June on Nostr: THE INFORMATION BOMB by June B. for Texas Slim's Cuts Introduction In the digital ...
THE INFORMATION BOMB
by June B. for Texas Slim's Cuts
Introduction
In the digital age, the relationship between power and information has never been more complex or more critical. The explosion of data, facilitated by the internet, has implications far beyond convenience or global connectivity. This intersection of information and power raises important questions about societal control, individual rights, and the potential for resistance. One recent contribution to this discourse comes from Robert Malone's work, which investigates how states use the flow of information to normalize what philosopher Giorgio Agamben calls "states of exception." Malone is notable for challenging the ideological echo chambers that frequently ensnare discussions about power, urging us to question the assumptions embedded in the theories of "darlings of the left" like Agamben.
"In every case, the state of exception marks a threshold at which logic and praxis blur with each other and a pure violence without logos claims to realize an enunciation without any real reference.”
Giorgio Agamben, State of Exception, pg. 40
Agamben himself borrows from Carl Schmitt to describe situations where governmental powers expand dramatically to address emergencies, often with the tacit or explicit consent of the governed. Similarly, French cultural theorist Paul Virilio explores the socio-political implications of the rapid dissemination of information in his work "The Information Bomb," warning us of the existential risks tied to an unchecked proliferation of data. While both Agamben and Virilio offer nuanced theories on how states exert control in times of crisis or through the architecture of our information systems, they also point towards the dialectics of resistance.
"Weapons are tools not just of destruction but also of perception— that is to say, stimulants that make themselves felt through chemical, neurological processes in the sense organs and the central nervous system, affecting human reactions and even the perceptual identification and differentiation of objects.”
Paul Virilio, War and Cinema: The Logistics of Perception
To get a more practical grasp on this complex interplay of control and resistance, this essay will delve into "The Cowboys History of the Internet" by Texas Slim. In his narrative, Slim provides an accessible exploration of the internet's layered structure, tracing its evolution from a free, open-source network to a controlled environment dominated by Big Tech companies. His perspectives provide not only a critique of the current state of the internet but also insights into possible avenues for resistance, especially in the context of specific industries like the beef sector.
"Well, right now we're stuck on that third layer [of the internet], and it's an interface surface level layer. When I say that, I'm talking about all the social media companies, all these big tech companies, these software companies that basically innovated extremely powerfully on the internet. But the more they innovated, the more that they closed off and centralized what we call the internet."
Texas Slim, A Cowboy History of the Internet
By integrating Malone's critical perspectives with the theories of Agamben and Virilio, and grounding these ideas in the real-world evolution of the internet as described by Texas Slim, this essay aims to offer a multifaceted exploration of how information systems influence societal control and individual freedoms, and what forms of resistance might be viable in this intricate landscape.
Robert Malone and the State's Use of Information to Normalize Exceptionality
Robert Malone posits a compelling argument about how states have increasingly relied on the control and manipulation of information to legitimize "states of exception." A "state of exception," a term borrowed from the works of philosopher Giorgio Agamben, refers to emergency situations where the government expands its powers, often sidelining traditional checks and balances or individual freedoms. These exceptions are not new, but what is unprecedented, according to Malone, is the role that information—particularly digital information—plays in normalizing these extraordinary situations.
In the era of the internet, information isn't just power; it's also a form of control. States deploy data, narratives, and images through various channels, shaping public perception and, consequently, public consent. The internet, once seen as a democratic frontier where information would be free and decentralized, has, in many ways, turned into an instrument for centralized power. Malone encourages us to re-examine our perceptions and assumptions about state power in this new technological context.
Now, let's turn briefly to Texas Slim's "A Cowboy History of the Internet" to put Malone's ideas into perspective. Texas Slim introduces us to the internet's layered structure—from foundational protocols like TCP/IP, developed by Robert Kahn, to user interfaces like social media platforms that dictate our online interactions. In his narrative, the internet evolves from an open-source, text-based platform to a multimedia empire, increasingly under the control of Big Tech companies. This real-world illustration is particularly helpful in understanding how the centralization of the internet has provided fertile ground for states to normalize "states of exception" through control of information.
Thus, the internet is not just a passive arena where state power is exercised; it's an active participant in the processes that legitimize state interventions, affecting diverse sectors, from banking to the beef industry. Malone's work helps us question not only how these mechanisms operate but also whether they are inevitable given the internet's current trajectory.
"The use of fifth generation warfare techniques to combat the imperial state of exemption is one such tool [of resistance]. The question is, will this soon turn into a non-kinetic civil war, as the administrative state refuses to let go of their new found powers? A war that must be fought to maintain our freedoms?"
