Main task
Read the Media Magazine article ‘Web 2.0: Participation or Hegemony?'. Go to our archive of Media Magazine issues and click on MM39 - the article you need is on page 58. Answer the following questions:
1) Research the Ian Tomlinson case. What would the traditional, hegemonic view of the police be in a case like this? How did new and digital media create a different story? What does the police officer's subsequent aquittal suggest about the power of new and digital media?
In a traditional hegemonic view of the police, the case of Ian Tomlinson would be very far from the truth in a sense that the police officer who was involved, would be under a light where it would seem that his actions, striking Tomlinson to the ground, was appropriate. This is because this notion that police officers are noble and here to serve the country is a reputation that those in control want to preserve. However, through the advancements in digital technology, a fellow protestors were able to capture the episode where Tomlinson was assaulted on their mobile. Through platforms online in result of the advancing in digital media, it gave the opportunity for the multiple videos to be seen. With the footage, it creates a different story to what the initial police statement was, "The police was alerted that a man had collapsed, and were attacked by 'a number of missiles' as they tried to save his life." The subsequent acquittal of officer Harwood suggests that the power of new and digital media isn't strong enough grounds in comparison to an actual testimony from an eye-witness. However, with the rise in user generated content, it would cause those in power to act more cautiously because of the possibility of their misconduct being recorded on people's smartphones. So it is still a valid argument to say that new and digital media has some power in enforcing law and justice.
2) What does the author argue regarding whether hegemony is being challenged by Web 2.0?
Lacey suggests that Web 2.0 has switched the power from producers to the audience and has democratised our access to the media. He adds, essentially, Web 2.0 is a platform where in audiences can be producers of media texts and that we no longer have to rely upon professional organisations to act as gatekeepers.
3) In your opinion, does new and digital media reinforce dominant hegemonic views or give the audience a platform to challenge them?
New and digital media definitely empowers audiences to challenge hegemonic views. With the development in social media, which is at the forefront and has even become a particular aspect in certain people's lives, it gives audiences a steadfast platform where they can voice their own opinion as well as challenge what is classed as 'normal' and 'common sense'.
Read the Media Magazine article ‘Web 2.0: Participation or Hegemony?'. Go to our archive of Media Magazine issues and click on MM39 - the article you need is on page 58. Answer the following questions:
1) Research the Ian Tomlinson case. What would the traditional, hegemonic view of the police be in a case like this? How did new and digital media create a different story? What does the police officer's subsequent aquittal suggest about the power of new and digital media?
In a traditional hegemonic view of the police, the case of Ian Tomlinson would be very far from the truth in a sense that the police officer who was involved, would be under a light where it would seem that his actions, striking Tomlinson to the ground, was appropriate. This is because this notion that police officers are noble and here to serve the country is a reputation that those in control want to preserve. However, through the advancements in digital technology, a fellow protestors were able to capture the episode where Tomlinson was assaulted on their mobile. Through platforms online in result of the advancing in digital media, it gave the opportunity for the multiple videos to be seen. With the footage, it creates a different story to what the initial police statement was, "The police was alerted that a man had collapsed, and were attacked by 'a number of missiles' as they tried to save his life." The subsequent acquittal of officer Harwood suggests that the power of new and digital media isn't strong enough grounds in comparison to an actual testimony from an eye-witness. However, with the rise in user generated content, it would cause those in power to act more cautiously because of the possibility of their misconduct being recorded on people's smartphones. So it is still a valid argument to say that new and digital media has some power in enforcing law and justice.
2) What does the author argue regarding whether hegemony is being challenged by Web 2.0?
Lacey suggests that Web 2.0 has switched the power from producers to the audience and has democratised our access to the media. He adds, essentially, Web 2.0 is a platform where in audiences can be producers of media texts and that we no longer have to rely upon professional organisations to act as gatekeepers.
3) In your opinion, does new and digital media reinforce dominant hegemonic views or give the audience a platform to challenge them?
New and digital media definitely empowers audiences to challenge hegemonic views. With the development in social media, which is at the forefront and has even become a particular aspect in certain people's lives, it gives audiences a steadfast platform where they can voice their own opinion as well as challenge what is classed as 'normal' and 'common sense'.
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