First of all, I'd like to say thank you to Mark. With your support, I could survive this term :)
Autumn term is very tough for me because I had a festival and also, we had to read piles of text. However, this term's topic, race, was very interesting and urged me to think about racial problems. After reading through this text, I realized that I got to be confused. I think that most problematic point of the concept of race is that could be used to promote discrimination.therefore, context plays very important role. Autumn ARW had another tough work,essay. I made my effort as much as I can but I wonder if I had much more time. However, I can get used to an academic writing so next semester, I'll write more better essay!
Thank you. Mark.
2011年11月15日火曜日
Diamond
He said that human classification is different from that of animals in that humans don't share concordance. He also says that differences are created by sexual selection. He finally said that scientist should not use the word of Race because it do not fit for reality and cause a problem to society.
His text is interesting but not persuasive enough because he rarely suggest his opinions. He cited many peoples ideas but that it. However, by reading this text I was given the chance to think about the concept of race.
His text is interesting but not persuasive enough because he rarely suggest his opinions. He cited many peoples ideas but that it. However, by reading this text I was given the chance to think about the concept of race.
Shreeve
Shreeve's main point toward the concept of race is that it differ from person to person. and he also said that variation of humans are caused by the interplay of geography and inheritance. He argues that race is truly exist or not and he also argues whether race holds biological reality or not.
I enjoyed reading p4 about influence of invention of oceangoing transport on race. I think that the word rave has two meanings. one is cultural meaning and the other is subjective one. When we use the word race to express diffrences, it could be racial word and this is created by culture. On the other hand, when we use that word to try to identify or sort out, It doesnt include any racial intention. However, we cant know exactly which meaning the word has and users want to express, the word "Race" cause a problem.
I enjoyed reading p4 about influence of invention of oceangoing transport on race. I think that the word rave has two meanings. one is cultural meaning and the other is subjective one. When we use the word race to express diffrences, it could be racial word and this is created by culture. On the other hand, when we use that word to try to identify or sort out, It doesnt include any racial intention. However, we cant know exactly which meaning the word has and users want to express, the word "Race" cause a problem.
2011年11月14日月曜日
Ｇｏｕｌｄ
Gould introduces Blumenbach, the German anatomist and naturalist and he is regarded as a creator of the most influential racial classifications. However, Gould insist that he is actually not because he thought that mental and moral are eaqual to all humans. So his criteria of racial ranking is based on "beauty". Blumenbach thought that Caucasian (Europian) is the top race and from them, other races are created.
Caucasian
↓ ↓
American Malay
↓ ↓
Mongorian Ethiopian
(Asian) (African)
Blumenbach's concept of beauty is difficult to guess because we cant say which skull is beautiful so this concept is less persuasive, though, it is interesting that he is regarded as a racist even if he is not. I also agree Gould's opinion that society and scientist has a strong connection and influence each other. Scientists are also a citizen in their daily life so they should look at themselves more carefully.
Caucasian
↓ ↓
American Malay
↓ ↓
Mongorian Ethiopian
(Asian) (African)
Blumenbach's concept of beauty is difficult to guess because we cant say which skull is beautiful so this concept is less persuasive, though, it is interesting that he is regarded as a racist even if he is not. I also agree Gould's opinion that society and scientist has a strong connection and influence each other. Scientists are also a citizen in their daily life so they should look at themselves more carefully.
2011年11月13日日曜日
Final essay
Hisae Miyashita
Professor Christianson
ARW Section: BD
11 November 2011
Final Draft
Alternative Media on the Internet: An Effective Tool to Avoid Media Control
Research Question
How should Japanese use alternative media to avoid media control?
Thesis Statement
In order to avoid media control and get sufficient and reasonable information, Japanese society should utilize the Internet as alternative media. Although there does exist dangers of fully relying on the Internet, benefits are more crucial and without changing the concept toward the Internet, Japanese no longer live as independent citizens.
