Author Archives: Marissa

Assignment #2B

Corporate interest in a nutshell, is the interest of a company or commercial, which is beneficial to them through the use of empowerment and control. Basically corporate interests control what may be posted in the media, through large companies such as Fox 5 News, ABC News, or the New York Times. These various big companies receive quantities of views, and ratings since they are under corporate interest. Corporate interest effects the information we receive, by us receiving possible biased information. For example, information on Fox 5 News about a given issue, may not reveal the whole story..they may bias their own information, to get more ratings. Since corporate interests include a more political and governmental point of view, the public cannot be viewed as directly as they should be.

An example of an independent article infers how the public would not be the main source for information on an issue. In “ACLU Attorney: Growing number of murders of Trans women can’t be separated from Anti-Trans Laws” by democracy now.org, it is stated how recently a trans-woman was shot. She was shot by her mothers ex-boyfriend who also called her “the devil.” This article used attorney Chase Strangio to explain why murders are occurring. Unfortunately, Strangio concludes that state officials believe “that treating transgender people’ constitutes material cooperation with evil…under Affordable Care Act.” Sadly, due to bias to any information from anything government related, state officials must have also influenced transphobic people to act out. If treatment to trans-women or even trans-men were fair, this would not happen. If their own issues were displayed as positive, and they were portrayed as the good people the public knows them to be, maybe people wouldn’t get the idea to murder them. A Fox 5 News channel say, would not have included this story that may appear to be publicly controversial. Or maybe they would cover it by backing up the state officials, distributing bias to them.

Assignment 1B

Both Jabr and Badke, explain the differences between digital books and printed books. In “The Reading Brain in the Digital Age: The Science of Paper versus Screens” by Ferris Jabr, Jabr describes his share of information regarding the evolution of digital books pertaining to generations. Generally youngsters of our generation only know iPhones, iPads, kindles, nooks etc. Whether it is a device for communication or reading, technology has advanced. I find digital reading to be much more convenient when I’m on the train or ferry. Its simple to grasp any reading material through smartphones on apps. As such digital devices have become increasingly popular, it may be notable to wonder if electronics are as helpful as printed paper. I have found holding a printed book may sometimes hurt my hand after awhile. However through digitally, reading is not tedious. Lastly I believe reading through a screen does not affect your memory. In my opinion I can read online lectures, and maintain the information just the same as through a printed physical copy. Jabr is trying to show us how technology has changed digitally through reading, however printed books will not be forgotten.

Summary- “From papyrus to pixels; The future of the book”

In the article “From papyrus to pixels; The future of the book”, The Economist gives input on how books have changed to electronic assets readers can now use. Books have now been made on e-books, kindles, nooks, etc. The Economist believes that electronic books have not destroyed reading, but have instead expanded reading. For instance, books have evolved in the form of becoming more convenient for some people. E-books allow readers to pick up books within their touch, by simply tapping and purchasing them. Therefore it is possible to not have to physically go to a store or library, searching for a book one may desire. I find the idea of electronic books to be helpful, arranging a quicker way to get what you want in the world of reading. Lastly, The Economist states that books as a whole, “are a technology in their own right, one developed and used for the refinement and advancement of thought.” By saying this it is concluded that books have developed naturally, technology has always existed and will continue to advance.

Question: If generally books are a technology, why should a certain type of book be condemned by society?