This post is due by Tuesday, April 22 @ midnight for full credit.
Email late posts to rob.williamsATmadriver.com for partial credit.
Read our MEDIA@CULTURE book, assigned chapter(s) above.
In a SINGLE blog post below for ALL chapters in the section, provide for EACH chapter:
1. A single sentence, IYOW, that captures the THESIS (main argument) for each chapter.
In a SINGLE blog post below for ALL chapters in the section, provide for EACH chapter:
1. A single sentence, IYOW, that captures the THESIS (main argument) for each chapter.
2. THREE specific pieces of supporting documentation - ideas, concepts, stats, data - to bolster your thesis for each chapter. (Use 2 - 3 sentences for each.)
3. A single PERSONAL story of 3-4 sentences that connects the chapter directly with your own personal media experiences.
4. A SINGLE specific question you have after reading and blogging on ALL chapters of assignment.
Game on,
Dr. W
Chapter sixteen analyzes debates over free speech both past and present, in regard to journalism and society as a whole. The chapter begins with an introduction to some of the models that are used in journalism that show a variety of ideas in regard to expression. The first is the “authoritarian model” (548), this model portrays news under the assumption that the general public needed assistance from the upper class to understand news information. The second is the “communist model” (548); in this model the information in media would be controlled by the government to ensure that information released would be supportive of the state. The third model is the “social responsibility model” (548), which embodies the ideals of journalism in the United States. This model calls watchdog groups into play to keep media coverage in check. The last model discussed is the “libertarian model” (549); this model encourages the media to be very critical of its government, as well as placing no restrictions over the medias content. The chapter eventually reaches the question of “communication policy and the digital age” (570). The Internet is often viewed as a platform for unblocked free expression since our government does not regulate it. However issues still arise, specifically in regard to harmful images (pornography), and harmful information, which is easily attainable for people of all ages. As these debates continue the question is raised, “Will the Internet continue to develop as a democratic medium” (570)?
ReplyDeleteIn this chapter I found the section that discussed the different models for journalism to be most interesting. As a consumer of news media I would like to believe (although I don’t) that the news I am engaging with follows the libertarian model discussed. I strongly believe that news running under the guidelines of the libertarian model would serve citizens the most. I was surprised that the chapter identified the social responsibility model, as being the closest to the systems used in the United States.
What would it look like if the government decided it was necessary to restrict our access to information on the Internet?
Chapter 16
ReplyDelete1. Since the start of The First Amendment, media’s rights and role in society have been heavily debated and constantly reevaluated.
2. The meaning of The First Amendment in terms of journalism has been questioned through various court cases over the years. The case when the Times posted articles with information from the leaked Pentagon Papers regarding the Vietnam War is a good example. It was debated if the articles posed a threat to national security or not and whether the Times should be punished for their actions or if it was within their right to free speech.
The media has also caused conflicts between The First Amendment and The Sixth Amendment. The first permits free speech and freedom of the press, but the sixth protects those accused giving them the right to a fair and speedy trial. The media publishing, through radio and television, the proceedings of court cases has been accusing of altering the public and the jury’s views of the trials thereby causing unfair trials.
What can and cannot be said on public airways is an ever evolving debate. The government wishes to protect children from being exposed to indecent or violent media, but there are concerns over what qualifies as indecent or violent. Not being able to define what exactly is indecent, obscene, or slander makes it difficult to draw the line between that and freedom of speech.
3. I have often wondered about the line between indecency and freedom of speech in songs. There are so many songs that come on the radio all hours of the day that are border line disgusting. And while children may not understand what it means, they can pick up the words and sing along just as easily as adults can. I have no problem with people expressing themselves however they want, but I know I would want to keep my children from hearing some of the things said on the radio.
4. How, if at all, will the government try to regulate the distribution of information in a digital age?
1. Since the start of media there has always been the ability to speak your mind in Chapter 16 it debates the rights we have with freedom of speech.
ReplyDelete2. “The Authoritarian model developed at about the time the printing press first arrived in sixteenth-century England.”(P.548). From the start rules and regulations have been put into place in order to make sure that everything goes restively smooth and there are not controversies that could provoke something major.” Despite the First Amendment’s provision that “congress shall make no law restricting speech, the federal government has made a number of laws that do just that.”(P.551). The government has been getting around this rule that we our whole nation has revolved around. “During the early part of the twentieth century, movies rose in popularity among European immigrants and others from modest socioeconomic groups.”(P.562) People were starting to gain fame from movies and climbing up the social ladder in Europe, which shaped the entertainment business that we now know today.
