“Remember, remember!
The fifth of November,
The Gunpowder treason and plot!
I know of no reason
Why the Gunpowder treason
Should ever be forgot!”
English folk verse (c. 1870)
On November 5, 1605, a Catholic conspiracy formed by the Gunpowder Plot to blow up the British parliament failed and prompted citizens of London to light bonfires around the city. The day became known as Guy Fawkes day, as he was the one arrested for planning the explosions. Today, however, November 5th has become a date commonly known for public uprising and civil disobedience. Since it was used in the popular film “V For Vendetta,” the phrase “remember, remember, the fifth of November” has caused citizens to act out against their governments or corporations on this day.
As seen in this clip, in the movie, V, the shadowy freedom fighter, quotes the English verse as the clock hits midnight on November 5 and all of the explosions he put into a subway train bound for the parliament explode. V’s identity is never shown; he represents all of the citizens of London who fear the oppressive and terroristic government. Throughout the film he wears a mask that has become known as the “Guy Fawkes mask” and is often worn by people participating in uprisings, riots, or other protests or acts of civil disobedience.
Recently the masks have also been associated with actions prompted by the political activist group Anonymous. For the fifth of November, they posted Youtube videos calling out Australian Prime Minister Campbell Newman for attempting to pass laws against motorcyclists that would take away some of their civil liberties and also threatening the government of Singapore for attempting to pass a law requiring websites to monitor what people are saying. After posting these videos, the Anonymous Legion called for the people of these countries and others around the world to participate in what they called the “Million Mask March,” where anyone who wanted to should go to government buildings and, preferably wearing the Anonymous mask, participate in a peaceful protest. Many did end up participating in these protests.
Washington, D.C. (Image from twitter user@BatmanWI)
London, England (Image from twitter user@TheBlogPirate)
(Images from twitter users@apblake @OccupyWallStNYC)
Quezon City, Philippines (AFP Photo)
Mexico City, Mexico (AFP photo)
(Image from twitter user@waleed_elhaddad)
The main goal of Anonymous is to fight for the freedom of information, freedom of speech, and the freedom from censorship for the people. The group has increasingly gained support from “the 99%,” but also from celebrities like Russell Brand, who participated in the London protest (seen above). With the increasing popularity and knowledge of the group, many questions have been raised. Who even is Anonymous? I personally believe that that fact should remain hidden. The lack of identity (like in “V For Vendetta) gives everyone the ability to have a voice, the lack of leader (like the Occupy movement) allows everyone to speak their minds. By protesting corrupt governments and wearing the Guy Fawkes masks, these people are starting a revolution that is spreading around the globe. This fifth of November, thousands of people in many different cities went out in support of Anonymous’ “Million Mask March.” Next year, the number may be higher. Many people will never forget the ffth of November. The question is, will you?
I find the image of the man wearing the mask and holding the sign “do not censor me”, to be sickeningly ironic. This movement fights for the right of expression and freedom of opinion, yet at the same time they hide their identity behind masks. Why? Is it in fear of retaliation or punishment? The group/movement’s name “anonymous”, suggests a obscurity as a mode of protection and camouflage. Or is the mask to dehumanize their individual identity, and to generalize them self as a representation of a larger population. The very symbolism of the mask holds such power that many people, even a those who wear them, most likely do not understand. What do you think the reason for the mask is?
That’s a really good point, Kenny. To be honest, I hadn’t thought of it that way. I can see how it would seem ironic, but the goal of Anonymous is to ensure that everyone has freedom of speech and the right to know information. They don’t want the government to censor information from them. And yes, they are in essence censoring themselves by putting on masks, but they are also portraying the idea of a whole. It’s uniform, it’s recognizable, it’s easy to find, and it has now basically become a brand for the group. Additionally, the mask is the “Guy Fawkes” mask, and he was seen as a revolutionary who protested the government. That’s just what they’re doing, and they choose his mask as a symbol of revolution.