred to the media in order to make their voices heard and millions of people supported their movement. Protests in Mexico erupted and called for the basic rights that these indigenous people were calling for, to be recognized. A peace treaty was formed between the government and the group; yet, the government did not commit to the pact and kept on following and attacking them. That is why, the Zapatistas started relying on themselves in order to live a decent life. They united with the oppressed of the world and were open to all. They built their own schools, hospitals and even a local government (that was named the good government). In essence, the Zapatistas had a strong belief for a better world; a world free from injustice, inequality and autonomy. Till now they exist and are known for their net war against and E-tactics against the government.
Another form of cyber resistance, is found in Palestine. The internet and all ICT systems are owned by the West and pro-Israeli countries. Resistance forces in Palestine are always blocked whenever they want to make their voices heard. The internet is a monitored place and filtered words will always make way to a blockade against resistance forces.
- Padgett, R. (2017, February 25). Radical Legacy of the Zapatista’s Media Strategy. Intifada! Retrieved from: http://www.svllywood.com/intifadaessays/radicalmedia
- Tawil-Souri, H., and Aouragh, M. (2014). Intifada 3.0? Cyber colonialism and Palestinian resistance. The Arab Studies Journal, 22(1): 102-133 (read excerpts pp. 102-106, 119-126 of PDF). Retrieved from:http://www.arabstudiesjournal.org/store/p390/Intifada_3.0%3F_Cyber_Colonialism_and _Palestinian_Resistance.html
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