3. In the United States freedom of speech is one of the biggest aspect that we pride ourselves in. No matter where you are or come from you have the ability to say what you feel. I believe that this is a great concept to have people entitled to their own option.
4. Over time will we ever lose this right because of mistakes made by people?
Chapter sixteen focuses on how the First Amendment is applied in regards to media and, as well, the restrictions that are sometimes placed on media.
ReplyDelete“In the United States, the First Amendment has theoretically prohibited censorship. Over time, Supreme Court decisions have defined censorship as prior restraint. This means that courts and governments cannot block any publication or speech before it actually occurs, on the principle that a law has not been broken until an illegal act is committed.” 550
“Although the First Amendment protects an individual’s right to hold controversial political views, network executives either sympathized with the anticommunist movement or feared losing ad revenue. At any rate, the networks did not stand up to the communist witch-hunters. In order to work, a blacklisted or “suspected” performer required the support of the program’s sponsor. …by the early 1950s the TV networks were asking actors and other workers to sign loyalty oaths denouncing communism- a low point for the First Amendment.” 565
“In 2006, Congress substantially increased the FCC’s maximum allowable fine to $315,000 per incident of indecency- meaning that one fleeting expletive in a live entertainment, news, or sports program could cost millions of dollars in fines, as it is repeated on affiliate stations across the country. But in 2010, a federal appeals court rejected the FCC’s policy against fleeting expletives, arguing that it was constitutionally vague and had a chilling effect on free speech ‘because broadcasters have no way of knowing what the FCC will find offensive’” 586
I believe freedom of speech to be extremely important, just as many other Americans do. I was very interested in the content of this chapter. Coincidentally, I’ve just finished reading “For Whom the Bell Tolls” by Ernest Hemingway for another class. The copy I read was published in 1940 and most swears were replaced with the word “unprintable.” I found myself thinking about that often while reading this chapter.
With the move toward specialization of media outlets (targeting of specific groups) is censorship as important as it once was when media was more broadly aimed at a larger market?
1.) There has always been a battle between the government and freedom of speech when it comes to media.
ReplyDelete2.) "The cultural and political struggles over what constitutes 'free speech' or 'free expression' have define American democracy... The current era is as volatile a time as ever for free speech issues. Contemporary free speech debates include copyright issues, hate-speech codes on college and university campuses, explicit lyrics in music, violent images in film and television, the swapping of media files on the Internet, and the right of the press to publish government secrets." (pg 547)
"In the United States, the First Amendment has theoretically prohibited censorship. Over time, Supreme Court decisions have defined censorship as prior restraint. This means that courts and governments cannot block any publication or speech before it actually occurs, on the principle that a law has not been broken until an illegal act has been committed." (pg 550)
"During the Cold War, a vigorous campaign led by Joseph McCarthy, an ultraconservative senator from Wisconsin, tried to rid both government and teh media of so-called communist subversives who were allegedly challenging the American way of life...Although the First Amendment protects an individual's right to hold controversial political views, network executives either sympathized with the anticommunist movement or feared losing ad revenue." (pg 565)
3.) For me I know that with movie ratings my local theatre takes it very seriously. I still get carded by my best friend because it is the rules they have to follow if you look under age. I hate this rule because I feel like it goes against my rights to view what I want to view. There are many ways to get around this rule, like buy a ticket to another movie or stay home and watch it online, but it doesn't have the same feel as the theatre.
4.) Will the government ever stop trying to censor freedom of speech?
1.) There has always been a war between the government and freedom of speech, particularly when it comes to forms of media.
ReplyDelete2.) "The cultural and political struggles over what constitutes 'free speech' or 'free expression' have define American democracy... The current era is as volatile a time as ever for free speech issues. Contemporary free speech debates include copyright issues, hate-speech codes on college and university campuses, explicit lyrics in music, violent images in film and television, the swapping of media files on the Internet, and the right of the press to publish government secrets." (pg 547)
“Although the First Amendment protects an individual’s right to hold controversial political views, network executives either sympathized with the anticommunist movement or feared losing ad revenue. At any rate, the networks did not stand up to the communist witch-hunters. In order to work, a blacklisted or “suspected” performer required the support of the program’s sponsor. …by the early 1950s the TV networks were asking actors and other workers to sign loyalty oaths denouncing communism- a low point for the First Amendment.” (pg 565)
“During the early part of the twentieth century, movies rose in popularity among European immigrants and others from modest socioeconomic groups.”(pg 562)
3.) In my home town (Amsterdam, NY), I know that movie ratings were completely discarded. I got away with seeing so many R or PG-13 rated movies prior to the actual time that it was legal for me to do so. I know other movie theaters are much stricter, and our town’s theater is getting more strict, but that does not affect me anymore and I am very thankful for that.