Robert Malone, "A State of Exception"
The Dialectics of Control and Resistance: Agamben, Virilio, and the Information Age
Giorgio Agamben's theory of the "state of exception" has long captivated academic circles. However, as Robert Malone notes, Agamben's influence seems to have waned, leading to his ideas being somewhat marginalized in contemporary discussions. This is not a critique of the validity of Agamben's ideas but rather a testament to the ever-shifting terrains of power and discourse.
Enter Paul Virilio, who presents a different lens through which we can examine states of exception in the information age. In "The Information Bomb," Virilio warns us about the consequences of the explosion of information and how it can create a new kind of "speed politics." The rapid flow of information not only enables states to exercise control but also accelerates societal transformations in unpredictable ways.
This concept dovetails with the idea of an "invisible state of exception." In an era marked by an overload of information, it becomes easier for state apparatuses to control narratives, manipulate perceptions, and even rewrite history. The very mechanisms that could serve as democratizing forces can quickly be weaponized for control. As Texas Slim discusses in his history of the Internet, protocols like TCP/IP and DNS have been instrumental in the Internet's development but have also allowed for a form of centralized control.
So, where does resistance fit in this intricate web? Both Malone and Virilio prompt us to consider new avenues for resistance that are attuned to the complexities of the information age. Traditional protests, political lobbying, and other forms of material resistance may not be as effective when the terrain of conflict extends into the digital realm.
The layered structure of the Internet, as described by Texas Slim, offers some clues. Just as Slim introduces The Beef Initiative to leverage the Internet's architecture for a decentralized commerce system, so too could activists leverage the foundational layers of the Internet for new forms of resistance.
By recognizing that state control operates not just in the physical space but also in the manipulation of information, bandwidth, and data flows, new strategies can emerge. Cyber activism, ethical hacking, and digital whistleblowing could be the new "sit-ins" and "teach-ins" of the modern age. Such forms of resistance recognize the terrain upon which modern-day states of exception are declared: not just on land, but in the bytes and pixels that increasingly define our world.
Towards a New Form of Resistance: Navigating the Layers of Control and Freedom
Agamben, Virilio, and Malone offer compelling frameworks that expose a world increasingly susceptible to invisible and omnipotent forms of state control. However, these dystopian landscapes also hide kernels of hope. The same technological systems that facilitate control offer avenues for resistance. But what would resistance look like in this new era, where the mechanisms of control are tightly woven into our very information architecture?
(The above short is from Texas Slim’s Cuts, a company I helped create along with Texas Slim)
Drawing upon Texas Slim's "A Cowboy History of the Internet," we can trace the evolution of the internet as a dynamic interplay between centralized control and decentralized freedom. Initially a text-based, open-source frontier, the internet has largely been tamed by Big Tech companies. However, as Slim reminds us through The Beef Initiative alternatives exist. By seeking refuge in the less-regulated, foundational layers of the internet, we find opportunities to create independent ecosystems for commerce and interaction, thereby sidestepping the centralized controls imposed at higher layers.
Emerging technologies like Bitcoin and Nostr embody this principle. These applications operate at the protocol layer, far removed from the influence of central authorities. Bitcoin, by leveraging POW technology, resists the monopolistic tendencies of financial institutions. Nostr, on the other hand, aims to create a decentralized and censorship-resistant global social network. Both offer roadmaps for how to construct parallel systems that can co-exist alongside traditional ones, providing a sort of 'lifeboat' during times when traditional systems become overly oppressive or controlled.
Digital civil disobedience in this context might mean engaging with these foundational layers to create decentralized networks that circumvent traditional control mechanisms. Much like the DNS and TCP/IP protocols offer a backbone of freedom beneath the surface-level internet, activists could focus on these lower layers as a space for developing alternative systems.
In addition, ethical hacking and data leaks, when employed responsibly, can act as the information age's counter-culture movement. These are the digital equivalents of historical forms of resistance like investigative journalism and whistleblowing, and serve to expose malpractice and hold powerful institutions accountable.
Lastly, let's not forget Virilio's "information bomb." While he warns about its capacity to inundate and confuse, this explosion of information can also empower. When wielded effectively, information can disrupt dominant narratives, serving as a powerful tool for mass mobilization and the crafting of alternative perspectives.
In essence, although the machinery of control has grown more sophisticated, so too have the possibilities for resistance. As we navigate this landscape, it becomes clear that the strategies we employ must be as fluid and adaptable as the ever-evolving systems they aim to challenge or replace.
