Akademik

(zee.ROK.ruh.see)

n.

1. A society in which censorship is so pervasive that the only way to disseminate information is via photocopied documents and newsletters that have be written clandestinely. 2. Rule by whoever feels like doing the photocopying.

• "The latest group to practice 'Xerocracy' are 153 Iranian writers, poets, filmmakers and dramatists who have just published a letter calling for 'a total, immediate and unconditional end to censorship."

— Bizhan Torabi, "Dissent in Iran finds an ally in photocopying machines," Deutsche Presse-Agentur, October 25, 1994

• "Critical Mass was started by Chris Carsson in San Francisco in 1992 and he also had the concept of 'xerocracy' — which means that anybody who can be bothered to pick a time and have the fliers Xeroxed is in charge.''

— George Barber, "A charm offensive on city streets," The Independent, November 1, 1994

• "The Shah's censorship turned Iran into a Xerocracy of underground broadsheets, which set the tone for the press after the revolution that removed the Shah in 1979."

— "The Persian news that's fit to print," The Economist, October 15, 1988

• "CHRIS CARLSSON, Bicyclist: We call it a xerocracy, and anybody who wants to make a point of view or tell a story or get a map out of where they want us to go, is in the same position to just make it and xerox it, 150 copies, 250, 500."

— "Critical Mass Takes Over Streets of San Francisco," CNN, August 30, 1993