Ⅰ. Introduction
A. (Hook) Facts about earthquake in Tohoku were concealed
B. (Background) Current situation of the Internet and media
C. Thesis statement
Ⅱ. Advantage of using the Internet as an alternative media
A. Enables people to share ideas and develop knowledge more easily
1. Every where
2. Every time
B. Enables people to look at both side of the news or issues whenever they want
1. Diversity of the information
Ⅲ. Disadvantage of using the Internet as an alternative media
A. Power of majority may overwhelmingly attack people and cause a panic.
B. It hard to detect which sources are more factual.
Ⅴ. Solutions
A. Be aware of disadvantages
B. Be a critical thinker
Ⅵ. Conclusion
A. Repeat thesis and main points
Hisae Miyashita
Professor Christianson
ARW Section: BD
11 November 2011
Final Draft
Alternative Media on the Internet: An Effective Tool to Avoid Media Control
Fig.1. TEPCO is reporting that the level of a nuclear plant incident in Hukushima was 7 as the same to Chernobyl. Photo By Takahasi, Yudai; asahi.com; 12 April. 2011; Web.
“There is no danger because the fuel rods are stable and being cooled.” this is the phrase that Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) and the media in Japan used and uses again and again when accidents about nuclear plants are reported (“Radiation”). However, it is completely doubtful. People did hear this phrase when the media reported that there was no meltdown. However, after that, it turned out that meltdown was partially under way (“Radiation”). Even after this fact was announced, the media used the same phrase: there was no danger (“Radiation”). Actually the meltdown was not partial but its incident level was 7, the same to Chernobyl (Katori, Takeishi and Kobori). What on earth could the media use the phrase which is not based on the reality? What is more, the media in Japan is still reporting that there is no risk to human health. Yet, the media in abroad is reporting completely different an outlook. According to CBS News, recorded on YouTube, Japanese government is telling residents in Fukushima that there is no risk but many international experts do not support this outlook. They say that the risk still exist, especially for children (Pejorativeglut,Kaigai Ha). ABC News, recorded on YouTube, also criticized Japanese government that they force unnecessary risks to children (Pejorativeglut, Kaigai No).
99,182,000 and 78.4%: this is the latest data of the number of the Internet users in Japan and the penetration based on Japanese population according to Internet world Stats, which is an international website that shows world Internet usage from 233 countries. When people look at the situation in the world, there are 2,095,006,005 users on March 31, 2011 (Internet). Can you imagine that huge number of the people is using the Internet, which is created just decades ago? On the other hand, in Japan, mass media still occupy majority, and general citizens do not have the opportunity and never come to mind to express their idea to public by themselves (Waltz 4).
However, as seen in the incident in Fukushima, Japanese society has to take an action to make it clear what is the truth. It is difficult for Japanese to find various opinions on the TV or newspapers because the media avoid reporting the news which endangers existence of the nuclear plant. What people can do so far, in order to have access to reasonable sources, is try to get the information through alternative media on the Internet. In order to avoid media control and get sufficient and reasonable information, Japanese society should more effectively utilize alternative media on the Internet. It is true that there exist dangers of fully relying on the Internet, but benefits are more crucial. Without changing the concept toward the Internet that the Internet has powerful advantages to promote citizens’ social activities, people could no longer live as independent citizens because they cannot handle the factual information.
Two Advantages of Using Alternative Media on the Internet
Using alternative media on the Internet provides two advantages. First, it enables people to share ideas and develop knowledge more easily. It means that the Internet can widen their experience and cause argumentative debate online. This facility is supported by two factors provided by the characteristics of the Internet. One is that the Internet is free of restriction of place and the other is that the Internet is free of restriction of time. Thanks to this characteristic, people can get any information wherever they live and whenever they want. For instance, YouTube is one of the examples of a tool of showing opinion or actual situation freely. According to Ungerleider, who is a reporter for Fast Company specializing in international news and emerging technologies, during the revolution in Egypt, YouTube was used to disperse videos what was going on. It shows that the YouTube can encourage citizens’ social activity in that it creates or increases a trend towards a new action. By using tools like YouTube, people can share ideas and have access to factual information.
