alternative media

Dr. Milena Rampoldi of ProMosaik interviewed Kit O’Connell about gonzo journalism and his writing.

Milena Rampoldi, ProMosaik: What is gonzo journalism and what does it mean to you personally?

Kit O’Connell: Hunter S. Thompson, author of “Fear & Loathing In Las Vegas,” and many other books, coined the term “gonzo journalism,” but the practice goes back much further. A great example of an early gonzo journalist is Nelly Bly, who had herself committed to a mental hospital in 1887 to expose the horrific treatment of patients. Ken Kesey is another famous practitioner, though what he practiced was a variation called “New Journalism.”

Gonzo journalism is journalism which rejects the idea of neutrality and objectivity. I consider myself an activist first and a journalist second, even though it’s the journalism that pays my bills and lets me continue my activism. For me, journalism is a way to reveal important truths and try to share the knowledge that we need to build a better, more humane world.

This is what makes Anonymous such a novel concept: Instead of specific groupings of activists who come together over a single shared interest, Anon invites and encourages any and all to take a passionate stance against injustices or oppressions that exist in our world. Being that Anonymous is world-wide, the range of issues being presented is vast.

On November 5th of each year, “Anons,” collectively masked with their iconic Guy Fawkes grins and armed with their poignant messages printed on hand-made signs, set out to participate in Million Mask Marches in their respective cities. The purpose of the march is to educate and inform citizens while simultaneously making a loud statement of dissent to the Establishment.

The following accounts outline our personal experiences at the 2014 Million Mask March in Washington, D.C.