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Glossary

resistance

Short Definition
The act of opposing or pushing back against social, political, or technological power structures that are oppressive or unjust. It often involves collective action to challenge dominant systems of power.
Relevance
Resistance has always been essential for confronting and disrupting harmful systems, not just in tech-informed spaces but throughout society. Exploited and oppressed communities have long used resistance to challenge exploitation and oppression in various forms. In today’s world, where technology shapes much of our reality, resistance often involves using available tools to push back against oppressive digital frameworks. However, it also extends beyond technology, addressing structural injustices in broader social, economic, and cultural contexts. At times, resistance can be uncomfortable or antagonistic, as it confronts deeply rooted power structures both within and outside of tech. But this discomfort is necessary to challenge the status quo and ignite transformative change. Whether in tech spaces, social movements, or cultural practices, resistance helps expose biases, reclaim narratives, and regain control over resources and systems that have long been controlled by others. While no system is perfect, resistance remains a powerful means of advocating for meaningful change, both within and beyond the realm of technology.
Additional Notes
Further Reading
This is a 2023–2025 project led by InterAccess, in collaboration with Tangled Art + Disability, and FEZIHAUS™.