Apologies for cross posting:

CFP: ³Citizen²

Citizen is a word we hear more frequently all the time, but it's also one
whose meaning has never seemed less clear. "Citizen journalists" and
"e-citizenship" initiatives are everywhere, but so are signs of crisis in
democratic institutions and processes.

The online tools used to promote new forms of active citizenship are
products of an era where the traditional focus of citizenship - the nation -
seems far less powerful and important than ever in the face of global flows
of capital, communication and culture. The exhortations to pursue new forms
of political engagement - like public affairs blogging and citizen
journalism - can only be read alongside the mounting evidence of a
widespread disengagement from politics. It's not clear whether or how
democratic institutions can (or ought to) adapt themselves to the changing
modes of participation. And it's also unclear whether the online spaces
given over to political debate do anything more than further polarize our
conversations. But can institutions and an increasingly diverse online
public sphere change and adapt to one another to renew democratic
participation?

For this edition of M/C Journal, we're looking for pieces that weigh up the
impact of new forms of political participation. We'd especially like to
encourage articles that reflect on concrete attempts to increase
participation in the political process, and to promote citizenship. Whether
you'd like to reflect on an initiative you've participated in, or link
theory with interesting examples of media practice and activism, we'd like
to feature your contribution.

http://www.media-culture.org.au
If you have any further queries, please don¹t hesitate to contact us
directly.

Jason: [log in to unmask]
Barry: [log in to unmask]

All the best
Jason, Barry


--

Barry Saunders
----
http://investigativeblog.net
http://gatewatching.org
http://d-notice.net
----
PhD Candidate // researcher
http://creativeindustries.qut.edu.au
http://eprints.qut.edu.au/view/person/Saunders,_Barry.html
ph: +617 3138 0155
skype: barry_saunders
CRICOS No. 00213J