I personally do, he actually risked his life to release information about the government spying on people. And there are for sure more advanced ways now. Even your phone is listening.

    • Garbagio@lemmy.zip
      1·
      18 hours ago

      I’d say a well known example is Greta Thunberg. She’s consistently stood up for good things at the cost of her health and safety, and while (no offense) nothing has been at the level of exposing a global surveillance apparatus, she has consistently engaged with the world, rolling each action into her public persona, only to use that persona to garner even more attention to her next action. I know Snowden clearly performed an extraordinary act at the cost of his own health and safety; truly a heroic action. And again, I mean this as no slight, dude did more than most; dude is well within his rights to go live as he wants. But, while I would say that Snowden has a consistency to his message, I wouldn’t necessarily say he has consistency to his action.

      • Ougie@lemmy.world
        1·
        17 hours ago

        You think him fleeing to Russia is inconsistent? It seems to me that the organizations he’s exposed are the sort of outfits that would murder someone like him, so in order to stay alive I don’t know what other choices he would’ve had.

        Agree on Greta btw, but to continue with the same example, I would say that killing a little girl is less likely, because it would create a martyr. And if she were ever in danger I wouldn’t hold it against her if she chose to disappear somewhere. She’s already done more than enough.

        My point being, I don’t necessarily see the difference, and I’m a bit confused at the apparent hesitation to label Snowden a hero. Tempted to assume that the smear campaign is working even in these circles.