Monday, June 15, 2009

Democracy to Come


I'm beginning to think that the possibility of following the likes of Persiankiwi (whose view of her/his own links is blocked by his/her govt'), Tehranbureau, and their equivalents around the sweet old world is reason enough for people to sign up for twitter. Other media outlets do not (cannot) cut it on a day like today.

4 comments:

J. Andrew Camp said...

SO TRUE. I have been stuck at work this morning since 7 AM and am completely up-to-date because of the tweets I have been able to watch. This is revolution only being covered by new media.

This is where new media starts to transcend flirting, catching up, song suggestions, and iPhone giveaways. (Not that those aren't great and important things.) This is where new media becomes the prophetic. (to use your language)

Anonymous said...

Author John Green's take on the whole situation.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6mqf00InV9E

Derek said...

David,
Thanks so much for these 2 posts. I've been thinking throughout the day (sparked by your wonderful GB talk) about news product's inability to reflect the actual news in the way that people on the ground have through twitter, you tube, etc. (most of what I have seen starting out with andrew sullivan). I did not really 'get' twitter before today. Now it comes into its own both as a media and an organizational tool. History will never be refracted in quite the same way again and this is a good thing...
God bless, Derek

Anonymous said...

I don't know what to make of this all. When I started reading Alexis de Tocqueville's "Democracy in America," (not that I've finished) I was impressed by his take on newspapers in early America and the role they played in fostering community. He spoke as though newspapers galvanized democracy. I've been wondering since about internet/twitter/texting-if anything's able or free enough to do that sort of thing. Does it all depend upon the people? Do the people make it transcend, is it a redemption song?

A prayer for Iran's reformers & all who hope for the people.