Topic 5
Edward Snowden: the presumption of guilt/innocence
Is Edward Snowden a hero or villain? There's arguments for both cases.
For those who think Snowden is a hero, consider this: The rule of law is a cornerstone for all societies, and considering the notion of national security, Snowden knowingly broke laws whose breakability individuals really don't get to decide on; can we even imagine the consequences if everybody claimed the right to decide which stolen government secrets should be revealed and which shouldn't?
For those who think Snowden is a villain, consider this: Have you considered the information that Snowden, like Bradley Manning (and Julian Assange) before him, made public? Information that we had not just a right but a need to know. Information that was seemingly suppressed because the United States government seems to have evolved to the point that in a truly nonpartisan way it believes it's no longer needs to answer to its citizens.
The fact that there is legitimate cases for both sides of the argument proves that Toffler's (1980) notion of media biased presumption has no place in the modern media, where there is easy accessibility to independent and impartial opinions on matters such as this one, through the use of Blogs and social a media.
The modern media landscape lends itself to George Ritzer's theory on presumption (2010) which argues that due to the rise of user-generated online content, presumption on news stories like Snowden's are more centralised, due to both 'pro' and 'con' arguments being accessible.
Personally, I feel that the blogs, such as this one, and social media pages are a valuable commodity, as they provide and independent and impartial public sphere.
REF
Ritzer, George and Jurgenson, Nathan 2010 ‘Production, Consumption, Prosumption: The nature of capitalism in the age of the digital ‘prosumer’, Journal of Consumer Culture, vol. 10 no. 1, pp 13-36.
Toffler, Alvin. (1980). The third wave: The classic study of tomorrow. New York, NY: Bantam.
Hi Ryan, firstly, I would like to say that I enjoyed how you were able to effectively see both sides of this issue. Being impartial to an issue in my opinion helps an individual construct a more valuable and accurate decision. At first I considered Snowden a hero, because as individuals in a functioning democracy (especially the U.S) we have the right to access all governmental information. However, your first point allowed me to be less ignorant and see the external outcomes of Snowden's actions. He did ultimately engage in an area that could threaten National Security of the country. Thank you for you insightful blog as it has allowed me to make my own decision on this issue. It was clear from start to finish!
ReplyDeleteHi Ryan,
ReplyDeleteI must say that your post this week is great because you managed to explain about Snowden in different perspectives. It is also very simple, straightforward and easy to understand.
Although both Snowden and Assange did disclose some information regarding the US Government, the way i see it Snowden is definitely a different case from Assange. And the information that Snowden reveals really isn't something too shocking. Thinking about it, I do believe that all os us actually know that we're constantly under surveillance but we tend to do nothing about it. The fact that Snowden is an American whereas Assange is not, made Snowden a betrayer for his own country and he might put his own country national security at stake with his action where he supposed to know these consequences due to the fact that he used to work for the NSA.
Great job Ryan! Keep it up! ;)
Hello Ryan,
ReplyDeleteThe differences and similarities between the Julian Assange case and the Snowden case only further highlight the complexity of the issue. I agree it is better to look at both sides of the argument to develop an understanding of the case. Both Snowden and Assange have sort refuge from regimes with questionable history on freedom and human rights. The media has assassinated both of these individuals character. However, the issue is highly controversial and I myself am divided on whether it is right or wrong. I enjoyed reading your post and agree there is alot to consider.
Regards
Karina
Ryan, I think this would be a really interesting read to follow up on and see whether you could argue a case strongly for one side or the other. The points you have made are valid for both, and it is a good teaser into what could potentially be an excellent extended piece. Given the intense level of background knowledge required to understand this story, combined with our 350 word limit, the one thing I would add is that I felt this piece could have been enhanced by some solid links to educate people who might otherwise have been unaware of the Snowden case.
ReplyDeleteHi Ryan, I loved that you had no problem seeing both sides of the argument clearly. While it is definitely a very contended issue your blog really helped to consider both sides of the argument showing that there is a case to either make Snowden a hero or betrayer. You clearly showed thorough your blog that it is up to the personal opinion of the individual where they stand on the issue. Your blog was clear and easy to follow, great work.
ReplyDeleteHi Ryan, I think your blog really informative regarding this Snowden case and how you observed this case really well. I really like how you wrote your blog and how you mentioned your points really straight to the point. You also could mentioned your arguments in different kind of perspective in this Snowden case. With different kinds of perspective, arguments, personal thoughts of yours, help readers to understand more about this case. The citations that support the blog you wrote and they back up your arguments and personal thought even more really make sense. Well done!
ReplyDelete