4.) Will the government ever give up on trying to censor freedom of speech?
Chapter 16:
ReplyDelete1. Chapter 16 discusses the relationship between government and the media; specifically the legal controls placed over the freedom of speech.
2. There are various models for free speech and journalism that categorize the differing opinions of free expression. These models emerged in the mid-1950’s and include authoritarian, communist, libertarian, and the social responsibility model.
When the U.S. Constitution was ratified in 1788, nowhere did it speak of freedom of the press. It was originally thought to be impractical to try and define “liberty of the press”. However, nine of the original thirteen states pushed for federal guarantees of free speech and press, due to the fact that they all had charters defending the freedom of the press. They eventually won their fight in 1791, when the first ten amendments of the constitution were included in the Bill of Rights.
While many forms of speech and press are protected under the First Amendment, there are still multiple that are not included. These include seditious expression, copyright infringement, libel, defense against libel charges, obscenity, and the right to privacy.
3. It seems as though, today, the line between indecency and obscenity and freedom of speech are being crossed, especially concerning paparazzi. Public figures are becoming more and more fed up with the amount of exposure of their personal lives, with some states even going so far as to pass laws against paparazzi. I think that there is a fine line in cases like this because these people are choosing to make their personal lives public by going into the professions they’re in, so I think its hard to know when their lives have to go from public back to personal again.
4. What kinds of laws, if any, are placed over freedom of speech concerning social media? It seems like people are getting away with saying anything and everything over twitter and the like, so who decides how far is too far?
chapter 16 talks about the origin of free expression in the past and present and how it relates to our current media and journalism.
ReplyDelete“Many countries governments throughout history have jailed, even killed, their citizens for such speech “violations.” For instance, between 1992 and July 2012, more than 900 international journalists were killed in the line of duty, often because someone disagreed with what they wrote or reported” (547). The four conventional models for expression include the authoritarian model; which was developed around the time of the printing press first arrived in England and is still used in many developing countries such as Asia, Latin America and Africa, communist model; where the press is controlled by the government because state leaders believe the press should serve the goals of the state, social responsibility model; which characterizes the ideals of mainstream journalism and the libertarian model, which encourages vigorous government and supports the highest degree of individual and press freedoms.
I think freedom of speech and the right to privacy are very important issues in todays society. No matter where you come from or who you are you have a right to say what you want. I think that the right to privacy is one of the most controversial issues including; intrusion into personal space, wiretapping, making personal records public and disclosing personal information.
What would happen if our rights were taken away?
Chapter 16:
ReplyDelete1. Chapter 16 discusses a very controversial topic, regarding the media’s rights and its role in society; this topic is constantly debated and reevaluated since the creation of the First Amendment.
2. Journalism has pushed the lines and bounds of the First Amendment for decades. As the technology becomes more advanced, journalism and journalist pushes these lines even more each day. The booked discussed one story posted by the Times with info leaked from the Pentagon regarding the Vietnam War. This just being one example of how journalism is pushing these bounds.
The book also mentioned a conflict between the Sixth Amendment and the First Amendment. The Sixth permits the accused of a crime to a fair and speedy trial while the First Amendment permits the freedom of speech and press. The media publishing what is going on in a current trial affects the opinions and decisions of the jurors within that trial. This can result in an unfair trial.
I find it disconcerting that journalist and journalism has come this far and will continue to evolve into something we might not want to see one day. The book begins to pain an image like this. But it also paints the image of journalism doing good things as well.
3. The first thing that comes to mind when I think of freedom of speech is the freedom of the song lyrics today. There are some songs with very indecent lyrics. I know that it does not matter for people our age but with children it is hard to censor what they hear because they play these types of things on the radio stations.
4. I wonder how far the government let the journalists go before they regulate these boundaries in this constantly evolving digital age.
Chapter 16
ReplyDelete1. Chapter 16 discusses the legal controls over media and freedom of expression.
2. The United States is very lucky to have the freedom of speech that we have. “When students from other cultures attend school in the United States, many are astounded by the number of books, news articles, editorials, cartoons, films, TV shows, and Web sites that make fun of the U.S. presidents, the military, and the police” (547). In many other countries, this type of thing is banned, strictly forbidden.
The first amendment of the U.S. Constitution talks about freedom of speech and of press. It says, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of press….”