Conclusion: Opening a New Conversation on Academia—Lessons and Paths Forward in an Uncertain Landscape
My profound conversation with Texas Slim just a few days ago has been a catalyst for rethinking the paradigms that inform this very essay. We dissected the multifaceted nature of state power, the promise and peril of decentralized technologies, and the insidious capture of academic institutions. Slim's Cowboy History of the Internet offered a unique lens through which to interpret the unsettling encroachment of control within layers of society that we have, perhaps naively, regarded as bastions of free thought and exploration.
In this age of complexity, where even the stewards of knowledge like universities become pawns in larger battles for narrative control, the cautionary tale of the Maoist Revolution looms large. The indelible image of children parading their parents through the streets, denouncing them before the masses, offers a visceral example of how perverted the institution of learning can become when leveraged for ideological ends. It's a vivid, haunting reminder that systems of learning and thought, once captured, can turn into weapons that turn us against our own families, history, and diversified perspectives.
This is not merely a macabre slice of history but an evolving, adaptive narrative that's spreading globally. Slim emphasized that the very mechanisms that fueled the Maoist Revolution have been refined and transplanted, reaching as far as Australia, the UK, and now, unsettlingly, the United States. These institutions of learning are no longer isolated but connected layers in a network of influence that also encompasses the digital realms of the Internet.
The urgency of Slim's insights brings into sharp focus the need for multi-layered strategies for resistance. While emerging technologies like Bitcoin and Nostr promise avenues for decentralization and autonomy, they are not silver bullets. Slim and I concurred that, like academia, these technologies could also fall prey to the same forces of institutional capture if we aren't hyper-vigilant.
Thus, as we tread carefully into the future, our quest for understanding must be bolstered by dialogues like the one I had with Texas Slim. These exchanges not only unravel the complex quilts of power and control but also embolden us to take a stand, to be innovative in our strategies, and to be unwavering in our commitment to freedom and equity. The decisions we make today will have far-reaching implications, shaping not only our own future but that of generations to come.
In closing, let us carry forth this expanded understanding of academia's role in a landscape that's rapidly shifting under the weight of centralized control and ideological capture. Let's continually reassess our strategies for resistance, ensuring they evolve as dynamically as the forces we oppose. We stand at a watershed moment, with both peril and promise beckoning. What kind of future will we choose? And how will our choices resonate through the annals of history? It's our collective responsibility to ensure those echoes herald a world of greater freedom and equitable opportunity.
by June B. for Texas Slim's Cuts
Introduction
In the digital age, the relationship between power and information has never been more complex or more critical. The explosion of data, facilitated by the internet, has implications far beyond convenience or global connectivity. This intersection of information and power raises important questions about societal control, individual rights, and the potential for resistance. One recent contribution to this discourse comes from Robert Malone's work, which investigates how states use the flow of information to normalize what philosopher Giorgio Agamben calls "states of exception." Malone is notable for challenging the ideological echo chambers that frequently ensnare discussions about power, urging us to question the assumptions embedded in the theories of "darlings of the left" like Agamben.
"In every case, the state of exception marks a threshold at which logic and praxis blur with each other and a pure violence without logos claims to realize an enunciation without any real reference.”
Giorgio Agamben, State of Exception, pg. 40
Agamben himself borrows from Carl Schmitt to describe situations where governmental powers expand dramatically to address emergencies, often with the tacit or explicit consent of the governed. Similarly, French cultural theorist Paul Virilio explores the socio-political implications of the rapid dissemination of information in his work "The Information Bomb," warning us of the existential risks tied to an unchecked proliferation of data. While both Agamben and Virilio offer nuanced theories on how states exert control in times of crisis or through the architecture of our information systems, they also point towards the dialectics of resistance.
"Weapons are tools not just of destruction but also of perception— that is to say, stimulants that make themselves felt through chemical, neurological processes in the sense organs and the central nervous system, affecting human reactions and even the perceptual identification and differentiation of objects.”
Paul Virilio, War and Cinema: The Logistics of Perception
To get a more practical grasp on this complex interplay of control and resistance, this essay will delve into "The Cowboys History of the Internet" by Texas Slim. In his narrative, Slim provides an accessible exploration of the internet's layered structure, tracing its evolution from a free, open-source network to a controlled environment dominated by Big Tech companies. His perspectives provide not only a critique of the current state of the internet but also insights into possible avenues for resistance, especially in the context of specific industries like the beef sector.
"Well, right now we're stuck on that third layer [of the internet], and it's an interface surface level layer. When I say that, I'm talking about all the social media companies, all these big tech companies, these software companies that basically innovated extremely powerfully on the internet. But the more they innovated, the more that they closed off and centralized what we call the internet."
