Today, we live in an environment where one person can put their opinion on social media and cause riots and violence on the other side of the world. I’m not sure what this means for the global society. I 100% agree that what the video stands for is wrong. I also understand why it upset thousands of Muslims across Egypt and Libya. What I don’t stand for is the violence. Chris Stevens was a lifelong worker of peace in the Middle East. He had nothing to do with the production, distribution, or opinions voiced in the YouTube video, yet he was killed. The attack may have been previously planned but was compounded by the mass protests occurring on the streets.
I think that the events that just occurred need serious consideration on many levels. In terms of this blog and of technology and media, I think that a serious look at the gravity of events that social media can initiate is necessary. From causing suicides due to cyber bullying, to causing nations to riot and commit acts of violence due to racial and religious insensitivity, social media has a wide range of effects on a local and global scale. I don’t think censorship is the answer, but I think that consideration for others could go a long way. Just consider what these Libyans in Benghazi put on social media.
In this case, I believe its important to understand the context in which information is consumed and controlled in these countries.
ReplyDeleteThe riots protesting the youtube video were asking for an apology, but from whom? How can the US government or its representatives (ambassadors) be held responsible for what any individual decides to post online?
However, Libya is an example of a country where there is no real separation of media and state, basically everything that goes out is overseen by the government. So for some of these people, the fact that the US is doing nothing about the video is not really conceivable and therefore disrespectful.
Calvin, you are right about you are right about people needing to consider more about what they put on social media. What people do is when they put something on youtube or facebook, they do not think of the ratifications that could come of it. Too often today do people go on these social media sites and think that they are in their own little world outside of the reality of life.
ReplyDeleteI believe that the violence that became of this youtube was completely unnecessary and uncommon to what is believed in the Islamic faith. However, there are extremist groups who do not necessarily adhere to some of the beliefs of Islam.
-Alec Rzepkowski
Your blog has valid points for all people to stop and consider the actions of others. Americans should not be held accountable for the stupidity of individuals who abuse the First Amendment. Anyone can write, produce or say unethical random things in America, other parts of the world don't understand this right Americans have called Freedom of Speech. I am glad you put a link to the Libyan people showing their faces and flyers representing their beliefs. They clearly do not agree with violence and do not want to be held accountable for the terrorists/ protestors. We all need to consider others in every aspect of life around the world. Love your neighbor!
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comments! I agree with what you're saying. The cultural relevance of the 1st Amendment is definitely not understood in other parts of the world. The ability to critique our government or speak our opinions freely is something that is unique and a blessing that we live with. I am glad that you noticed the photos of the Libyans! I think that it is a powerful message, their protesting the violence, the same way that we as Americans don't stand for what the YouTube video's message was.
DeleteIt is obvious that the person who created the Youtube video was trying to get a rise out of the Muslim community. Though, I'm not sure if they anticipated the response that the video received. I couldn't imagine the video being so horrid as to cause this many Anti-American protests and riots, but, as you stated, it's all about timing. There has already been so much unrest in the Middle East and the feelings about America in the Middle East have been anything but pleasant. It seems that it was just a matter of time before they would find a reason for these riots.
ReplyDeleteIt's refreshing to read an article like this after seeing what major news sources and many others are saying about the death of Chris Stevens. There is a clear distinction between the protestors and those who killed Chris Stevens, and you do a good job of separating the two. Saying no to censorship is definitely a good thing and consideration for others would be great, but I think hasty reactions are also at fault. -Daniel
ReplyDeleteCalvin,
ReplyDeleteThere is not a word you wrote that I would disagree with. It truly is tragic that an innocent man was the target of such an awful attack. Mass media has developed over the past years to being one of the prime ways the world communicates and receives information. A video with such magnitude as this only takes seconds to be seen while causing such controversy. When something such as this occurs, there is only one question I think everybody wants answered; What's next? Where is it that we go from here?
I completely agree with this post, I think that people sometimes don't understand the power of social media. I don't think that whomever posted the video of the prophet muhammad intended to start a riot. However they did start a riot and that riot killed and hurt many people. During the dnc a man was arrested for posting on his twitter a plan to kill the president. The public needs to take social media more seriously and know that when they post something it is out there for the world to see.
ReplyDeleteAnna
I agree with you that this video would be very offending to Muslims. As well as that this should not lead to violence of any sort. This video was created by a random guy in California and should not seen as a major representative of the United States. If something like this was created by a member of the government then it would be under consideration as riot worthy. I think that people need to pay closer attention to who the creator is when it comes to offensive social media posts. This would help avoid further conflicts like this one.
ReplyDeleteMike Reed
Social Media, and the ability for anyone around the world to display their comments for the public to see is extremely dangerous. It allows for people to hide behind a computer screen instead of stating their comments face to face. This violence in Libya is a perfect example of the problems caused by not only social media but the internet altogether. It is too easy for others to harm each other with their words while not being held accountable for what they say.
ReplyDelete-Griffin Shaw
Social media plays a big role in society today and some people don't realize its role on a global scale. This past spring social media was used to cause a revolution in Egypt. A facebook group was created that attracted thousands of citizens to protest and riot. This cause the leader of Egypt to resign from office. While this act through social media was non-violent, it still shows the vastness of social media and how fast it can spread. So I would have to agree with you that censorship is not the answer but the fact that things of this nature are possible needs to be put under consideration.
ReplyDeleteTim C.
I agree that social media is playing such a big part in our society. I also agree that the video was very offending to the muslim community. People do not think before they act sometimes and that is where the problem arises. Though the video was not appropriate it still did not give them the right to kill an innocent person. People should put themselves in the other side of the situation before they decide to do something so drastic. You said censorship may not be a solution, but what can? People have the freedom to say what they want but I do feel that there should be some type of limit to it. But overall I agree with your statements.
ReplyDeleteThis was a very well written and constructed article. I think that in today's age with more freedom of technology does come more responsibility. It is indeed quite unfortunate that people let their emotions get so out of hand that groups turn to violence against others. When making any from of media, the creator should think about the potential impact of what type of message the media is attempting to portray. The rule of thumb is to not say anything you would not want said to someone in person.
ReplyDelete- Shannon Fowler
It is unfortunate of the occurrences that have taken place over the past week due to a video, so we think. Many people believe that the video is the sole reason for the stream of deadly attacks, but some might find that there is more behind the story than just an amateur video. The media has influenced the country to believe that Libyans went on a rant over something so small, but could there actually be something hidden from us? I find it hard to believe that the extremity of violent acts were simply over a YouTube video. In most cases, the media puts out information that protects the government, which can have large effects on local and global scales.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you on your stance concerning the turn of events in Libya, Calvin. It is a travesty that we live in a society where posting one's own opinion on a website can cause an uproar, and possible war in one part of the world. I think what comes into question when debating this issue is does the creator of the film have a right to post his offensive video online. The answer is, nonetheless, yes! He has the freedom to express his opinion in any possible way, no matter if we agree with his view point or not. I think at the end of the day, once we start suppressing that freedom to express ones opinion, that's when we as a democracy began to turn from everything we stand for. However, I still don't agree with the violence!
ReplyDelete-Jorge Munoz
I agree with your comments about how limiting free speech can suppress democracy and what we stand for as a nation. However, the 1st Amendment does not allow for speech that incites hate or violence, obviously this doesn't apply wholly because the violence and hate came from another part of the world where our laws don't apply. I think though, that there is a fine line by which people can use the 1st Amendment as protection. Regardless, I stand for free speech and against violence!!
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