“When the first amendment was ratified in 1791, even the most enlightened leaders of our nations could not have predicted the coming of visual media such as film and television. Consequently, new communication technologies have not always received the same kinds of protection under the First Amendment as those granted to speech or print media like newspapers, magazines, and books” (561).
3. Freedom of speech and of press is something that I think we as Americans pride our self in and should pride our self in. Many countries do not have this privilege, and their governments watch them a lot more strictly.
4. Will the government try to censor more of what we put out in the media?
Thesis:
ReplyDeleteThis chapter closely examines the First Amendment, its history and impact, as well as modern-day censorship in the United States.
3 Supporting Arguments:
“Despite the First Amendment’s provision that “Congress shall make no law” restricting speech, the federal government has made a number of laws that do just that, especially concerning false or misleading advertising, expressions that intentionally threaten public safety, and certain speech restrictions during times of war or other national security concerns” (551).
“A major criticism of recent criminal cases concerns the ways in which lawyers use the news media to comment publicly on cases that are pending or are in trial. After the Sheppard reversal in the 1960s, the Supreme Court introduced safeguards that judges could employ to ensure fair trials in heavily publicized cases These included sequestering juries…moving cases to other jurisdictions, limiting the number of reporters, and placing restrictions, or gag orders, on lawyers and witnesses” (559).
“…it is becoming increasingly important that the civic role of watchdog be shared by both citizens and journalists. Citizen action groups like Free Press, the Media Access Project, and the Center for Digital Democracy have worked to bring media ownership issues into the mainstream. However, it is important to remember that the First Amendment protects not only the news media’s free-speech rights but also the rights of all of us to speak out” (573).
Personal Story:
The bias of a jury is something which I was concerned about during the Zimmerman trial. Given the level of controversy and the sheer level of media coverage, how could the court guarantee any jury member’s unbiased view of the situation? With the revolution of modern news coverage, the information from other news sources about highly publicized court cases creates a strange, but difficult barrier for juries to remain unbiased and only be influenced by the facts of the case itself.
Question:
How can we better maintain the parameters of the first amendment while protecting citizens in this information-rich age?
Chapter 16
ReplyDelete1. In the beginning of America's history as a democratic nation, our leaders guaranteed free speech and expression, but as our role in the world and access to information has changed, the view of free speech has had to be reexamined.
2. Unlike many countries, America allows it's citizens free speech and expression. At the base of this is the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution which guarantees free speech and press. However this has been questioned and modified after the Pentagon Papers case and the Progressive Magazine case, both which people feared would cause danger to national security, in times of war, for copyright infringement, libel, what is too obscene for public viewing, and privacy. It has also been raised into question in contrast to the sixth amendment in the courtroom as to whether what happens inside should be available to the public. In the rise of the digital age, these rules of free speech and press have had to be looked at in a new light in both movies and the internet. People have debated over what should be allowed to be shown, like harmful and disturbing images and information, especially on the internet.
3. Would there be any way for the US government to gain control over the internet the same way China has, or did they not jump in early enough?
4. I think we all take our freedom of speech for granted. The idea that the government wouldn't allow something to be said or that they would punish someone for speaking out is not something I can even imagine. Even though sometimes hurtful opinions are expressed, I would much rather have that than the government taking control over our freedom of speech.
The First Amendment in the media has evolved as censorship in the United States is becoming more open to question.
ReplyDeleteFree speech is a defining quality of American history, and, “In the United States, the
First Amendment has theoretically prohibited censorship.” (550) However, in media government officials have often stepped in to censor the words of another. The discussion as to whether too much public information threatens national security is an ongoing debate. The Wikileaks controversy is an example of exposure of national secrets and the government’s race to do damage control. Media may skew public and court perception in judicial proceedings. In this case the first amendment is working against the sixth, which allows the accused the right to a fair and speedy trial. Although the right to freedom of expression is being exercised it may lead to an unfair trial as lawyer comments and proceedings affect public opinion. The function of freedom of speech in recent years has been blurred. “Congress substantially increased the FCC’s maximum allowable fine to $315,000 per incident of indecency” (586) This policy was rejected, free speech was obstructed. The media hold the right to freedom of expression, yet a parent upset with the content on their TV has the same right to express their views as well.
I think freedom of speech is a necessary right for any human being. When that right is applied to businesses and big media corporations its fairness becomes muddled. I think the FCC should hold networks more accountable for the content they put on airwaves. As I saw in “MissRepresentation” what we view as children has a major influence on us as adults.
Is it possible for the internet to ever be censored?
