You may not consider yourself a political activist. Perhaps your initial interest in Linux had much to do with its zero-dollar price tag, reputation for stability, resistance to viruses, or huge software catalog. But, if you currently use it as your sole or primary operating system: why?
Let’s talk about me, for lack of a better (or at least more readily accessible) example. Plus, I really like talking about me.
My interest in Linux was once purely pragmatic. I had aging hardware, a limited budget, and a growing family. I started my Linux dabbling with Red Hat 5.0 (“Hurricane”) in January of 1998, while grieving the death of OS/2. I was promiscuous then, living with MacOS while continuing to ‘do Windows’ on the side. It’s not something I’m particularly proud of, but it happened. Moving on…
Eventually Mac died, and Winnie pestered me repeatedly for 50 digit product reactivation codes that I could only get after vehemently professing my innocence to some Microsoft representative in Asia who grilled me for suspected software piracy. Guilty until proven innocent. Thanks, Bill — it was all the push I needed.
I set up a dual-boot, and started using Linux until there was almost no reason to boot back (Amarok really is better than iTunes or WMP, and K3B made me forget Nero).
Fast forward to the present and to some degree, I guess I’m still a pragmatist. I’ll use those proprietary drivers and software codecs to watch my DVDs and other media — but I’ll never put all my data on a Windows computer again. However, if you send me a free copy of Vista, I will send you a humourous picture of me using it as a beverage coaster (AOL: If you’re reading this — I miss you).
So, I’m a Linux user. A Debian devotee. But am I an activist?
Activism endeavours to bring about social or political change in society. Do I wish to see free and open source software (FOSS) gain a better foothold in society? Yes. Do I believe that a free operating system, a free office suite and free software can equalize and empower people? Certainly. Are there financial and environmental benefits to prolonging the usable lifespan of computer hardware? Undoubtedly.
That said, I don’t boycott software companies, march around on the lawns of government buildings, or write letters to my elected officials. However, if you live in Ontario, Canada and wish to write one on my behalf, feel free.
My brand of activism is more like a quiet revolution. I’ve been involved with several Linux user groups, and was even on the board of directors of an incorporated one. I’ve written many dozens of articles over the last few years and released them under the Creative Commons and GNU Free Documentation Licenses. I’ve devoted much time to the recycling and redistribution of used computers (running Linux) to needy kids and families. And naturally I introduce interested persons to FOSS, but I use a soft touch. Fervent preaching is the surest way to drive people away. It’s better to introduce Linux and its applications as a solution to problems that people have, free of charge. But perhaps most significantly, I speak through my wallet. I don’t buy Windows. I don’t buy Windows software. And I don’t buy hardware that isn’t Linux compatible.
You may choose to march in the streets with a placard, phone all your representatives, mail Ubuntu discs to government, form a lobbyist organization, and take whatever steps you feel it necessary to promote a more transformational effect on society. I think your contributions are important, but not necessarily more significant than mine.
If the establishment can be envisioned as a great, brick wall, we need people on both sides of the wall, doing what they can. If you have a wrecking ball at your disposal, use it. If you can only chisel out a brick at a time, do it. And if you’re more skilled with a trowel and mortarboard, start rebuilding. But large or small, your choices in what software you use does make a statement. So what do you say?
“I won’t use an OS that treats me like a criminal whenever I do a hardware upgrade.”
“I won’t use software that limits access to my own data by locking it up in a proprietary file format.”
“I won’t use the product of any company whose software phones home on a regular basis to report in.”
Of course, if these (or other statements) apply to you, you’re free to keep them to yourself. Even if your choice only appears as a statistic in a web server’s log of the browser you’re using, your vote has been registered.
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