Texas Slim, A Cowboy History of the Internet
By integrating Malone's critical perspectives with the theories of Agamben and Virilio, and grounding these ideas in the real-world evolution of the internet as described by Texas Slim, this essay aims to offer a multifaceted exploration of how information systems influence societal control and individual freedoms, and what forms of resistance might be viable in this intricate landscape.
Robert Malone and the State's Use of Information to Normalize Exceptionality
Robert Malone posits a compelling argument about how states have increasingly relied on the control and manipulation of information to legitimize "states of exception." A "state of exception," a term borrowed from the works of philosopher Giorgio Agamben, refers to emergency situations where the government expands its powers, often sidelining traditional checks and balances or individual freedoms. These exceptions are not new, but what is unprecedented, according to Malone, is the role that information—particularly digital information—plays in normalizing these extraordinary situations.
In the era of the internet, information isn't just power; it's also a form of control. States deploy data, narratives, and images through various channels, shaping public perception and, consequently, public consent. The internet, once seen as a democratic frontier where information would be free and decentralized, has, in many ways, turned into an instrument for centralized power. Malone encourages us to re-examine our perceptions and assumptions about state power in this new technological context.
Now, let's turn briefly to Texas Slim's "A Cowboy History of the Internet" to put Malone's ideas into perspective. Texas Slim introduces us to the internet's layered structure—from foundational protocols like TCP/IP, developed by Robert Kahn, to user interfaces like social media platforms that dictate our online interactions. In his narrative, the internet evolves from an open-source, text-based platform to a multimedia empire, increasingly under the control of Big Tech companies. This real-world illustration is particularly helpful in understanding how the centralization of the internet has provided fertile ground for states to normalize "states of exception" through control of information.
Thus, the internet is not just a passive arena where state power is exercised; it's an active participant in the processes that legitimize state interventions, affecting diverse sectors, from banking to the beef industry. Malone's work helps us question not only how these mechanisms operate but also whether they are inevitable given the internet's current trajectory.
"The use of fifth generation warfare techniques to combat the imperial state of exemption is one such tool [of resistance]. The question is, will this soon turn into a non-kinetic civil war, as the administrative state refuses to let go of their new found powers? A war that must be fought to maintain our freedoms?"
Robert Malone, "A State of Exception"
The Dialectics of Control and Resistance: Agamben, Virilio, and the Information Age
Giorgio Agamben's theory of the "state of exception" has long captivated academic circles. However, as Robert Malone notes, Agamben's influence seems to have waned, leading to his ideas being somewhat marginalized in contemporary discussions. This is not a critique of the validity of Agamben's ideas but rather a testament to the ever-shifting terrains of power and discourse.
Enter Paul Virilio, who presents a different lens through which we can examine states of exception in the information age. In "The Information Bomb," Virilio warns us about the consequences of the explosion of information and how it can create a new kind of "speed politics." The rapid flow of information not only enables states to exercise control but also accelerates societal transformations in unpredictable ways.
This concept dovetails with the idea of an "invisible state of exception." In an era marked by an overload of information, it becomes easier for state apparatuses to control narratives, manipulate perceptions, and even rewrite history. The very mechanisms that could serve as democratizing forces can quickly be weaponized for control. As Texas Slim discusses in his history of the Internet, protocols like TCP/IP and DNS have been instrumental in the Internet's development but have also allowed for a form of centralized control.
So, where does resistance fit in this intricate web? Both Malone and Virilio prompt us to consider new avenues for resistance that are attuned to the complexities of the information age. Traditional protests, political lobbying, and other forms of material resistance may not be as effective when the terrain of conflict extends into the digital realm.
The layered structure of the Internet, as described by Texas Slim, offers some clues. Just as Slim introduces The Beef Initiative to leverage the Internet's architecture for a decentralized commerce system, so too could activists leverage the foundational layers of the Internet for new forms of resistance.
By recognizing that state control operates not just in the physical space but also in the manipulation of information, bandwidth, and data flows, new strategies can emerge. Cyber activism, ethical hacking, and digital whistleblowing could be the new "sit-ins" and "teach-ins" of the modern age. Such forms of resistance recognize the terrain upon which modern-day states of exception are declared: not just on land, but in the bytes and pixels that increasingly define our world.
Towards a New Form of Resistance: Navigating the Layers of Control and Freedom
Agamben, Virilio, and Malone offer compelling frameworks that expose a world increasingly susceptible to invisible and omnipotent forms of state control. However, these dystopian landscapes also hide kernels of hope. The same technological systems that facilitate control offer avenues for resistance. But what would resistance look like in this new era, where the mechanisms of control are tightly woven into our very information architecture?