Chapter 16
ReplyDelete1.) The basis of this chapter is to explore how media is controlled legally and how it is regulated in its interactions with the other spheres of society like politics and economics.
2.) The first section of the chapter is about how the tradition of free press and free speech started, and looks at several models of expression: the authoritarian model which only allows for the publishing of material which supports the government; the communist or state model where the press is allowed a bit more criticism of how the state is run or who is running it, but not the basic ideals behind the governmental system; and the social responsibility model, where variety and disagreement are generally encouraged. This is followed by a look at the first amendment and proactive censorship, as well as the wide variety of unprotected forms of speech like copyright infringement and libel, obscenity, and the right to privacy. It then finishes with a look at the competition between the first and sixth amendments.
The second section then looks at the interaction between film, a medium which is decidedly different than actual language, and how it interacts with the first amendment, such as the motion picture code and the MPAA ratings system. The third section then looks at examples of media, such as the FCC regulations of media, the hefty fines associated with obscene speech, and the blacklisting of people as a result of anti-communist sympathies. It also looks at regulation (or rather, enforced lack thereof) of the internet, and ends with a look at the first amendments interaction with democracy.
3.) Once again, I haven't a clue how to give you a personal story about this. I mean, I guess I found the topic fascinating like my peers seem to have, but it's not something I have personal experience with. I guess one thing I always thought would be interesting to see is how one would handle the press in a proper Communist society as a thought experiment, as opposed to the grim reality of many of the “communist” dictatorships that have arisen in the past century.
4.) How could one create a social responsibility-based press in a country where government and business are the same thing, such as a proper socialist or communist country? (Not a recent, actual country like the USSR or China, but a hypothetical future country)
Chapter 16:
ReplyDelete1.This chapter talks about the battle between freely expressing oneself and ideas and the restrictions made by the governments.
2.It began with the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution that people could express themselves and their ideas freely. However, other laws were issued to restrict speeches and expressing ideas in mediums other than journalism and the press. In recent years, movies have sparked concerns about their, to some viewers, vulgar content which lead to great censorship and banning of some movies, which later lead to the creation of the MPAA rating system to inform the audience about the content of the movies.
3.I just love the MPPA rating system because many times I watch movies based on it as well as choose the appropriate movies for my younger siblings to watch. Of course, the MPPA system applies only to foreign, not Arabic, movies, and we do not have a similar system in the Arab world, which makes the viewer judge the content of the movies based on the trailer. Because we do not have a similar system, so many movies, foreign and Arabic, were banned in the Arab with the excuse of inappropriate content, which is not only frustrating but also reinforcing the need for such a system.
4.Is it possible to have a completely free representation of ideas? And if so, how dangerous to the society would that be that?
1. With today's changing society, especially technologically, there is growing debate over what the First Amendment protects.
ReplyDelete2. After the First Amendment was created, there have been several laws made by the federal government that contradict the provision that Congress cannot restrict speech. Libel, for example, is not protected by the First Amendment, nor is obscenity, since it is does not constitute a legitimate form of expression.
In the early 20th century, some people criticized movies on the basis that they would undermine morality. As a result, the film industry developed ways to screen movies and developed the rating system (G, PG, R, X) that we are familiar with today.
The internet has recently become a source for unlimited free speech for many people since it is not regulated by the government and therefore isn't subject to the Communications Act of 1934. However, there is a possibility that this could change and the internet could become an information service that people have to pay for rather than the essential utility that it is today.
3. In my journalism class in high school I experienced one form of expression not protected by the First Amendment. I was writing a piece on a college volleyball hazing incident at SUNY Geneseo that one of my former teammates was involved in and interviewed her about it. She asked that I didn't use her name in the article and I had to comply because of her right to privacy.
4. How many exceptions can there be before the First Amendment becomes inapplicable in America?
Chapter 16:
ReplyDelete1. This chapter focuses on the beginnings of free expression and free press as well as types of media such as film, print, broadcasting, and online communication in relation to the laws attached to the rights, wrongs of the First Amendment.
2. In the United States, we the citizens have greater amounts of rights when it comes to free speech specifically in comparison to many other nations across the world. Four models for speech and journalism have been used to categorize differentiating values connected to freedom of expression of one’s beliefs exhibited through conversation. These models include the authoritarian model, communist model, libertarian model, and social responsibility model that are diverse because of the amount of liberty admitted. The First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution has prohibited censorship of speech considered harmful or politically incorrect known as prior restraint in the Supreme Court. However, expression of obscenity known as false or misleading advertising that has the potential for dangerous impact on public safety are deemed not warranting security as discourse under legal documents representation.
