Truth, Justice and The Internet Way

Media Technology can be used for the common good or for just plain evil. We have seen in the last two months how the internet, cell phones and Youtube have been the catalyst for social change in countries that are very resistant to change.  Some of that change has been for real and some of it has been for show.

Witness Saudi Arabia and other countries giving away billions to their disaffected populations. Do the people in power really believe they can stave off revolution by throwing money at people? There are problems that require a change of heart and minds, not just the King’s spare change.

We have also seen that subjects or viewpoints that we disagree with or find reprehensible abound in cyberspace. Whether it is some bizarre cultural practice or some group hating another, the internet plays host to all. 


The US Supreme Court recently ruled that the Westborough Baptist Church of Wichita had a right to picket the funerals of soldiers to express their hatred of  homosexuals. Though many of us find the actions and message of Westboro Baptist Church disgusting, the Supreme Court ruled a small group of people have the right to offend the majority.

In repressive countries like China, Iran and North Korea  the government has total control over what information their citizens receive.  In North Korea for instance the people are starving and are told that Americans are cannibals.  Many people believe it because they have been brainwashed by the state.  My fecetious reply to a curious North Korean would be, "Why you are so skinny you wouldn't even make a good snack.“

Media can be manipulated to seem authentic and real.  If you don’t have the technology to do so, the next best thing is to repress the truth and create a reality that will help control the masses.  Some people entrenched in power for decades believe the general population cannot handle the truth and will go to great lengths to protect both lies and truth.  Ultimately the truth is not in the eye of the beholder, but in the power of the person, or organization presenting what they say is the truth.

I believe that hundreds, if not thousands of people have died this week in all the conflicts going on in the world. The only truth I am really sure of this week is that "Knut" the polar bear died.