Photoshop for Democracy

Oct. 26th, 2009 RW Revived

Initially unaware of the point the author was trying to prove, the author used rich use of metaphors and examples to coherently getting his point across. Being a student who likes to make rich use of textual references, I could immediately relate to the argument posed in this essay. Further, growing up a digital native, I watched as the internet grew popular and the key programs that were behind it’s enormous growth. Though these topics may not seem like they’re directly relatable, they are - specifically when technology gets involved.

Aware of much of the happenings occurring within the music industry -namely hip hop - I’ve watched as the broadening of the internet has both helped and hurt it’s growth. Early in hip hop’s history, many artists faced backlash because of their sampling. Similarly within text, authors often require some sort of reference if their art is being used. Though the two seem like they’re not related at all, they both belong to their respective owners in a respective manner and their authors are capable of controlling it’s manipulation.

Also, a fact I found interesting was behind the section in the essay was about blogs. It seems everywhere you look now a days someone is using or creating a blog. Growing up in America I believed that we are the central source of blogs, but Japan is. I found this remarkably interesting because I’ve never been on any blog outside of the English language.

Further, I found the insert of how the internet couldn’t possibly be a fad due to it’s large user base. Unlike any other fad out generation has seen, the blogs alone have millions on top of millions of users. Considering it’s such a huge consumer base, It would probably take a very long time for it to go out of style.

Photoshop For Democracy

Using the phrase, “Photoshop for Democracy,” as a participatory slogan for the public’s newfound freedom of speech, Jenkins shines light on how the new age of technology is manipulating politics.

Beginning with John Kerry’s involvement with expanding his supporter’s use of the e-mail, Jenkins highlights what sparked the new internet age of political satire. Briefly mentioning the slogan in the reading, Jenkins says, “It is easy to make fun of the concept of "Photoshop for democracy," especially given the persistence with which lowbrow and popular culture references are read over the more serious issues of the campaign. Some might well argue that circulating these images is a poor substitute for more traditional forms of political activism...” In agreement with Jenkins, I too think the introduction of Photoshop and countless other programs introduce a new angle to politics. Political comedy sketches, once only found in newspaper sketches, are now almost on any website you browse with the common domestic use of Photoshop. Also in agreement, was co-creator of Photoshop, John Kroll, who says, “the software program had democratized media in two ways: by allowing smaller groups to have professional

quality graphics at low cost, and by allowing the public to manipulate and recirculate powerful images to make political statements.”

Eventually crossing my own path, one of the most memorable forms of “Photoshop for Democracy” would have to be a t-shirt done following the election of our current president, Barack Obama. Arguably one of the most controversial elections of our time, nearly every form of “Photoshop for Democracy” was used. But being a huge fan of the clothing brand, Undercrown, and sports, this particular item was over the top for me. Resembling the monumental fight between Mohammed Ali and Sonny Liston. The fight marked a milestone in boxing; and likewise, the drawing captured the same.

Autobiography Final

http://www.zshare.net/audio/6691328563cfd93d/

Convergence culture, digital media literacy response

Devoting much of the chapter towards defining convergence, it’s features, and how it seems to be unfolding, Jenkins summarized it’s characteristics and presenting examples illustrating how he did so. Convergence, a trending topic among emerging technology, consumes much discussion due to it’s common relevance. Ranging in characteristics, one particular characteristic cannot precisely pinpoint what convergence is.

Convergence, “the flow of content across multiple media platforms, the cooperation between multiple media industries and the migratory behavior of media audiences who will go almost anywhere in search of the kinds of entertainment experience they want”, although ambiguously worded, this characterizes the many approaches convergence can take. For example, as the rise of social networking platforms continue to bloom, the consuming audience can now concisely group their desired entertainment. Sites such as twitter, and programs like RSS feeds allow consumers to do just this. Speaking from experience, I found that sites such as these allow me to filter out all undesirable news and allow me to focus on particular articles or genres of news that I find interest in.

Interestingly enough, the story shared by the author illustrates the complications that could ensue because of convergence. As Jenkins recalls, “I was told by mobile company after company that they don’t make single-function phones anymore. Nobody wants them.” A common problem amongst digital immigrant consumers, the consumers demand - an effect of convergence - doesn’t always suit everyone. Although the majority of consumers may want updated phones, there are some consumer who prefer simple conventional phones, and they’re at a disadvantage. So, while it may seem there are no flaws to convergence, not everyone benefits, namely digital immigrants.

As a result of convergence, readers, writers and consumers of media are changing. Readers, once restricted to newspapers and news broadcasts, can now access their media in many fashions: company websites, you tube, RSS feeds and more. Writers are finding themselves adjusting to convergence in whatever way might seem beneficial to them. With the emergence of bloggers and open discussion forums, the voice of the public has never been so prevalent. Once almost entirely reliable on professional writers, most individual sources of information speak for themselves now. Consumers of media may indeed have the highest advantage as a result of convergence. Prior to convergence, consumers were forced to purchase whatever media they wished to read or watch. Now, programs like Justin.tv, zshare, you tube etc. allow consumers to not only read and watch something for free, but also, whenever they want. Similarly, in last week’s reading, Palfrey and Gasser noted although the emerging technologies help digital natives, the digital immigrants are left out of consideration. In this case, the author simply wanted a traditional phone, but because of convergence, it’s imperative electronic companies respond to the consumers demand.

Finally, while convergence is a disadvantage for some, the majority of consumers appreciate it. Integrating so many platforms of information, information has never been so easy have an aggregate source of technology. Ultimately, this revolution will compliment us all with it’s benefits.

My technology background

http://www.zshare.net/audio/6634732036fdac70/

Palfrey and Gasser recorded response

http://www.zshare.net/audio/663018603ab842ed/