We are able to see that new media has played a large role in politics and the way citizens participate in their role of politics in the United States and other technologically established countries around the world, but a good question to investigate is if non technologically advanced regions political participation suffers due to the lack of new media presence.
Here we have so many modes of technology in which political participation can be done, such as:
-Cell phones
-Computers
-Television
-Satellite Radio
-INTERNET!!
-Blogs
-Social Networking Sites
However there are many individuals from other countries who have never seen a computer, or handled a call phone, much like the case studies we examined in class on India, and Ireland. These countries do not have the knowledge of how to not only use these technologies, but how to utilize and harness all that new media can do for themselves and their country. Some individuals may lack the financial standing to own any of these new media portals, or be blocked by a language barrier. They do however, have other means of rallying and getting their voice heard.
Recently in my Spanish class we were watching a video about marches is Santiago, Chile. To organize a march Chileans grab pots and pans and march down the street banging on them, then others join and the continue on, although it seemed effective, a tactic like that would not seem to work as well in a country like the United States.If you were not asked to RSVP for the latest march by a facebook group, then it is likely you will not be in attendance.
Although other countries may not use the same methods of political participation as we do, they still will find the means to make a stand for a cause as to have their thoughts and ideas heard by their government, dictatorship, or authoritarian regime. After researching this topic and blogging about how much new media helps and fosters political participation, I do not believe that it CREATES political participation. Clearly other countries are able to create and participate in other forms, even when new media is not involved, although it does offer a heavy advantage. And one day I believe that the majority of the 5rd world regions will begin to catch up with us,but it is something we need to help them accomplish. And who knows where our level of media use for politics and civic engagement will be by then?
I had never heard of the instance of people marching with pots and pans...but it makes sense. If you do not have the technology to reach a greater audience, you make due with what you've got. If banging pots and pans while marching down the street gets people to come out of their homes and other buildings to join you, then do it. They are using what they have, and it's working. Although, they could use the door to door method and get people to participate in advance - still though, the heat of the moment thing makes it more appealing. I agree with you when you say that wouldn't work in the United States...if someone was doing that here, they would probably be arrested or beat up. But then again, it depends on the location... a small rural town, it might fly...a metropolitan city, nope.
ReplyDeleteIt might sound a little arrogant, but we do need to teach/help the third world countries catch up with the times [us], in order for them to have things run at least a little more smoothly. The other countries may like how they are being run, but everything can be more efficient somehow...even our system could be - nothing is perfect.