This past week, the group, "Anonymous," released one of their famous videos— this time, targeting Donald Trump. Many have labeled the group, "hacktivists." They have made an array of videos, addressing numerous issues and individuals that only further contribute to America's downfall. Some of the videos are directed towards Kanye West, Kim Kardashian, President Obama, and the Ferguson rioters. They have also made multiple appearances on television and other versions of media by hacking into certain systems.
It is understandable why some people could get offended by the videos attacking possible persons who they may support. Are their claims really that offensive, though? Do they have some type of actual validity?
The organization appeared in 2003 when members branched off from the 4chan website. All of them are united in the belief that any corporation they may see as corrupt should be attacked and fought against. Anonymous really started to make public appearances in 2008. They initiated and attended a number of protests directed at Scientology. During these protests, the members donned Guy Fawkes masks (like from "V is for Vendetta"), which would become one of their main signifiers. As the years have passed, their influence has grown, along with the number of followers that they have.
One of the first phrases in the video addressing Trump is, "Your inconsistent and hateful campaign has not only shocked the United States of America. You have shocked the entire planet with your appalling actions and ideas." Throughout Trump's campaign, he has spewed sexist, xenophobic, and anti-semitic slurs, left and right. Anonymous noticed and decided that it was time to make a call to arms for all of their supporters. Their main goal is to destroy Trump's internet presence.
Certain individuals see Anonymous' claims as offensive or over the top, while some see them as not a big deal and feel like the group is speaking the truth. This brings me to the questions that I mentioned in my first paragraph. I can understand why some may feel like they point fingers at too many people or those who don't deserve it. However, to understand why they do what they do, one needs to set aside their own views.
They, in no way, have conservative views influenced by the government or politics. Instead, they speak on behalf of the people. They honestly say what a good majority are too afraid to say. Anonymous simply just wants to push America towards a highly-needed change. Everything has turned into a popularity contest and become even more focused on socioeconomic status. These are not videos that just throw random facts out there. All of Anonymous' videos contain real portions of other videos and other forms of evidence that help support their claims.
I'm not trying to say that everyone has to agree with everything or become followers. I'm not going to go on a Trump rant (shockingly), but one should really consider why they do not want to support him and what he has said thus far in his campaign. What I am getting at is that taking just a few minutes to listen to what they have to say may be worth it.
