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November 25, 2005
Tools to Change the Tide
As Gillmor explicitly notes, "information is an ocean, and newsmakers can no longer control the tide as easily as they once did" (45).
After hearing presentations and reading various news oriented pieces, I find this statement to represent only a portion of what we've dove into this semester. Instead, information equals our universe. Through the increases in technology, our world has become reachable. It's not the United State's story or Argentina's or Japan's because today's new media encompasses all angles.
Modern communication has given "anyone who cares the tools to learn more- far more -about people and organizations that in the past tried to ration the news" (65). Although Gillmor provides an excellent point, we must remember: as it is important to voice our opinions, it is equally important to listen. To rephrase the adage ("We are given one mouth and two ears for a reason), we are given two eyes and two hands for a reason.
I believe the distrust towards internet sources stems from our inabilities as a society to listen and think before we react. Yet, in the opposing context, our fast-paced world steals away the time to create well-thought responses. As mentioned in class, "with great power comes great responsibility." Without the means to critically react and contribute through online media, we place ourselves in the position to accept every typed word on our computer screens.
To combat this trap, we must allot time to devote to our researches and response for the online community. By accepting those responsibilities, I believe society can create a better media world devoid of paranoia and spies. If we are to ever reach acceptance with the internet, we need begin somewhere...with someone- us.
Posted by BethanyHutira at November 25, 2005 09:22 PM