I feel that the article provides a comprehensive review of the new media in the modern world of the internet from a diverse and well-thought viewpoint. Bennett is keen to note and clearly explain the changes that characterize the new media. I concur with the author’s argument that in the current world, deliverance and consumption of the media content assume an approach that considerably varies from the customary approach. In this context, I support Bennett’s emphasize the need for remaining alert to the upcoming trends in the media (Bennett, 2003). I also hold the same opinion as the article that media is a tool of great reliance, which means activism or activities that cannot make it to media are likely to be less effective. Therefore, I find Bennett’s worry about the issue of politics being featured minimally in the media to be justified. Politics drives all institutions, meaning that a poor political system is likely to translate to poor performance in all other sectors (Bennett, 2003). It, therefore, becomes arguable that politics should extensively feature in the media to enhance good governance, thus improved performance in all socioeconomic sectors.
My passions and interest include engaging in productive activities and advocacy that can transform people’s attitudes/perception and undertakings to live a better life. I always feel delighted upon realizing that I have successfully engaged actions that have managed to make a difference in my society. I am interested in seeing that individuals in my society are living an improved life. It would be motivating to witnessed aggressive growth in my society socially, economically and politically. This would foster the creation of a happy community where individuals are peacefully co-existing with each other.
I can get involved in activism in situations where I feel the need. I can participate in the demonstration and post a position in the social media to advocate for something. It is apparent that activism is a vital tool for influencing change in our society. Historical events highlight the indisputable potential of this strategy. The freedom, peace and equality that modern society enjoys are the product of individuals who sacrificed themselves by engaging in the risky activity of demonstration to articulate a position. Some situations demand us to take a bold move and engage in demanding and risky undertakings such as demonstrations. In this respect, I feel that I am ready and willing to participate in such activities to foster my community’s wellbeing. Although risky, being involved in such activities brings a sense of satisfaction and achievement. Even when the action has failed to realize its intended objective, one feels better when involved in knowing that at least he or she tried. A person who attempts to participate in culturally important matters is better than the one who helplessly looks at things as they deteriorate.
The impact of the media on activism has resulted in positive change. Although as Bennett (2003) notes that establishing a clear-cut delineation of the effect of media might be challenging, the overall effect of media can be viewed as constructive. Media has provided platform and avenues through which people can raise their concerns and lobby for support. Importantly, with the development and utilization of Internet, media has fastened and globalized activism (DeJong, 2005). Through globalization of activities, states in the modern world are operating and informed by nearly the same ideologies. The internet has opened diverse and convenient opportunities for activism. For instance, engaging in demonstrations the traditional way is demanding and a localized approach to activism; however, posting an advocacy position (possible through the internet) is a very convenient approach to high coverage. Through easing communication and interaction, the internet has amplified the idea of activism.
The Quebec government’s direction demanding all religious minorities serving in the civil service to withdraw their religious symbols is a culture issue in the modern society that requires dialogue. Social-cultural matters mainly present conflicts sides thus creating a dilemma in the society. It is unchallengeable that religion is a controversial and sensitive issue that needs to be approached from a critical and careful viewpoint. Forcing people to remove religious symbols from their workplaces may seem a simple proposal; however, the guideline has the potential of creating serious conflicts in the society. The government should not assume the plight of these minorities who practice this culture. In contrast, it needs to engage them accordingly and seek to establish common ground. The Constitution grants individuals freedom of worship, thus forcing people to abandon some of the practices that might be pertinent to their religion presents as a discriminative move. In particular, individuals practicing this culture are likely to feel that the government is sidelining them for the mainstream society, which may create tension. Dialogue is an efficient and highly recommendable strategy that can successfully be used to address such social-cultural concerns. The Bennett article is recommendable to anyone with anyone with the person of developing their knowledge of media and activism in the modern world.
References
Bennett, L., W. (2003). New Media Power: The internet and Global Activism. Retrieved on 24th March 2016. From https://docs.google.com/viewer?url=https%3A%2F%2Fdepts.washington.edu%2Fgcp%2Fpdf%2Fbennettnmpower.pdf
DeJong, W. (2005). Global activism, global media. London [u.a.: Pluto Press.
