Read this link from the New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/22/opinion/keller-a-blogger-on-trial-in-russia.html?ref=todayspaper&_r=0
Comment below. What does this tell you about the power of digital media, both socially and politically.
Would you put your life ont he line if this was the case in the USA? Why or why not?
Digital media carries so much power in the social and political world. We've never been able to combine them quite like we can nowadays. I don't think I'd be this passionate about certain things in the social media world, though. I believe in America, but sometimes, I think there are more important things than pushing my political stance.
ReplyDeleteThe use of social media platform in voicing out people's opinions is indeed very helpful. It is not only what is trending nowadays, but one of the platforms that is gradually emerging as one of the top choices of people in gathering their news and information on what is going on. Being a blogger is very helpful and useful in especially that throughout time, our rights as citizens of USA has been little by little taken away from us.
ReplyDeleteIf the same would happen here in USA, I would take the risk and put my life on the line especially when I know that I did something instead of just swallowing it all, sitting around and do nothing for what I know is the right thing to do.
"He will learn something about the man across the table, and about the man who, you never know, might someday take his place."
ReplyDeleteI think this quote is interesting. In the topic of digital media, everyone has the opportunity to voice their opinions. And that gives people power, especially in the world of social politics. I'm all about standing up for my beliefs, and remaining passionate in the midst of crisis, I would like to think that if I was in this situation I would be courageous enough to do what's right.
Media is very powerful and can either touch people in a positive or negative way, including yourself.
ReplyDeleteBeing passionate about journalism is one thing but risking your well-being, does not seem worth it to me.
I find it interesting that his main charge was for stealing money from the government. Also it says without new evidence they charged him with stealing 500,000 dollars. They also said that even in jail they are not hindering his public activities, which I assume are his blogs. He still receives letters in jail. I find this amazing that he has that fan base.
ReplyDeleteDigital Media is becoming a world wide juggernaut and I think it will continue to grow. Also I believe the statement in this story if you want to be noticed just start a blog or some sort of social media site and you will definitely be heard in some way no matter what the content is. I am not the type to dig for someone's dirty laundry so I don't think I would get myself in the situation this fellow is in.
ReplyDeleteIt's pretty well known about the power of social media. In just a few years, it has gone from nothing to one of the most powerful tools for anyone who has something to say.
ReplyDeleteWould I blog like this guy if we as Americans were in his situation? No. He seems to be to bold for me. Buying stock in companies, using his power to earn their favor and then airing their dirty laundry... ehh, not for me. His passion though, that's incomparable.
Social media is the most vocal outlet to voice your opinion. The rise of social media came about so fast that the world. Sooner or later social media will relevant to everyday life. He is very passionate about his political stance. As far as myself goes, I don't have passion for politics then some individuals.
ReplyDeleteI recently answered a discussion post about what kind of government power the USA is. Out of the responses, Elite Power and Pluralist Power models were the top responses. I argued my point for Pluralist Power by discussing the voice of the people, blogging included. We cannot see what goes on behind political doors. While it's a nice thought to trust our government, it's always a good idea to research for yourself. This is where blogging comes into play. If discovering falsehoods and other information that I felt other Americans need to know, would I share it. I want to say yes. Maybe not in the ways this guy has. But in sharing it, danger could arise for myself, my family, and my country. So there is a line I think I fall under, as of right now. I do not feel immediately threatened, so it's easy for me to say, "Stay safe, folks." Someday, however, if need be, I hope I could express my concerns with the world. In an ethical manner, of course.
ReplyDeleteThe power of social media is strong, but it is not always enough. As we saw during the Arab Spring, an app as small as Twitter and its 142 characters can bring revolution and the dissolution of dictators and government.
ReplyDeleteIn the case of Navalny, the strength of the "social" pales compared to his "media". One person can start a revolution, but one person cannot be a revolution.
That fool should learn to cover his bases before pissing off his country's most powerful ruler. Especially one that can just put you away forever. Sure, he's rocking the boat now, but all it takes is a phony charge to sink his battleship.
ReplyDeleteDigital media is very powerful if not the most powerful. Real life statements are often backed up by digital media presence. It has quickly become deeply rooted into global society and appears to be growing more.
ReplyDeleteI, am too cowardly to do something to that extent but it appears Russia is in dire need of an honest leader of the people and he fits the bill. I do believe that there are already Americans doing this and if the U.S. ever became in such a state there would be multiple bloggers as such.
Each day the world moves more and more in a digital direction. Social media is everywhere and it is always changing. You might say something in Oklahoma and someone in South Korea could find out about it; I'm not saying that is a bad thing though. Personally, I don't know if I could ever write something like this, but you never know what might happen in the future.
ReplyDeleteHow digitalized we are has affected everything and how we do it-- social and political aspects aren't an exception. We've gotten to the point where we manipulate pictures with photoshop so they aren't necessarily tangible proof, and we consult Facebook and Twitter for news because social sites report faster than news channels can.
ReplyDeleteTruthfully, articles like this make me glad I live in the U.S. While I would never be able to do what he did, it's still a little scary to think about what could happen/has happened in other countries.
By far, social media carries so much voice and so much power in our social and political world. I feel as though today, social media has become an actual voice for those who cannot voice themselves freely. In some way, shape, or form, social media is somehow involved in everyone's lives. I do however believe in a moral stance of what is right, however I'm not sure if I would actually have enough courage to stand up in a way that was portrayed in the article.
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