Re: MEMETICS: Memetic engineering

Kathryn Aegis (aegis@igc.apc.org)
Thu, 26 Dec 1996 23:11:11 +0000


>Just as a general line of thought, specifically what is involved in memetic
>engineering? What are the steps and procedures involved?

One model of memetic engineering, focusing specifically on
propogation, goes under the informal name of "activism". I
introduced the topic of memetics amongst a group of organizers last
summer, and they enthusiastically adopted it as a way of explaining
what they do (one of the few times I have successfully connected
progressives to a transhumanist subject!).

To mount a successful meme propogation campaign takes advance planning
and tactical knowledge. This is rarely attempted by an individual;
usually a team is set up based on individual expertise and training.
Having a central visionary is also helpful--someone who where the
campaign fits into a movement overall, someone who connects well to
other people through an understanding of their hopes and fears.

One of the major reference books in the area is _Organizing for Social
Change_ by Kim Bobo, Jackie Kendall and Steve Max of Midwest Academy.

Sin,

Kathryn Aegis