Second, it enables people to look at both sides of the news or issues whenever they want. It means that because of the diversity of the information on the internet, people can look at the issue from various perspectives. A web site, named If Americans knew, is one of the examples to show that alternative media on the internet can help people to look at issues from various perspectives. This web site argues real situations about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict by providing data they surveyed. According to If Americans Knew, since September 29, 2000, 1,084 Israelis and at least 6,430 Palestinians have been killed. However, U.S. military’s aid is opposite. During 2011, the U.S. gave at least $8.2 million per day to Israel but Palestinians got $0. This fact provides the opportunity to doubt the U.S. military’s purpose of the aid. This example indicates that the mass media may not be always reporting the truth and alternative media can make people to notice this fact.
Two disadvantages of Using Alternative Media on the Internet.
Unfortunately, however, there exist two disadvantages. First, one disadvantage is possibility to attack certain people or groups overwhelmingly, or to cause a panic in public. For example, Board on the web is discussed because of its danger of attacking unknown people. It is caused by one of the faculties of the internet: anonymity. According to Newitz, Andrew Keen, who published a book named Cult of the Amateur which shows the horrors of anonymity on the web, says that people who need not to write their names when they post their opinions on the web, do not feel responsible for their words. This causes possibility to attack certain people or group overwhelmingly and may cause a panic because of lies.
Second disadvantage is that it is hard to detect which sources are more factual. According to Netcraft, there were 504,082,040 sites on the Internet on October 2011. It shows that how large numbers of websites are used and it also shows difficulties to find suitable sources from that huge number of the sources.
Possible Solutions for Using Alternative Media on the Internet More Effectively.
In order to get and keep an efficient use of alternative media on the Internet, both people and society always have to have two things in their mind: 1) Be aware of disadvantages and 2) Be a critical thinker.
As stated above, Alternative media on the Internet have two disadvantages and these advantages can put people in a fearful situation so people should be aware of these advantages when they use alternative media on the Internet. However, these advantages can be reduced by the effort of the people to be a critical thinker. What is necessary for people is always to try to ask themselves to whether sources they find is reasonable or not and whether opinion they find is persuasive or not by searching for information from another perspectives. People cannot rely on only one source but need to gather a lot of sources and choose reasonable sources.
Conclusion
As shown above, Alternative media on the Internet do have the power to change the situation in Japan that it is difficult to access factual and reasonable information. It is true that alternative media on the Internet have disadvantages but the advantages of using alternative media on the internet could cover this problem; Taking benefits is more crucial than caring about disadvantages. Without shifting to this thinking, Japanese can no longer live as independent citizens. People can also reduce disadvantages by paying attention to disadvantages and making effort to be a critical thinker. Therefore, In order to avoid media control and get sufficient and reasonable information, Japanese society should utilize alternative media on the Internet.
Works Cited
"Internet Users in the World." Internet World Stats. Web. 14 Oct. 2011..
Katori, Keishuke, Ryouko Takeishi and Tatsuyuki Kobori "Hukushima Genpatsuziko, Saiaku Reberu7 Cherunobuiri Kyu Ni [The Level of the Nuclear Plant Accident in Hukushima Became 7 and It the Same Level as the Chernobyl]." Asah.com. 12 Apr. 2011. Web. 13 Oct 2011.
.
Newitz, Annalee. “The Trouble with Anonymity on the Web” AlterNet. Web. 1 Nov. 2011.
< http://www.alternet.org/story/60298/>
“October 2011 Web Server Survey.” Netcraft.Web. 1 Nov. 2011.
Pejorativeglut, prod. Kaigai Ha Hukushima No Zyuuminn Ga Kurushinndeiru Yousu Wo Tyannto Houdoushiteiru [Media in Abroad is Broadcasting the Struggling Situation of Residents in Hukushima Properly]. YouTube.
YouTube, 5 Aug. 2011. Web. 15 Oct. 2011.
< http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wB8lvnckWZ0&feature=related>
---. Kaigai No Mikata [A Viewpoint from Overseas]. YouTube.