(The above short is from Texas Slim’s Cuts, a company I helped create along with Texas Slim)
Drawing upon Texas Slim's "A Cowboy History of the Internet," we can trace the evolution of the internet as a dynamic interplay between centralized control and decentralized freedom. Initially a text-based, open-source frontier, the internet has largely been tamed by Big Tech companies. However, as Slim reminds us through The Beef Initiative alternatives exist. By seeking refuge in the less-regulated, foundational layers of the internet, we find opportunities to create independent ecosystems for commerce and interaction, thereby sidestepping the centralized controls imposed at higher layers.
Emerging technologies like Bitcoin and Nostr embody this principle. These applications operate at the protocol layer, far removed from the influence of central authorities. Bitcoin, by leveraging POW technology, resists the monopolistic tendencies of financial institutions. Nostr, on the other hand, aims to create a decentralized and censorship-resistant global social network. Both offer roadmaps for how to construct parallel systems that can co-exist alongside traditional ones, providing a sort of 'lifeboat' during times when traditional systems become overly oppressive or controlled.
Digital civil disobedience in this context might mean engaging with these foundational layers to create decentralized networks that circumvent traditional control mechanisms. Much like the DNS and TCP/IP protocols offer a backbone of freedom beneath the surface-level internet, activists could focus on these lower layers as a space for developing alternative systems.
In addition, ethical hacking and data leaks, when employed responsibly, can act as the information age's counter-culture movement. These are the digital equivalents of historical forms of resistance like investigative journalism and whistleblowing, and serve to expose malpractice and hold powerful institutions accountable.
Lastly, let's not forget Virilio's "information bomb." While he warns about its capacity to inundate and confuse, this explosion of information can also empower. When wielded effectively, information can disrupt dominant narratives, serving as a powerful tool for mass mobilization and the crafting of alternative perspectives.
In essence, although the machinery of control has grown more sophisticated, so too have the possibilities for resistance. As we navigate this landscape, it becomes clear that the strategies we employ must be as fluid and adaptable as the ever-evolving systems they aim to challenge or replace.
Conclusion: Opening a New Conversation on Academia—Lessons and Paths Forward in an Uncertain Landscape
My profound conversation with Texas Slim just a few days ago has been a catalyst for rethinking the paradigms that inform this very essay. We dissected the multifaceted nature of state power, the promise and peril of decentralized technologies, and the insidious capture of academic institutions. Slim's Cowboy History of the Internet offered a unique lens through which to interpret the unsettling encroachment of control within layers of society that we have, perhaps naively, regarded as bastions of free thought and exploration.
In this age of complexity, where even the stewards of knowledge like universities become pawns in larger battles for narrative control, the cautionary tale of the Maoist Revolution looms large. The indelible image of children parading their parents through the streets, denouncing them before the masses, offers a visceral example of how perverted the institution of learning can become when leveraged for ideological ends. It's a vivid, haunting reminder that systems of learning and thought, once captured, can turn into weapons that turn us against our own families, history, and diversified perspectives.
This is not merely a macabre slice of history but an evolving, adaptive narrative that's spreading globally. Slim emphasized that the very mechanisms that fueled the Maoist Revolution have been refined and transplanted, reaching as far as Australia, the UK, and now, unsettlingly, the United States. These institutions of learning are no longer isolated but connected layers in a network of influence that also encompasses the digital realms of the Internet.
The urgency of Slim's insights brings into sharp focus the need for multi-layered strategies for resistance. While emerging technologies like Bitcoin and Nostr promise avenues for decentralization and autonomy, they are not silver bullets. Slim and I concurred that, like academia, these technologies could also fall prey to the same forces of institutional capture if we aren't hyper-vigilant.
Thus, as we tread carefully into the future, our quest for understanding must be bolstered by dialogues like the one I had with Texas Slim. These exchanges not only unravel the complex quilts of power and control but also embolden us to take a stand, to be innovative in our strategies, and to be unwavering in our commitment to freedom and equity. The decisions we make today will have far-reaching implications, shaping not only our own future but that of generations to come.
In closing, let us carry forth this expanded understanding of academia's role in a landscape that's rapidly shifting under the weight of centralized control and ideological capture. Let's continually reassess our strategies for resistance, ensuring they evolve as dynamically as the forces we oppose. We stand at a watershed moment, with both peril and promise beckoning. What kind of future will we choose? And how will our choices resonate through the annals of history? It's our collective responsibility to ensure those echoes herald a world of greater freedom and equitable opportunity.