After the Marches

C overage of t he anti-war marches of early 2003 may have disappeared from the myopic mainst ream media, but the effects these unparalleled events had on millions of participants around the world will undoubtedly be more lasting. The stakes are high. The United States has openly threatened to abandon as “ irrelevant ” the system of international law s , treaties, and institutions created specifically to prevent a catastrophic third world war. Most marchers understood the gravity of this — despite the lack of dialogue on the subject within corporate channels of communication — and now wish to continue to press for peace instead of perpetual war, justice instead of retribution, democracy instead of corporate oligarchy .  

Many reports of the protests revealed marchers who had not previously engaged in political action, but who were so concerned by the policies of the U.S. that they braved the threat of ridicule and ostracism (especially within the U.S.) to voice their anxiety. At Z, we’ve noticed a marked increase of interest in Z Magazine, ZNet and Z Video Productions within the past year among those new to a viewpoint that does not equate capitalism with democracy . This is undoubtedly true for many other left media outlets as well.  

We, within the left media, need to make sure we continue to reach out to the newly politicized public and listen to their concerns. Likewise, those who have started to see beneath the veil of corporate media absurdities need to continue to educate themselves using the vast array of resources available through non-corporate means — alternative publications, alternative radio, alternative video, and progressive websites — despite the pressure from all sides to re-assimilate into the corporate-patriotic mindset.  

To that end, Z will continue to offer analysis of world events, report s of actions in opposition to oppression , and suggestions for alternative visions.  

Additionally, we regularly offer listings in our Zaps sectio n of media, groups, and events intended to promote positive social transformation. In previous issues , we’ve also offered long lists of websites presenting progressive points of view. Below, is a short list of progressive alternative video producers, distributors and advocacy groups trying to break into the most heavily fortified, but most “mass” of communication media.