Freedom. This 7-letter word brings a long and bloody history. ‘Freedom’ is the consequence of ‘democracy’, and there is no other place on Earth that has a stronger declaration; than the United States of America. This is a main factor for America’s economic & cultural golden age during the 2 world wars. However, are Americans really exerting their much-envied rights today?
To be able to exert their rights, and articulate their thoughts in a critical manner – the Americans must be well-informed. Information, and the ability to reason are 2 main factors in a democratic governed country. Information however, means the advancement of mass media. And when these are used & controlled by interest groups; information can be transformed into propaganda.
During the mid-90’s, the radio was a fearsome tool of propaganda. With it came the many great speeches of our most powerful leaders. Unfortunately, many were corrupt and only obeyed one law: “The Law of, Me”. The radio reached millions of people anytime of the day, and spurred the people towards an agenda. Broadcast towers sprouted in civilian zones, and in the military front lines; blasting propaganda than can be played non-stop, 24 hours a day. However, the radio will eventually be outshined by something even more fearsome: the television.
There are more instances of the abridgement of the freedom of the people by the gradual and silent encroachments of those in power, than by violent and sudden usurpations. – James Madison, Principle Author of the U.S. Constitution.
In the 2007 communications report from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), Americans once again tops the list on; “Average Daily Household TV Viewing” – a whopping 8 hours a day. Even with the spread of the Internet, TV viewings are still high. As a one-way media where viewers just sit back and watch, the American citizens are in it’s truest sense, ‘Coach Potatoes’. In this context, the definition of ‘Potatoes’ couldn’t be more clear. They are ’staple’; everyday conformist that accepts information but cannot return.
You see, the television is controlled by very wealthy corporations, and in turn; fund very politically powerful people. The television is the single most powerful tool in an American political campaign – and this is a fact. Also, in a non-political sense, as you are glued to the TV for lets say; 2 hours – the length of an average movie. That means for 2 hours, you are also an ‘obedient consumer’. This applies for gamers in Multiplayer Online Games as well. However, I’m not going to stress more on this; as I’m not going to talk about economics, and gaming in this post.
With one-way mass media, it gives the people little avenue to be involved. Even with community involved content like YouTube – where people can post videos and others can comment. It’s not that there aren’t any avenues, there always are – but people must make more effort in pursuing it. As you criticize more and more on a subject, the chances are high that your flame for it will dissolve over time (fed up of repeating?) – since young, you are told to forgive, you are told to not carry baggages, you are told to move on. So, if you are not a supporter or employee of ‘Amnesty International’ – chances are you only move into action when you are called for action ‘during that time’ that someone, somewhere is facing a human rights issue. This is something we are cultured to: instant gratification.
However, please do not regard this post as a negative rant. This is a real serious issue on democracy – the voice of reason by the people. Freedom always has a chance. And I have four words that I believe has the potential to convey for it…
IPTV.
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