YouTube, 18 June. 2011. Web. 15 Oct. 2011.
< http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iL1X4aHA1Pg&feature=related>
“Radiation: It's Official: "Nuclear Fuel Has Melted Through Base of Fukushima Plant".” Global Reserach. 9 Jun. 2011. Web. 13 Oct. 2011.
Miyashita 7
.
“Statistics.” If Americans Knew. Web. 1 Nov. 2011.
Takahashi, Yudai. “TEPCO is Reporting That the Level of a Nuclear Plant Incident in
Hukushima was 7 as the Same to Chernobyl.” Photograph. Asahi.com. 12 April. 2011. Web. 1 Nov. 2011.
Ungerleider, Neal. “Massive Egyptian Protests Powered by YouTube, Twitter, Facebook,
Twitpic [Pics, Video, Updates]”. Fast Company. 25 Jan. 2011. Web. 1 Nov. 2011.
Waltz, Mitzi. Altenativemedia: Hennkaku No Tame No Shimin Media Nyuumonn [Alternative Media: Introduction to Citizens’ Media to Revolution]. Trans by Zinbo, tetsuo. Ohotsuki Shoten, 2008. Print.
Professor Christianson
ARW Section: BD
11 November 2011
Final Draft
Alternative Media on the Internet: An Effective Tool to Avoid Media Control
Research Question
How should Japanese use alternative media to avoid media control?
Thesis Statement
In order to avoid media control and get sufficient and reasonable information, Japanese society should utilize the Internet as alternative media. Although there does exist dangers of fully relying on the Internet, benefits are more crucial and without changing the concept toward the Internet, Japanese no longer live as independent citizens.
Ⅰ. Introduction
A. (Hook) Facts about earthquake in Tohoku were concealed
B. (Background) Current situation of the Internet and media
C. Thesis statement
Ⅱ. Advantage of using the Internet as an alternative media
A. Enables people to share ideas and develop knowledge more easily
1. Every where
2. Every time
B. Enables people to look at both side of the news or issues whenever they want
1. Diversity of the information
Ⅲ. Disadvantage of using the Internet as an alternative media
A. Power of majority may overwhelmingly attack people and cause a panic.
B. It hard to detect which sources are more factual.
Ⅴ. Solutions
A. Be aware of disadvantages
B. Be a critical thinker
Ⅵ. Conclusion
A. Repeat thesis and main points
Hisae Miyashita
Professor Christianson
ARW Section: BD
11 November 2011
Final Draft
Alternative Media on the Internet: An Effective Tool to Avoid Media Control
Fig.1. TEPCO is reporting that the level of a nuclear plant incident in Hukushima was 7 as the same to Chernobyl. Photo By Takahasi, Yudai; asahi.com; 12 April. 2011; Web.
“There is no danger because the fuel rods are stable and being cooled.” this is the phrase that Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) and the media in Japan used and uses again and again when accidents about nuclear plants are reported (“Radiation”). However, it is completely doubtful. People did hear this phrase when the media reported that there was no meltdown. However, after that, it turned out that meltdown was partially under way (“Radiation”). Even after this fact was announced, the media used the same phrase: there was no danger (“Radiation”). Actually the meltdown was not partial but its incident level was 7, the same to Chernobyl (Katori, Takeishi and Kobori). What on earth could the media use the phrase which is not based on the reality? What is more, the media in Japan is still reporting that there is no risk to human health. Yet, the media in abroad is reporting completely different an outlook. According to CBS News, recorded on YouTube, Japanese government is telling residents in Fukushima that there is no risk but many international experts do not support this outlook. They say that the risk still exist, especially for children (Pejorativeglut,Kaigai Ha). ABC News, recorded on YouTube, also criticized Japanese government that they force unnecessary risks to children (Pejorativeglut, Kaigai No).
