Post 7: Learning About the Printing Press

    I learned interesting facts about many different technologies from listening to presentations, but I was most fascinated by what I learned about the printing press. The first interesting fact I learned is that Johannes Gutenberg created a specific metal that was durable enough to not be crushed when pressed down in the printing press. I've always attributed Gutenberg with inventing the printing press, but I was not aware that he actually created a specific metal for his invention. I think that it was so innovative for his time to work with metal to make a product that would be more durable and long-lasting. 

    Another fact I learned about the printing press that was interesting is how it made an impact on the spread of education. As a result of the printing press being invented, knowledge became much more affordable, because books and information could be typed using the machine. This makes me wonder if we would be as educated and advanced in our knowledge today if the printing press had taken longer to be invented. 

The fact I found most interesting about the printing press is the impact it had on the progression of the Renaissance, the Reformation of the Catholic church, and the Scientific Revolution. So many important events, discoveries, doctrines, and changes came from these three movements, so I think it's fascinating to consider what type of impact these movements could've made without the printing press and whether or not the impact would have been as widespread. 

Lastly, I thought it was really cool to learn that Albert Einstein said that if the printing press wasn't created then the reformed church wouldn't have split and prompted the pilgrims to come to America. It's crazy for me to think that if it weren't for the printing press then I might not be here in the United States right now. 

I am so glad I learned such interesting facts about the printing press from the class presentations. It's amazing to see how big of an impact this invention has made throughout history. If it weren't for the printing press the world may be very different than how we experience it today. 

 

https://www.history.com/news/printing-press-renaissance

Post 6: The History of Netflix and It's Positive and Negative Impact on Society

                                                                            History:

Today the word Netflix is synonymous with the words “entertainment” and “television;” However, it took a long time for Netflix to become what it is known as today. In 1997 Reed Hastings and Marc Randolph were in Santa Cruz, California trying to invent “the next big thing” that could be their own “Amazon.com.” Hasting claims that the idea for Netflix was inspired by his “frustration over the $40 late fee charged by Blockbuster for his return of ‘Apollo 13.” Determined to come up with a solution, Hastings and Randolph got to work and eventually developed the idea the run a business where people could buy and rent DVDs online and have them delivered by mail. In 1998 Netflix was up and running as a website to sell and rent DVDs and in 1999 the company added a subscription service which allowed customers to rent unlimited amounts of DVDs at a monthly rate. Then, in 2000, Netflix also added a recommendations system which used ratings to predict other shows and movies that customers would enjoy watching. In 2002 Netflix went public and steadily grew in followers. It wasn’t until 2007 that Netflix really changed the game when they introduced their streaming service which let members watch content instantly without commercials. In 2009, Netflix started partnering with electronic companies to get their platform on gaming consoles and smart TVs and by 2012 they had obtained access to Europe. By 2013 Netflix completely changed the game again when they released their own content with programs such as "House of Cards" and "Orange is the New Black." By 2016 Netflix was available worldwide and they continued creating successful original content. 

                                                                       Positive Effects:

Netflix has positively impacted the entertainment industry by changing the way consumers view content. Before Netflix, consumers had to go to the movie theaters, rent VHS or DVDs, or watch whatever was playing on live TV. Once Netflix came along, consumers were able to watch whatever they wanted without having to sit through commercials or go out to see or rent whatever they wanted to watch. Netflix also helped consumers to save money by getting rid of expensive cable plans and only using streaming services. The company has also helped consumers to discover new content they love using their recommendations system which uses an AI-powered algorithm to create personal recommendations based off of what people enjoy watching. In addition, Netflix impacted the entertainment industry by influencing the creation of other video streaming Platforms such as Disney Plus and Hulu which creates jobs and helps the economy. Lastly, watching Netflix has become a great way for hard working students and adults to relax and take a mental break.

                                                                       Negative Effects:

Unfortunately, there are many negative effects that go along with the positive effects of Netflix. The ability to stream entire seasons of shows at once has led to the “Netflix Effect” which causes people to lose track of time and spend all day in front of the television binge watching shows. As a result, student’s grades are dropping, they are showing up late to class and work, and they are gaining weight by not going outside and performing enough physical activity. Watching too much Netflix can also cause people to procrastinate on important projects and leave assignments until the last minute. Another problem is that the electronic blue light from screens is messing up people’s sleep patterns when watching Netflix, because the light stimulates the brain to be alert, so people stay up watching Netflix much longer than they should. Lastly, watching excessive amounts of Netflix is causing the brain to get bored. Overtime this can lead to the brain not functioning as well and an increase in complacency. 

 

                                                                           Conclusion:

It is very interesting to watch the evolution of Netflix from an online DVD delivery platform to the corporate steaming service monster it is today. Netflix is used by so many millions of people around the world that it seems as though everyone is choosing to watch Netflix as their favorite pastime. While many good things have come from Netflix such as saving people money by getting rid of cable and acting as a way to relax and escape stress in life for a little bit, it has also led to a lot of negative effects, especially on people’s health. Just like with most technology, I think it’s important to find a healthy balance when using the addictive but entertaining streaming platform. I always try to remember to use all good things in proportion so that I don’t turn something good into something that will have greater negative consequences. 

