[ELECTRON] Is the Electron Club Becoming Too Political?

[Andrew Back]

As someone who has more recently been, and will for the foreseeable continue
to be an absentee, my option may not count for much! However...

The Electron Club has over the years played host to events and talks from
numerous groups which may be considered political. The original intention
was for it to be a place where, and here is the important part, *anyone with
an interest in - typically geeky stuff - involving the moving for electrons
could come along and join in*. This most definitely includes the
technologically disenfranchised, which will of course include those who
might be perceived as, or plainly be political. With regards priority there
has been an understanding that those whose link to 'electron activities' is
fairly tenuous can use the space, but they may get bumped if a more fitting
need comes along. Better to have the space in use than the CCA take it back
for it sitting empty for large periods of time...

In my opinion to have a diverse mix of people and groups is a very good
thing, and we should be striving for a group and venue that embodies many of
the positive principles of open source and the Internet. Think of the common
shared goals in open source where people come together to 'scratch an
(technological, not political!) itch', and how possibly the Internet's key
to success, 'net neutrality', might be mapped onto the club space. There is
a good reason that the EC does not have a lengthy set of rules, and in my
mind if it did it would be like turning the Internet into Prestel (you can
only carry this data, and only these people can connect etc).

I'm more worried by some of the concerns voiced that there is a bigger
threat from a more recent conservatism! Remember also that the CCA is an
arts venue and not church hall. I think people need to be prepared to accept
that some works, ideas, perspectives etc might be, to them at least,
challenging.

Will all that said I would worry if the club supports activities by any
group that is well known for harassing the general public. And whilst I'm
totally in support of initiatives to foster learning etc amongst groups
which tend to be disenfranchised, I would have serious concerns if their
policy is clearly exclusive. I just don't see reason for any such group at
the EC to operate this way, and if it must would suggest it has picked the
wrong venue. It's unlikely I would want to join a group of German
programmers running Visual Basic evenings, but if I so desire I should not
be precluded from doing so!

As has been said already it is a fine line we tread. For example I would
consider discussing some of the political implications of technology on the
list as being OK, but political campaigning not OK. Just as advertising my
soldering services is not cool, but discussing soldering techniques is fine.

With regards "those in charge", there is nobody as such, and for many very
good reasons. Of course the space and CCA etc needs to be respected and use
appropriate, but there is no notion of EC management. Similarly if there is
a problem with the website there is no tech support per se. If you find a
problem be part of the solution.

Lastly, it may be time to revisit how security of the space is managed. But
I would also suggest that if seemingly random people drop in on a planned
event they ought really to be welcomed, and whilst checking they are an EC
member it explained to them that they can choose to join the group if
interested, and if not they must quietly work around the group if this is
acceptable, e.g. would not be unduly disruptive or unsafe (soldering etc).

Cheers,

Andrew

PS. Gordon, I think "teenage Red Clydesiders" was unnecessarily inflammatory,
and I think it would be a terrible loss were you to cease to participate, as
I know you have a ton electronics, radio and computing etc experience to
contribute.  

> Looking at the program for the planned open day, and the web calendar, I
> can see a lot of political activity which doesn't seem to have anything
> to do with open-source software, hardware hacking, amateur radio, video
> editing or any of the other stated aims of the club.
> 
> The calendar lists meeting of Industrial Workers of the World and
> Friends of the Earth which are purely political groups. The Open Day
> timetable included a presentation by Plane Stupid, who harass and bully
> holidaymakers travelling by air, and some of whose members have been
> convicted as a result.
> 
> Worse still, the Digital Desparados group, who operate an openly stated
> policy of racial discrimination, have been able to use the Electron
> Club's facilities. In their own words:
> 
> "A: This course is for young women of colour aged 16 ??? 30.......By women
> of colour we mean all non white women, for example south asian, mixed,
> first nations, black, south pacific islander, latina, roma, asian etc.
> etc."
> 
> This plays into the hands of the BNP, who exploit this sort of
> discrimination for their own political gain. Surely all Electron Club
> activities should be open to all, regardless of race, colour or gender
> (or indeed disability or sexual orientation)? 
> 
> Groups and activities such as Green Map, Fablabs, Maker Fair and SOLDER
> are entirely appropriate and in keeping with the EC's aims. However I
> find
> all this political activity and discrimination what should be a
> basically non-political organisation offputting. To my mind the EC would
> be far more successful and attractive to new members it was
> non-political and equally accessible to
> all. 
> 
> How do others feel?
> 
> 
> Jim
> 
> 
> 
> _______________________________________________
> members mailing list
> members at electronclub.org
> http://lists.electronclub.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/members
> 
> Instructions for changing your mailing list settings:
> http://lists.electronclub.org/emailhowto.html

-- 
Andrew Back
a at smokebelch.org