Thoughts on Blogging

From one lens, it seems that the typical blogger has more time on their hands than the typical citizen to read, write, create remixes of stories, video or artwork and IM. I wish I had the time to journal, be creative and instantly communicate with all of my friends. However, I have an extremely productive urge and a necessity to pay my bills. Do I sound bitter? I would be interested to see the economic status of the typical blogger. The Pew Internet & American Life Project gives statistics about the educational backgrounds of bloggers. Without reading their findings, I assumed that large portions of bloggers are supported by their parents having the money to purchase gadgets that support their habits, pay for bandwidth and enjoy their days?

I know a blogger quite well, let’s call her Lee. She rarely works and her parents economically support her at the age of 30. She hangs out in her brand new house that her relatives bought her, takes pictures of her children and then blogs about them frequently. Can you say luxury? She has all of the latest gadgets, computer(s) and is very hip to mainstream media & culture. Again, not to be overly bitter, but I feel that the privileged or the non-active are the ones who have time to blog. I partially agree with the statement that blogging is just another chapter in the narcissistic society of reality show wannabes. Everyone thinks they are on TV or wishes. Blogging and You Tube make it more accessible for everyone to get their face out there to the world and hope that they get their 10 seconds of fame. For instance, look at Chris Brockers’ YouTube success.

On another note, I agree that blogging has amazing potential for the people of the world to share and communicate typically censored political views. I have found this to be particularly essential in countries that are in the middle of war. Blogging is instant. In situations of life & death, to the moment is essential. However, The Pew Internet & American Life Project reports that only 11% of blogs are related to politics of the government. If I read a blog or visit You Tube, I am interested in finding out something that I can’t find out in mainstream media, because our media is so censored. For example: Earlier this week, Canada heard Sally Fields say “God Damn War!” at the Emmy Awards and Americans were censored by Fox? Not a surprising action from Fox, but what’s that all about? Americans aren’t allowed to say anything negative about the War? Do we have to go on-line to get the meat of a story? In a lot of cases, I would say yes. Americans are not allowed to see coffins but we are allowed to know the numbers? No visuals; What, are Americans not smart enough to translate numbers to bodies? Our government manipulates and lies to control our masses. Media complies so that they can keep their job. Everyone is scared of the FCC. What happened to freedom of speech? I guess it went to blog & learn how to use You Tube.

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