Modern Martyr: Aaron Swartz, The Internet’s Own Boy
Access to Information
In today’s world, finding out the answer to a question is as easy as plugging a few words into Google. We rely on the Internet to produce and connect us to the information we’re looking for. Rarely does one question or consider the possibility of inaccessibility to knowledge. But Aaron Swartz did.
Who is Swartz, many of you might ask? Well, until last week, I too had never heard of this incredibly bright, courageous individual. He fought for all of our rights; we just didn’t know it. It’s difficult to believe he likewise died for this cause as well.
In an article in The Guardian, John Naughton dubbed Swartz, “the leading geek wunderkind of his generation who was hounded to suicide at the age of 26 by a vindictive U.S. administration.”
Swartz was appalled by the injustice he witnessed around him in the world. Specifically, he led a crusade against the government and their big-business allies who obstruct many from obtaining open access to Internet information.
Privilege and Power
Viewing Swartz’s inspirational story in the documentary The Internet’s Own Boy opened my mind to a whole world of issues I never before had considered. As a student at Wake Forest University, I remain in the elite group of those who have never not had access to information. I have myriad opportunities to learn, explore and grow through the academic resources my school affords its student population.
It only speaks to my unique position of privilege that I never even realized that I was in a position of privilege. How blind of me.
Though Swartz was perhaps one of the most brilliant minds and computer programmers of our generation, his influence stretches far beyond the screen. Swartz was a fervent activist and openly called for the overthrow of outdated, government policies that hinder those without money from accessing academic articles online.
It was his courage and outspoken nature that made him both a national icon as well as a target for government retaliation, most notably when he attempted to hack into MIT’s JSTOR database in order to make academic articles available to the public.
The ongoing, unjust federal lawsuit brought about against Swartz in response to this epitomizes the desire to stifle whistleblowers and maintain the stream the income online databases provide.
Swartz fought valiantly for those who cannot afford the ridiculous fees associated with accessing online databases. He was a voice for the powerless — those without the means or connections to benefit from the wealth of knowledge the Internet provides.
Despite Swartz’s bravery and powerful message, the immense personal stress and difficulty brought about by his lawsuit led to his suicide in early 2013.
What Needs To Be Done?
Overall, The Internet’s Own Boy and Swartz’s fight made me stop in my tracks and truly reflect. Though I am in many ways aware of and incredibly appreciative for all of the privilege I experience in my life, this was a curveball. The thought that so many are prohibited access to knowledge in the twenty-first century is remarkable. As the Internet provides immense information in such an attainable manner, all should be able to reap the benefits.
Why must one’s financial situation determine who is and is not allowed to educate themselves, expand their understanding and potentially bring about astonishing findings that improve society?
In Swartz’s Guerilla Open Access Manifesto, he urges those with access to online academic information to openly share their privilege with the world. As one who holds this position of power, this statement greatly impacted me. I now fully realize the ability and responsibility I have to make a tangible difference.
I urge you to not only look further into the specific issues Swartz fought valiantly for, but also to be introspective. Evaluating and dissecting our own privilege and the positions of power many of us have been placed in are crucial. It is then that we can understand how we can create a more just society in which access to knowledge is never a question. Not for anyone.
