Monday, March 27, 2023

Eight Values of Free expression

    All eight free expression values are essential and interconnected. However, depending on their experiences, perspectives, and cultural backgrounds, some may resonate more with individuals. The expression value that resonates most with me is autonomy and self-realization, because I value my personal freedom and individuality.  

Media Law & Literacy: WEEK 3, Pt. 1: Eight Values of Free Expression

    I value autonomyAutonomy refers to the importance of individuals having the freedom to express themselves and make their own decisions without external influence or threat of force. Autonomy is essential for personal growth and development because it allows people to explore their thoughts and feelings, express their creativity, and pursue their own interests and goals. Autonomy is also important for promoting diversity and innovation because it encourages individuals to contribute their unique perspectives and ideas. People who are free to express themselves can challenge traditional norms and accepted practices, resulting in new ways of thinking and problem-solving.

Media Law & Literacy: SPEECH THEORIES

    Accountability and diversity are two values that I see in action today, based on my observations. People in the information age have access to tons of information and news from various sources. As a result, there is an increasing demand for openness and accountability in a variety of fields, including politics, business, and the media. People want to know who makes decisions that affect their lives, and they expect those people to be held accountable for their actions. Similarly, in various aspects of life, such as culture, language, and identity, diversity is increasingly valued and celebrated. People are becoming more aware of the value of equality, fairness and representation, and they are demanding that various perspectives and experiences be heard and respected. This value is especially important in the digital age, when people from all walks of life can connect and interact with one another on a global scale.

Saturday, March 25, 2023

History of the Supreme Court

    Apparently the court poses for a new picture whenever a new justice arrives. In all of American history there have been just over 100 supreme court justices, serving an average of 16 years. Many stay on the bench for twice that long, decades after the president who appointed them has left office. Joining the supreme court can be a humbling experience, or as one justice said “being appointed to the supreme court is akin to being struck by lightning. 

    Many people called the 14th amendment the second bill of rights, by that they meant that just as the bill of rights was put into place to protect citizens against federal power the 14th amendment has been used pervasively in our time to protect individuals against the excess of state power. So it definitely takes its place in the constitutional galaxy right alongside the bill of rights. 

    The supreme court receives more than a hundred new cases every week, which is about 7,000 cases per year. Most of them arrive as written arguments attempting to persuade the court that a lower court ruling was incorrect. Each justice is assisted by a small staff of law clerks and secretaries, but each of them is individually responsible for deciding each case.The justices meet weekly to choose which cases they will accept and to discuss and vote on cases which have already been argued. I thought this quote from Dick Howard was interesting, “the people that wrote this document called the constitution somehow managed to produce words that actually guide us in solving problems 200 years later.” I’m not sure if my views really changed after watching the videos, I definitely learned a lot but I still see the supreme court as the like best of the best, or the place where laws get instated.


Wednesday, March 22, 2023

Email Privacy

    The issue of privacy has become more relevant and pressing than ever before in the modern digital age. We regularly entrust our personal data to various online services, ranging from social media platforms to online shopping websites, without much thought. However, as Andy Yen points out in his TED talk, Think your email is private? Think again,"  We may not be as safe as we think we are.


Yen's presentation sheds light on the various ways our personal information can be accessed and exploited by organizations ranging from hackers to government agencies. He emphasizes the dangers of mass surveillance, which collects large amounts of data randomly, as well as the lack of transparency and accountability in the companies that collect and store our data.These are not just abstract concepts they have real-world consequences that affect us all. A data breach, for example, can result in identity theft, financial losses, and damage to reputation. Because people may be afraid of being monitored if they express their opinions or engage in activism, mass surveillance can have a chilling effect on free speech and civil liberties. These issues affect our friends and family as well. We often share personal information with them, whether it's through messaging apps, social media, or email. If our data is compromised, it can harm not only us but also those we love and care about.

