The following are themes that touch on many of the topics we’ve discussed in Hum102 this term–
- freedom of speech
- surveillance
- changing perceptions of privacy (including our discussion of the apathy/ambivalance to diminished privacy)
- issues/discussion of anonymity
- how Web 2.0 levels the playing field/threatens the establishment (newspapers, education, etc)
- the importance of a diversification of media (different points of view)
- the importance of discussing, understanding, and questioning dominant culture/power (includes utilizing technology to spread different points of view; keeping history alive and accurate; avoiding history being written and revised by solely those in power)
- the importance of a Read/Write culture – participatory (Lawrence Lessig's Ted video)
- the importance of safe-guarding our rights in a time of war and disaster (think about our discussion of the Patriot Act, for example)
- the importance of the internet as a communication outlet for global citizens – the potential to understand one another better and avert conflict
- overall, 1894 emphasizes the importance of keeping alive curiosity, of educating yourself and others about the issues (understanding what goes on behind the curtain), and of caring and participating in society. We must be the ones that decide how we will utilize technology; how we will use it to actively shape our world instead of passively being shaped by it.
