the information war is on

First the MSM was challenged by the blogosphere. I’m beginning to think that MWLs (mainstream world leaders) and political and geopolitical institutions will soon be challenged in unexpected ways by the technological revolution.

A previously unknown (at least to me) group has posted to YouTube a trailer for what it hopes is an upcoming geopolitical event. (I do not endorse the group or the trailer or the message. I am merely passing on the news about a revolutionary kind of political action made possible by the technological revolution).

The trailer is called The Last Fanatic. You can view it here. Ynet News explains:

A cinematic trailer serving as a tool for marketing Israeli Initiative’s political message is starring in the list of the most popular video clips on YouTube just a few days after its release. …

“The Last Fanatic depicts a would-be suicide bomber who unexpectedly calls off his attack plans – which leads the viewer to question what led him and his supporters to deviate from their path,” a statement released by the Initiative said.

This is entertainment as propaganda—the very essence of infotaiment.

We decided to translate the campaign into the language of the Internet generation and of the Web 2.0.,” said Israeli Initiative’s strategic campaign adviser, Yuval Porat.

“The use of the cinematic language of a short and rhythmic trailer and advanced marketing tools, which were used, utilize the new arena in an ideological manner, which create file-sharing websites, including YouTube, and enable exposure to millions of visitors throughout the world and in Israel,” he said.

Political philosophy packaged for the YouTube era. Brave new world indeed.