99,182,000 and 78.4%: this is the latest data of the number of the Internet users in Japan and the penetration based on Japanese population according to Internet world Stats, which is an international website that shows world Internet usage from 233 countries. When people look at the situation in the world, there are 2,095,006,005 users on March 31, 2011 (Internet). Can you imagine that huge number of the people is using the Internet, which is created just decades ago? On the other hand, in Japan, mass media still occupy majority, and general citizens do not have the opportunity and never come to mind to express their idea to public by themselves (Waltz 4).
However, as seen in the incident in Fukushima, Japanese society has to take an action to make it clear what is the truth. It is difficult for Japanese to find various opinions on the TV or newspapers because the media avoid reporting the news which endangers existence of the nuclear plant. What people can do so far, in order to have access to reasonable sources, is try to get the information through alternative media on the Internet. In order to avoid media control and get sufficient and reasonable information, Japanese society should more effectively utilize alternative media on the Internet. It is true that there exist dangers of fully relying on the Internet, but benefits are more crucial. Without changing the concept toward the Internet that the Internet has powerful advantages to promote citizens’ social activities, people could no longer live as independent citizens because they cannot handle the factual information.
Two Advantages of Using Alternative Media on the Internet
Using alternative media on the Internet provides two advantages. First, it enables people to share ideas and develop knowledge more easily. It means that the Internet can widen their experience and cause argumentative debate online. This facility is supported by two factors provided by the characteristics of the Internet. One is that the Internet is free of restriction of place and the other is that the Internet is free of restriction of time. Thanks to this characteristic, people can get any information wherever they live and whenever they want. For instance, YouTube is one of the examples of a tool of showing opinion or actual situation freely. According to Ungerleider, who is a reporter for Fast Company specializing in international news and emerging technologies, during the revolution in Egypt, YouTube was used to disperse videos what was going on. It shows that the YouTube can encourage citizens’ social activity in that it creates or increases a trend towards a new action. By using tools like YouTube, people can share ideas and have access to factual information.
Second, it enables people to look at both sides of the news or issues whenever they want. It means that because of the diversity of the information on the internet, people can look at the issue from various perspectives. A web site, named If Americans knew, is one of the examples to show that alternative media on the internet can help people to look at issues from various perspectives. This web site argues real situations about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict by providing data they surveyed. According to If Americans Knew, since September 29, 2000, 1,084 Israelis and at least 6,430 Palestinians have been killed. However, U.S. military’s aid is opposite. During 2011, the U.S. gave at least $8.2 million per day to Israel but Palestinians got $0. This fact provides the opportunity to doubt the U.S. military’s purpose of the aid. This example indicates that the mass media may not be always reporting the truth and alternative media can make people to notice this fact.
Two disadvantages of Using Alternative Media on the Internet.
Unfortunately, however, there exist two disadvantages. First, one disadvantage is possibility to attack certain people or groups overwhelmingly, or to cause a panic in public. For example, Board on the web is discussed because of its danger of attacking unknown people. It is caused by one of the faculties of the internet: anonymity. According to Newitz, Andrew Keen, who published a book named Cult of the Amateur which shows the horrors of anonymity on the web, says that people who need not to write their names when they post their opinions on the web, do not feel responsible for their words. This causes possibility to attack certain people or group overwhelmingly and may cause a panic because of lies.
Second disadvantage is that it is hard to detect which sources are more factual. According to Netcraft, there were 504,082,040 sites on the Internet on October 2011. It shows that how large numbers of websites are used and it also shows difficulties to find suitable sources from that huge number of the sources.
Possible Solutions for Using Alternative Media on the Internet More Effectively.
In order to get and keep an efficient use of alternative media on the Internet, both people and society always have to have two things in their mind: 1) Be aware of disadvantages and 2) Be a critical thinker.
As stated above, Alternative media on the Internet have two disadvantages and these advantages can put people in a fearful situation so people should be aware of these advantages when they use alternative media on the Internet. However, these advantages can be reduced by the effort of the people to be a critical thinker. What is necessary for people is always to try to ask themselves to whether sources they find is reasonable or not and whether opinion they find is persuasive or not by searching for information from another perspectives. People cannot rely on only one source but need to gather a lot of sources and choose reasonable sources.
