Tag Archives: politics

We can side-step the corruption

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In the reading The Politics of Research by Martin there is a clear picture of how researchers are influenced by corporate interests,  government and so on. As a result there is a limit to who quality research is available. Because of the existence of these powerful groups, knowledge become corrupt to the point where it is controlled. Just like in ancient civilizations where the librarians kept and controlled the flow of information and in turn putting a choke on new discoveries, the same thing is happening today. The only difference is that the librarians are now powerful groups and government, who often have the power to dictate the flow of information and what knowledge is shared with citizens. As bad as this may sound, it is not obvious to most because everything is hidden in plain sight and the root all of it is money. Where there is money, there is power; Where there is power, there is control. Until we can find ways to work around the corruption, we- the people will always get the squeeze. The approval of Net Neutrality is a good step in the right direction.

Tweaking the Truth

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After reading the article by Eland, I agree 1000% that we are living in a world where our method of thinking is being dictated surreptitiously. Why do we interpret things the way we do? I definitely believe the information that is presented by news channels, newspapers and radio stations and the technique they relay the information, specifically the PARTS they relay, have a large impact on the way we process thoughts in our minds and create opinions.  One section that I can relate to, because I have touched on it when having arguments with others is the question of why do top stories make the cover of the newspaper and who says that it’s a top story. In this aspect, we relate back to gate-keeping. However, in this sense of gate-keeping, I do not believe that it is beneficial. I am the type of person who believes that the government officials and media DO in fact hide things from the public, tweak the truth and hold information for another “Top Story”. I also believe politics do exist when tracking news updates and what exactly Fox 5 or CNN is gaining coverage on. On page 2, he talks about how the alternative press is non-profit and gets its funding from donations. He explains that this provides level of independence. I agree and want to add that we need to remember that Fox 5, CNN, NBC are all competing for the best coverage and what’s “in” at the moment. From what I understand, alternate press relays reality to everyone in society, lower class, middle class and high class, compared to major media which is aimed mostly toward upper-class men.