References: 

http://www.edinboronow.com/article/netflix-the-good-the-bad-the-addictive

https://go.gale.com/ps/retrieve.do?tabID=T003&resultListType=RESULT_LIST&searchResultsType=SingleTab&hitCount=12&searchType=BasicSearchForm&currentPosition=11&docId=GALE%7CA461002064&docType=Article&sort=Relevance&contentSegment=ZEAI-MOD1&prodId=GPS&pageNum=1&contentSet=GALE%7CA461002064&searchId=R2&userGroupName=hpu_main&inPS=true

https://www.thestreet.com/technology/history-of-netflix-15091518

https://muse.jhu.edu/article/553418/summary

https://search.proquest.com/central/docview/2290497056/257EFEFA66064A6FPQ/3?accountid=11411

https://medium.com/@10805833/netflix-and-its-impact-on-society-8357bcb96a22

https://www.forbes.com/sites/blakemorgan/2019/02/19/what-is-the-netflix-effect/#27e6da315640

Post 5: The Eight Values of Free Expression

     Each of the eight speech theories which promote freedom of expression hold great significance to American citizens. Every one of the theories guarantees American's the right to speak and express their point of view without fear of being punished. These free speech promoting theories are part of what make America different than many other countries where citizens are forced to say what government rulers force them to. 

    Among the eight theories, I would personally say that the fourth theory, which is the Individual Self-Fulfillment theory, is currently the most important. The Individual Self-Fulfillment theory, "enables individuals to express themselves and thereby create their own identity-and, in the process perhaps, find kindred spirits. Freedom of speech thus becomes an aspect of human dignity, human agency and autonomy. This theory is important, because it allows people to freely express their point of views and beliefs even if they are not the popular ways of thinking in society. Doing this allows people to fully be themselves in their expression and thinking and to find other people they can share their opinions with. Even if the majority of people thinking someone is insane for thinking differently than them, this theory assures citizens that their human dignity will not be seen as less than or inferior to others whose beliefs are contradictory. 

 Right now, in America, we are living in a world of cancel culture where if someone says one thing that the media doesn't agree with they are maliciously shamed on Twitter and other platforms for their unpopular views. While the government doesn't punish people for saying something that could be seen as offensive or against what the media promotes, private companies such as Twitter will block users and delete their public tweets if they don't like what they're saying. This is a tough situation because Twitter is a private company, but tweeting and sending messages on other social media platforms is the most convenient way to express opinions to the public. When Twitter blocks users and deletes their posts, they are essentially silencing the person and not granting them the same right to freely express their opinions as other users are granted to. Cancel culture has started a movement where it is perfectly acceptable to mute people you don't agree with and attack their human dignity as if it depended on their opinion on certain issues. 

        The reason the Individual Self-Fulfillment theory is especially important right now is because we are living in a time where it is becoming acceptable to condemn and "cancel" people who are exercising their right to speak freely about their opinions. With so many controversial issues currently transpiring in the United States it is particularly important during this time to allow people with all different views to voice their opinions so that healthy conversation can occur and people can better understand what to think about these issues. If the Individual Self-Fulfillment theory was taken away then I think a lot of discrimination would happen among people with opposing viewpoints. I believe it's very important to continue allowing every citizen to express their views freely so that that can unashamedly convey who they are in their entirety and easily find other people who think similarly and will support them. If people aren't able to truly express how they feel and what they think, then a piece of their individuality and humanity is taken away and valuable dialogue among people of various viewpoints is lost.     

https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/2020/07/17/has-twitters-cancel-culture-gone-too-far/5445804002/

https://www.bbc.com/news/business-54374824

Post 4: Why Antiwar Voices Aren't Popular in Mainstream Media

     On the internet, there are antiwar websites that make claims that war causes religious persecution, unnecessary taxation of citizens, and promotion of harm. The authors and supporters of these websites would argue that war is never justified and that violence is never the answer to resolve conflict. While the websites make it seem like there are many people who would agree with the notion that war is never a good idea, antiwar voices are rarely acknowledged in the mainstream media. 

    If I were to guess why antiwar voices aren't typically heard in the media, I would think it's because believing war is never justified is a fringe belief system. While I don't think most Americans would say they believe war is always justified, I do think that most Americans would argue that there are some instances where military intervention is necessary to defend the nation and prevent more severe situations from taking place. With the hostile political climate experienced globally and the constant threats from countries such as North Korea, I think the majority of Americans would feel safer knowing that the military is fighting to protect our freedom and shielding the country from foreign invaders. 

    Since the majority of Americans believe war is sometimes justified to protect the United States and in some cases other countries from foreign threats and unjust rulers, antiwar voices aren't typically popular enough to be heard or encouraged by mainstream media. Instead, the media chooses to promote the opinion of the majority since that will get the most engagement and the most people to agree with them. 