Other legal issues that also affect freedom of expression comprise copyright infringement which legally safeguards the rights the authors and producers in relation to their published as well as unpublished creations that cannot be stolen and the culprit receiving credit for the work. These encompass writing, music, lyrics, television programs, movies, and graphic art designs. It is in the best interest of media companies to publicize detailed stories, articles, and overall commentary that’s fair content based on judgment of journalists as well as to not report information when it applies to individuals consent to the right of privacy.
The arrival of film and television came about following the First Amendment’s ratification in 1791. The rising fame of mass motion picture movies resulted in the putting together of censorship groups for the reason of forecasting that the films would negatively impact children by provoking excessive violence rates across the nation and damage positive ethics. Film was ruled in a Supreme Court case to be a “business pure and simple” as opposed to a form of speech. In the early days of broadcasting, the broadcasters were focused on equal opportunity in allocating public airwaves as well as reducing conflict. The current difficult task for legislators is the ability to apply laws to internet, while also paying extensive focus on the presenting of content that is regulated, and the continued ownership discussions surrounding industry officials relaying to control.
3. I have not personally experienced times when media industries as well as its journalists, reporters, and editors have reshaped their language to fit proper communication without false advertising, but have seen it on electronic technology. I have seen it in electronic media when many companies do their best to make products as well as vacations getaways better than what they truly happen to be to attract attention from viewing consumers. This can create a plethora of indecencies in the market economy that will negatively impact business with consumers lacking trust in the future. However, corporations also need to be careful of not committing violations when it comes to getting in trouble with the federal government from specific detrimental discourse.
4. Will freedom of expression regulations become more or less extensive over time in the electronic media industry based on the government’s implemented practices in society?
Media Revolutions Ch 16
ReplyDelete1) Chapter 16 depicts the new freedom that has become a part of the democratic lives by ways of media.
2) The free press, such as the Federalists papers during the American Revolution and the rise of America was one the first evident cases of freedom of press. The freedom of press is still a freedom that many Americans enjoy today. They create newspapers, blogs, and any kind of writing on social media. Cameras and film are then introduced into the world of free speech and free press. This has caused some different thinking in the minds of those who deal with privacy and censorship for those protected by the constitution. As Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy speaks out, he explains that cameras will only cause harm and begin to create problems if they were introduced into the courtroom. Finally, the FCC is created and places bans and restrictions in some cases. When adult language program on the radio called Topless Radio is played across the airwaves in the afternoon, the FCC places a ban on the program to wait until children will not be up and listening to the program. The FCC also fines stations for their television programs, such as Without a Trace when it depicted teenagers in a sexual orgy.
3) I watch shows on HBO and Netflix frequently. Since these shows are part of a programming that is not public to all, unless you choose to pay for their programs, they do not have to follow such strict guidelines. I enjoy watching shows such as House of Cards and Game of Thrones that have inappropriate scenes and language very regularly.
4) Will the restrictions on these programs ever be lifted by a Court decision hat provides the organizations of such freedoms.
Chapter 16
ReplyDelete1. America has been fortunate enough to practice freedom of speech with has followed through with journalism, but with the growing technology of today's media, people are having a harder time distinguishing what the First Amendment protects.
2. - For journalism, there are four categories that protect the writers from the government and keep them from veering away from the First Amendment. These are the authoritarian model, communist or state model, libertarian model, and social responsibility model. All of these models protect journalisms. The most mainstream model is the social model, because it is how most writers produce their work. They are usually privately owned.
-When the First Amendment came about, they did not take into account that one day the United States would be making films and movies. With this, the freedom of speech act did not necessarily cover the film world. Because of this, they did not always receive the same type of protection as the writing world had. After television hit and it was almost impossible to keep this new technology out of people's grasps, they were finally granted the same rights, with ratings that warn people about the content prior to watching the films.
-Now that media has refocused with the online world, there is an entirely new element to what can and cannot be viewed and read by citizens. Because the Internet is so easy to access in today's day and age, it is hard to distinguish what should be seen. The current challenge for legislators is how to apply laws to the Internet, with most of the debate focusing on issues surrounding content, as well as ownership and control issues.
3.I really do not have any first hand experience with issues with freedom of speech. I have always had the fortunate ability to write whatever I like and be able to share it with whoever I like. I am not necessarily writing about issues rather more fiction and story orientated, which I guess makes that easier. Regardless, it is nice to know that my thoughts and ideas can be shared and explored freely without worrying about if what I write is allowed or not. It truly is a privilege people can take for granted.
