Response to lead discussion

When thinking about the difference between tactical media and alternative media and deciphering between the two, two questions came to my mind. Is tactical media always alternative? Is alternative media always tactical? These two questions were a way for me to separate the two into their different elements. I am more inclined to answer yes to the first question than to the second. I think most of tactical media is alternative. There is a resistance to the power structure and the dominant hegemony of how the media should be used and controlled and who should use and control it. Both forms address this issue but the means vary quite differently. As Matt mentioned tactical media is essentially guerrilla warfare where alternative media is the steady push towards change. Tactical media seeks to destroy its target from the inside out while alternative takes the approach of creating a different norm. “Don’t hate the media, become the media,” would be tactical media’s slogan where “Don’t hate the media, change the media,” could be the alternative media’s.

Not all alternative media is tactical. By definition, alternative media always strives to be in opposition to the mainstream whereas tactical media’s goal is to resist a definition at all. Tactical media strives for its independence, the ability to reform and reframe their goals. Most alternative forms of media remain consistent in their purpose, where tactical media’s power is in the instability and unpredictability of the process. By infiltrating the system they force change or at least cause a reaction as mentioned with www.gwbush.com. But this infiltration isn’t sustained, its purpose it to be quick and powerful making its mark then dispersing. Alternative media is meant to be sustained to break through the barriers of the mainstream power structures causing a shift in the paradigm. This is often a slower process working from the ground up. Alternative media utilizes the tools created by the existing structure or creates new tools to compete. Tactical uses what’s available to create new ground and to reclaim a voice in the communicative landscape. Tactical media’s purpose is to always resist the power. So, when powers switch it is safe to assume new tactical media will form to resist the new structure. I think the quote “life becomes resistance to power when power takes life as its object” illustrates the purpose of tactical media beautifully.

http://www.hactivist.com/ -tactical media website