Ice Cream Mobs

By Sarah Scully on 06/24/2008

Here Comes Everybody is an interactive book of sorts- to both read and experience. Author Clay Shirky explains the economic and social effects of the internet and demonstrates them with a companion blog that puts the theme of the book into action. Observing the power of technology, Shirky gives the example of young people in Belarus using texts and emails to organize a protest against the oppressive government. Given the laws forbidding dissent, the group cleverly formed flash mobs to join in collective activities such as gathering in the public square to eat ice cream or simply stroll around smiling at the secret police. The youths brought digital cameras to capture the police harassment and post it on the web. See photos here. Using technology to not only organize but also publicize their cause garnered worldwide attention, giving birth to a powerful new breed of activism.