Conclusion
As shown above, Alternative media on the Internet do have the power to change the situation in Japan that it is difficult to access factual and reasonable information. It is true that alternative media on the Internet have disadvantages but the advantages of using alternative media on the internet could cover this problem; Taking benefits is more crucial than caring about disadvantages. Without shifting to this thinking, Japanese can no longer live as independent citizens. People can also reduce disadvantages by paying attention to disadvantages and making effort to be a critical thinker. Therefore, In order to avoid media control and get sufficient and reasonable information, Japanese society should utilize alternative media on the Internet.
Works Cited
"Internet Users in the World." Internet World Stats. Web. 14 Oct. 2011.
Katori, Keishuke, Ryouko Takeishi and Tatsuyuki Kobori "Hukushima Genpatsuziko, Saiaku Reberu7 Cherunobuiri Kyu Ni [The Level of the Nuclear Plant Accident in Hukushima Became 7 and It the Same Level as the Chernobyl]." Asah.com. 12 Apr. 2011. Web. 13 Oct 2011.
Newitz, Annalee. “The Trouble with Anonymity on the Web” AlterNet. Web. 1 Nov. 2011.
< http://www.alternet.org/story/60298/>
“October 2011 Web Server Survey.” Netcraft.Web. 1 Nov. 2011.
Pejorativeglut, prod. Kaigai Ha Hukushima No Zyuuminn Ga Kurushinndeiru Yousu Wo Tyannto Houdoushiteiru [Media in Abroad is Broadcasting the Struggling Situation of Residents in Hukushima Properly]. YouTube.
YouTube, 5 Aug. 2011. Web. 15 Oct. 2011.
< http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wB8lvnckWZ0&feature=related>
---. Kaigai No Mikata [A Viewpoint from Overseas]. YouTube.
YouTube, 18 June. 2011. Web. 15 Oct. 2011.
< http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iL1X4aHA1Pg&feature=related>
“Radiation: It's Official: "Nuclear Fuel Has Melted Through Base of Fukushima Plant".” Global Reserach. 9 Jun. 2011. Web. 13 Oct. 2011.
Miyashita 7
“Statistics.” If Americans Knew. Web. 1 Nov. 2011.
Takahashi, Yudai. “TEPCO is Reporting That the Level of a Nuclear Plant Incident in
Hukushima was 7 as the Same to Chernobyl.” Photograph. Asahi.com. 12 April. 2011. Web. 1 Nov. 2011.
Ungerleider, Neal. “Massive Egyptian Protests Powered by YouTube, Twitter, Facebook,
Twitpic [Pics, Video, Updates]”. Fast Company. 25 Jan. 2011. Web. 1 Nov. 2011.
Waltz, Mitzi. Altenativemedia: Hennkaku No Tame No Shimin Media Nyuumonn [Alternative Media: Introduction to Citizens’ Media to Revolution]. Trans by Zinbo, tetsuo. Ohotsuki Shoten, 2008. Print.
2011年11月2日水曜日
20x20 Presentation
20x20_P
More PowerPoint presentations from Hisae
Another good point of this style of presentation is visually attractive. I could enjoy others presentation because they used a lot of interesting or funny pictures.