4. Will laws become more strict or leant as time progresses?
1. This chapter is all about the legal system and its affects it has on media
ReplyDelete2.
a. the rights to privacy have always been called into question especially when dealing the paparazzi. This can be seen with the pressing of criminal charges by the English royal family on the tabloids for printing topless photos of Princess Kate
b. the problem of “sexting” and the boundaries of child pornography and pornography in general have started to come into question. With the expansion of the camera phone comes the questioning of what can be shared and what cant be shared
c. The MPAA rating system has been around since 1966 when Jack Valenti was hired to run and establish a rating system that would eventually be broken down to ratings we know today. These ratings also carry an age group category.
3. With the ever-changing technological world in which we now live in it makes me wonder what these restrictions on media will look like in a few years. I remember growing up not hearing half the language I hear on the radio or TV these days. I remember days when bitch and ass were completely taboo to say. Now a day we see that they have been accepted into media because of their double meanings. I’m just waiting for the day when all curse words will be TV acceptable.
4. Will censorship ever die in American Media?
Chapter 16
ReplyDelete1) This chapter discusses free expression and the impact the First Amendment has on mass media.
2) “When students from other cultures attend school in the United States, may are astounded by the number of books, news articles, editorials, cartoons, films, TV shows, and web sites that make fun of U.S. presidents, the military, and the police.” (547). The US is much more accustomed to free expression than other countries. Other countries often put people in jail, or kill people, if they are caught mocking their government.
“Ironically, the Sedition Act, the first major attempt to constrain the First Amendment, became the defining act in solidifying American support behind the notion of free press.” (550). Although there were attempts to stop the ability to have free expression through media, the notion of free press is stronger than ever. As American’s we have freedom of speech, therefor we should be able to, and are able to, publish whatever we like in the press, even if that includes mocking the government.
The First and the Sixth Amendment have often clashed together in multiple times in history. The case of Sam Sheppard in 1954 is a perfect example. The press covered his story extensively and accused him of being guilty of murdering his wife. Because the headlines were already pronouncing him guilty (First Amendment), he never received a fair trial (Sixth Amendment) and was convicted. Twelve years later his new lawyer came forward and argued Sheppard never had a fair trial because of the press, so the court overturned his conviction and Sheppard was freed.
3) Although, I know better than to believe everything I read in magazines, sometimes it is my first reaction to believe everything I see. A lot of the time, the press over exaggerates certain stories, and they do not give the full truth. As part of the public eye, it is my first reaction to believe it because it is what is being told to me by the news. Free expression and free press, therefore, has affected me, as well as many others, my entire life.
4) Will the government ever create a law that makes publically mocking the government or military illegal?
Really good questions re: freedom of information and speech in a digital media culture, colleagues.
ReplyDeleteI have no easy answers for you.
Way to dive deep,
Dr. Rob
Chapter 16:
ReplyDelete1.) Chapter 16 analyzes the existence of freedom of speech and expression in 21st century society.
2.) Journalism, as described in the four models on page 548, has existed to do four main things. 1) Guide/ lead the citizens of a state, 2) spread the interests/ authority of various powers, 3) manipulate public thought and opinion, 4) provide the public with uncensored and unbiased information. Although these four points differ dramatically, journalism and press media differ from country to country. Page 549 briefly sums up the the ideal role of the press in the United States.
"The press functions as a fourth estate- that is, as an unofficial branch of government that monitors the legislative, judicial and executive branches for abuses of power. In theory, private ownership keeps the news media independent of government"p.549 Although the press remains "free" and "uncensored" in the US, instances like the Pentagon Paper Case and Wiki Leaks have blurred the lines between what can be free or censored speech. Page 559 discussed the relationship between the first and sixth amendment. This section includes an instance in which an accused individual did not receive a fair trial due to the courts biases brought on by the local press. "The press editorialized in favor of Shepard's quick arrest; some papers even pronounced him guilty." Later in the case however, Sheppard's lawyer argued against the courts decision due to the reports issued by the press.
3.) One of the most interesting and compelling instances of an infringement on the first amendment comes from the implementation of the PATRIOT act in 2001. Not only does this act completely undermine the right to a fair trial, freedom of speech and innocent until proven guilty, it undermines completely the idea of a free and democratic society. Last years case of the Boston bombing for instance, is a perfect, contemporary example of the general effects of the act. Unlike usual suspected criminals, the Tsarnaev brothers were hunted down with out question, resulting in the death of one and the detainment of the other. What is most unsettling to me is the idea that fear and propaganda speak louder than truth and love. I'm tired of the public's blind will to take orders in the name of "national security". All this has resulted in is the death of free speech and free thought.