So, how can we protect ourselves from invasions of privacy? Yen suggests that we use encryption to secure our communications, making it more difficult for unauthorized people to access our data. Also by using strong passwords and avoiding unsecured public Wi-Fi networks, we can be mindful of the types of information we share online and limit our exposure to data breaches.                                                        

    Individual actions, however, can only go so far. It is also critical that the government take steps to protect citizens' privacy rights. This includes holding companies accountable for data breaches and ensuring targeted and transparent government surveillance. The term "responsibility" refers to the act of determining whether or not a person is responsible for his or her own actions. In conclusion, the issue of privacy is complex and multifaceted, and it requires a concerted effort from individuals, businesses, governments, and other organizations to address it effectively. We can help protect ourselves and those around us from the dangers of data breaches and mass surveillance by being mindful of our online behavior and trying to endorse our rights.


Thursday, March 2, 2023

My Five News Sources

The first news source that I would consider very credible is NBC News. It's one of the biggest news stations in the country so it has to be reliable right?

NBC News is widely regarded as a reliable news source due to its reputation for upholding journalistic standards of accuracy, fairness, and lack of bias. NBC News is a major news organization with a long history of covering major world events and issues. NBC News employs experienced and highly trained journalists who have a reputation for accurately and objectively reporting news. NBC News has established editorial standards that guide its reporting, and it is dedicated to fact-checking and verifying information before it is published. It also has a long history of producing high-quality journalism and is well-known in the industry. NBC has received numerous awards for its reporting, including Peabody, Emmy, and Pulitzer Prizes. It is also open about its sources and methods, and it is willing to correct mistakes when they occur.

The next news company I will be talking about is Fox News, I consider this news station to be very reliable. Fox News hires experienced journalists with a track record of producing high-quality reporting. Its newscasters and reporters cover a wide range of topics and events. Fox News has a strong presence on cable news, with shows covering breaking news, politics, business, and other topics. Its news programs strive to provide fair and balanced reporting while appealing to a conservative audience. Fox News also broadcasts a number of opinion shows hosted by commentators who offer their own perspectives and analysis on current events. These shows are intended to appeal to a conservative audience and are not always objective or impartial. Fox News is a major news organization with a large audience and a significant media presence. While it has been the subject of criticism and controversy over the years, it also has a loyal following and is regarded as a reliable source of news by many.

ABC News is widely regarded as a reliable source of news and information. It is one of the most respected and recognized news organizations in the United States, with a reputation for journalistic integrity and professionalism. ABC News has a large team of experienced journalists and correspondents who cover a wide range of topics, including politics, world news, business, entertainment, and sports. They also have a rigorous fact-checking process in place to ensure the accuracy of their reporting. However, ABC News, like any other news organization, can make mistakes or errors in reporting from time to time. It is critical to consume news from a variety of sources and to use critical thinking skills to assess the accuracy and reliability of any information you come across.

For several reasons, CBS News is regarded as a trustworthy news source. First and foremost, the network has a long history of producing high-quality journalism and has received numerous awards for its reporting. Second, CBS News is dedicated to journalistic integrity and professionalism. The network requires its journalists to follow a strict code of ethics, which includes standards for accuracy, fairness, and impartiality. CBS News also employs a thorough fact-checking process to ensure the accuracy of its reporting. Third, CBS News is a major news organization with a worldwide audience. Its reporting is highly regarded and trusted by audiences worldwide. CBS News has a reputation for providing in-depth coverage of major issues and events, as well as presenting a variety of viewpoints on complex topics. That's why it is in my top five.

CNN is widely regarded as a credible and trustworthy news source for a variety of reasons. CNN, which was founded in 1980, has established itself as one of the most respected and trusted names in journalism. CNN has a global presence, with bureaus and correspondents in major cities worldwide. This enables the network to provide comprehensive coverage of major news events from various angles. CNN is committed to being open about its reporting methods and sources, and it publishes corrections and updates on a regular basis when errors are discovered. In today's world, where the spread of fake news and misinformation is a major concern, having trustworthy news sources is more important than ever. CNN's dedication to accuracy, impartiality, and transparency has earned it the trust of millions of viewers and readers around the world.

Our Relationship with Technology

Technology has undoubtedly become an integral part of our daily lives. We use it to communicate, work, entertain ourselves, and even to keep...