2011年10月28日金曜日
Draft2
The Internet- Innovative Invention
“There was no danger because the fuel rods were stable and being cooled”: this is the phrase that Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) and the media in Japan used and uses again and again when accidents about nuclear plant are reported (“Radiation”). However, it is completely doubtful. People did hear this phrase when the media reported there was no meltdown but after that, it turned out that meltdown was partially under way (“Radiation”). Even after this fact was announced, the media used the same phrase: there was no danger (“Radiation”). Actually the meltdown was NOT PARTIAL but its incident level was 7 as the same to Chernobyl (“Hukuashima”). What on the earth could the media use the phrase which is not based on the reality. What is more, the media in Japan is STILL reporting that there is no risk to human health. Yet, the media in abroad is reporting completely different an outlook. According to CBS News, Japanese government is telling residents in Hukushima that there is no risk but many international experts don’t support this outlook. They say that there does exist the risk, especially for children (CBS). ABC News also criticized that Japanese government forces unnecessary risks to the childrens. The influence on children is difficult to estimate so Japanese government should take action in order to save such a little lives. However, Japanese can’t know that sort of opinion on the TV or newspapers because the media don’t report the news which danger existence of the nuclear plant. What people can is try to get the information through the Internet or ask the experts. 99,182,000 and 78.4%: this is the latest data of the number of the Internet users in Japan and the penetration based on Japanese population according to Internet world Stats, which is an international website that shows world Internet usage from 233 countries. When we look at the situation in the world, there are 2,095,006,005 users on March 31, 2011 (Internet). Can you imagine that huge number of the people is using the Internet, which just born decades ago. However, in Japan, mass media still occupy majority, and general citizens don’t have the opportunity and never come to mind to express their idea to public by themselves (Waltz 4). But as seen in the incident in Fukushima, Society has to take an action to make it clear what is the truth. In order to avoid media control and get sufficient and reasonable information, Society should utilize the Internet as alternative media. It is true that there does exist dangers of fully relying on the Internet, but benefits are more crucial and without changing the concept toward the Internet, people no longer live as independent citizens because they cannot handle the real information.
Using the Internet as alternative media provides us three advantages. First, it enables people to share ideas and develop knowledge more easily. Second, it enables people to look at both side of the news or issues whenever they want. Third, it enables people to gather opinions which may difficult to reach the government or companies, which have strong power.
First, let’s look at the first advantage: easy to get and easy to develop. It means that the Internet can help people to share ideas and develop knowledge more easily. This facility is supported by two factors provided by the characteristics of the Internet. One is that the internet is free of restriction of place and the other is that the internet is free of restriction of time. Thanks to this characteristic, people can get any information wherever they live and whenever they want. Second advantage is possibility of both-side thinking. It means that because of the diversity of the information on the internet, people can look at the issue from various perspectives. Third advantage is easy to form opinions. This means that, as citizens, people can use the power of majority. For example, demonstration against nuclear plant was taken place in shinzyuku, koenzi. It shows that the internet make citizens’ activity more lively.
Unfortunately, however, there does exist disadvantages. First disadvantage is possibility to attack certain people or group overwhelmingly, or to cause a panic in public. Second disadvantage is that it hard to detect which sources are more factual.
It is true that there exsit disadvantages sutated above, but benefits are more crucial. If we pursue a perfection, people can use nothing. Society has to take the failure steps for the success.
However, If Japanese society will really promote the Internet as the alternative media, people have to pay attention to a changing in the Internet. Recently in the U.S, an argument about the internet access has been occurred and be in a process: Net neutrality. Net neutrality is the concept that Internet service companies should treat all information on the Internet equally (“Net”), in other word, the companies cannot control their Internet access speed depending on consumers payings. However in the U.S, it has been the center of a debate over whether those companies can give preferential treatment to content providers who pay for faster transmission, or to their own content, in effect creating a two-tier Web, and about whether they can block or impede content representing controversial points of view(NET). Reason why net neutrality should be kept is that it could create risks that the information on the internet could be controlled and the internet could become the media similar to the mass media. This possibility may reduce the advantages of the internet media as I mentioned before Therefore, in order to keep the internet media as a innovative instrument to express own opinions freely and effectively, people should keep the internet access identical to everyone uses the internet. Without this struggle, the internet will lost its power ……
In order to make efficient use of the Internet, both people and society always have to have one things in their mind. For a society, Net neutrality and for peoples, critical thinker.
1) Be aware of disadvantages and 2) Be a critical thinker.
As shown above, the Internet do have the power to change the situation in Japan and promote citizens’ activities. In order to avoid media control and get sufficient and reasonable information, Japanese society should utilize the Internet and use the Internet as the tool of exchanging ideas. Without changing the concept toward the Internet, Japanese no longer live as independent citizens. In other word, we no longer mention the disadvantage, but we must look at and take the advantages more. The internet is wonderful tool to promote real democracy.
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