Promoting Tolerance in the Digital Age

Over the last ten years, new media has become completely enmeshed in our daily social and work lives.

It's now a critical tool for advancing social change. I spoke to Ian Inaba, filmmaker and cofounder of Citizen Engagement Laboratory—an Open Society grantee—about how underrepresented constituencies can use new media to amplify their voices for social justice.

Inaba told the story of four undocumented young people who, with flip cameras and blog entries, brought attention to the DREAM Act and to the plight of millions of young immigrants unable to fully participate in society because they have no path to legalization. Though the Act is still in limbo in 2011 after the U.S. Senate blocked it late last year, the young dreamers continue to inspire hope with their sheer determination and innovative organizing tactics.

He also described how the Basta Dobbs campaign successfully used new media to get Lou Dobbs—who shamelessly used his position as anchor at CNN to legitimize fear and hatred towards immigrants and Latinos—off the air.

“Through online organizing," he said, "we can give citizens the tools to fight back against hateful and intolerant rhetoric.”