4.) What's next for the PATRIOT act and others like it? Where will the US go to sustain these attempts to suppress freedom and individuality?
Chapter 16
ReplyDelete1. Chapter sixteen discusses freedom of expression and the legal controls that have been set in place over time.
2. The authoritarian model was developed around the time of the printing press. This model stated that the public, who were mostly illiterate, would need to be educated by the elite, ruling class. The social responsibility model was made around 1947 and it was formed to examine the increasing influence of the press. The flip side of authoritarian model is the libertarian model. This model encourages vigorous government criticism and supports the highest degree of individual and press freedoms.
3. Movies have always been a passion of mine. Nowadays movies are rated PG-13 when ten years ago they would have been R. We have grown into a society that has become more lenient with swear words and nudity. The first nude magazine was very conservative, while today they are.... well not conservative. Movies have become more graphic but they have remained the same rating as before. As a society we have grown more tolerant to these movies and therefore, the movie industry has pushed the limit to what they can show.
4. What will be the next big law/rule concerning freedom of expression?
Chapter 16
ReplyDelete1. This chapter examines the freedom of expression, along with its origins, issues, and how it’s been affected by the Internet.
2. There are many models of expression, these model include the authoritarian model, communist or state model, social responsibility model, and the libertarian model. The idea for free press came about in the United States when many European countries were starting to require printers to have a license. In 1695, England stopped requiring licenses after John Milton published an essay defending free press. The Bill of Rights containing the first ten amendments to the Constitution was adopted in 1791. This included the First Amendment that declares freedom of the press. There are also unprotected forms of expression like seditious expression. Even though it says in the First Amendment that “Congress shall make no law” restricting speech, they proceeded to do just that. Other issues come up when taking a close look at the First Amendment and the Sixth. While the First Amendment protects speech and the press, the Sixth Amendment guarantees an accused individual in “all criminal prosecutions…the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury.” Since the Internet is not regulated by the government, it has offered a space for individuals for unlimited free speech under the First Amendment.
3. Some of this information was familiar to me before from the journalism class I took my junior year in high school. Since we were casting interviews and recording data, everyone in the class had a steno notebook. I remember the very first thing our teacher had us do was write the First Amendment on the front cover of the notebook. This is when it was introduced to me how much the First Amendment has an impact on journalism.
4. What will happen to our freedom of speech in the future?
Chapter 16
ReplyDelete1. This chapter talks about freedom of expression, its origins and its impact on society.
2. Free press began when European countries were starting to require printers to have a license and the U.S. didn’t want that to happen. Eventually England stopped requiring licenses because John Milton published an essay that supported free press. In 1791 the First Ten Amendments were adopted, the first of which declared Freedom of the Speech, Press, Religion, Petition and Assembly. This amendment prohibits law making that would affect these freedoms. Journalism is dependent upon this Freedom of Speech because in order to get the news to the people they must have the ability to give all of the facts.
3. I have had experience with the First Amendment my entire life, however one time in particular was when I wrote a petition to my middle school in order to change the way that they went about our graduation ceremony. I didn’t agree with the way that the school was changing things so I decided to take matters into my own hands. In the end I was successful, and my teachers were impressed by the way that I took matters into my own hands instead of complaining like everyone else.
4. As media continues to grow and converge, how will freedom of speech be affected?
1. This chapter is about the how freedom of expression was reconciled with mass media in the USA.
ReplyDelete2. Freedom of expression is certainly not unique to only the United States but many Countries do not have such guarantees such as the first Amendment. The models for that describe the different meanings of free expression are the authoritarian, communist, social responsibility, and the libertarian model. The first Amendment does not protect against acts of sedition, copyright infringement, libel rhetoric, and obscenity. With the dawn if mass cinema the government had to regulate films in reasonable fashion so that they did not violate rights while at the same time maintaining a social decency which gave rise to the MPAA ratings system. This type of regulation was enacted on publications, radio programs, and tv shows, but rather than ratings, fines were directed to stem indecent mass media.
3. The piece on sexting to me was interesting. While I think people are more informed about the possible repercussion for sexting than they were when it became such a popular term in our verbal lexicon, nevertheless I think social ramifications are more widely considered than legal ones. It easier for a young person to immediately conceive of social consequences rather than the seemingly nonsensical effect of lawmakers within a antiquated bureaucratic digital law schema. Not that I sexted anyone though.
4. Is it ever really possible to maintain a effective system of governance when rapidly developing technologies challenge the line between freedom of expression and illegal activity quicker than laws can be enacted?