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John Daley ReportingIt's the old-fashioned street demonstration with a new twist. The recent immigration protests here in Salt Lake and around the country are getting a boost from new technology.
What do mass demonstrations over immigration in Salt Lake City have in common with similar protests elsewhere, like in Los Angeles, or as far away as France over that country's labor laws? The answer is all of them are relying increasingly on new technology, like text messages on cell phones, to organize.
Felisha Hernandez, High School Senior, Reading Text Message: "Call your friends, let everyone know, please show your support. Walk out of school at 10am tomorrow. All schools will be walking to the capitol. Please wear white the color of peace to show that this is non-violent."
Hector Cardenas, High School Freshman: "We tried to send out emails and post MySpace bulletins, and that kind of worked. Nobody was a leader."
Tony Yapias, Activist: "They're getting the word out and cellulars have become the major way of communicating with these kids."
On issues from civil rights to abortion, marches and rallies have long been a favorite tool, with organizers relying on flyers and word of mouth. Now cell phones and websites like MySpace.com allow instant contact with anyone.
Bob Avery, Professor of Communication, Univ. of Utah: "There's no question that new technology is bringing new forms of communication to the public. The new personal communication services are really breaking things wide open."
Professor Bob Avery says in protests from France to China, students are quickly organizing mass gatherings beyond the control of the authorities.
Bob Avery: "They are able to move a group of college students into a key location in a matter of minutes. That's because of instantaneous personal communication."
It's personal communication that is inspiring new political participation.
The next set of protests promise to be big ones, both here in Salt Lake and nationally. A march and rally are planned for next Sunday, followed be by another on Monday to coincide with others around the country.