    I think that you have to seek out obscure websites in order to hear antiwar voices because more work always goes into finding the voices of minorities. If the popular belief is that war is sometimes justified, then it is going to be easier to hear about and find media platforms where that belief is promoted. Voices from the majority will always be louder simply because there is more people advocating for one way of thinking over another. While it can take more work to find these obscure websites, it worth looking into them to see what other citizens think about important issues on government and military involvement. 

https://www.theamericanconservative.com/articles/libya-the-ultimate-free-for-all-foreign-intervention/

https://www.theamericanconservative.com/articles/how-our-pointless-wars-made-life-hell-for-religious-minorities/

Post 3: First Amendment Rights Applying to Black Lives Matter Protests

     Time recently came out with an article titled "These Black Lives Matter Protesters Had No Idea How One Arrest Could Alter Their Lives." In the beginning of the article it specifically focuses on the experience of a 24-year-old African American man named D'Angelo Sandidge and how his effort "to find camaraderie among people who can relate to his pain" turned into being arrested and going to jail. After finding out about the injustice done to George Floyd on June 1, 2020, Sandidge decided to make a poster that read, "no justice, no peace, no calmness in the street" and headed to a Black Lives Matter protest in downtown Indianapolis. That night, D'Angelo was arrested and accused of violating curfew and resisting arrest by fleeing. According to the police, D'Angelo tried reaching into his backpack which had, "a taser and a can of bear spray" as he fled from them. However, D'Angelo claims that these are items he always carries for self-protection. He ended up not being charged for the curfew violation, but he "faces up to a year in prison and a fine of up to $5,000 if convicted of resisting arrest." Even if it turns out to be a misdemeanor, the charge will still show up on his permanent record. 

    This situation is tricky, because D'Angelo was exercising his First Amendment rights of speech, peaceful assembly, and petition, but he was also breaking the law by violating a curfew enforced by the government. What makes this even trickier is that he ended up not being charged for the curfew violation but for resisting arrest instead. However, if the police weren't going to arrest him for the law he actually broke then it doesn't seem like they should be able to charge him for running away when he was just peacefully protesting which is not a crime. There is not enough information to say whether D'Angelo became physical or violent while at the protest, but assuming he was standing there peacefully holding a sign, then the First Amendment should protect his rights in this situation. While the bedrock principals of the First Amendment state that protection is not absolute and that it is not a shield against laws of general applicability, I don't think that what D'Angelo did was controversial or questionable enough for those principals to apply in the first place. I think it would be a different story if the police decided to arrest him for breaking curfew which is a legitimate crime, but just standing at a protest with a sign should not be considered a crime that isn't protected by the First Amendment. I do think it's important to keep in mind that the whole story might not have been covered in the article, so there is a chance that D'Angelo did in fact take action in ways that are not protected by the First Amendment and are considered illegal and warranting of an arrest. Also, while he could have just had the taser and can of bear spray for self-protection like he claimed to, I don't think it is wrong for the police to at least look into the suspicious situation since there's a chance he could have potentially used the items for harm too. Overall, I would say that there is not enough information to know the truth of the situation, but assuming the story was how D'Angelo explained, he had every right to protest the way he was without getting arrested or having his First Amendment rights violated. 

News Source: https://time.com/5880229/arrests-black-lives-matter-protests-impact/

                                                         Courtesy D'Angelo Sandidge 

Post 2: The History and Workings of the Supreme Court

 Overview: The Supreme Court of the United States, which is the highest federal court in the United States, was established by the U.S Constitution to act as the head of the judicial branch of government. The job of the Supreme Court is to have jurisdiction over all the laws in the United States and to determine the constitutionality of these laws. The Supreme Court also has the power to keep the other two branches of government, the executive and legislative branches, in check. 

History: The Supreme Court was originally established in 1789 when it was written into Article Three of the U.S Constitution. Article Three also gave congress "the power to create inferior federal courts,"and to "decide the organization of the Supreme Court." This power of the legislative branch was first exercised with the Judiciary Act of 1789 which George Washington signed. This law stipulated that the Supreme Court would consist of six justices who would serve until the retired or passed away. Although the first court had six seats, Congress has altered the number many times throughout the years and finally settled on nine seats which it still has today. The court had its first meeting on February 2, 1790 at the Merchants Exchange Building in New York City, however it never actually took any cases during its first term. The first time the six justices handed down their decision was on August 3, 1791 for the West v. Barnes case which involved a farmer and a family he owed money to. For more than 100 years after the establishment of the Supreme Court the justices were required to hold circuit court twice a year due to the travel methods, but this rule was abolished in 1891 by Congress.

Supreme Court Justices: In order to become a Supreme Court justice the President of the United States has to nominate someone and then that person is either confirmed or denied by the U.S Senate. The justices in the first Supreme court were John Jay, John Rutledge, William Cushing, John Blair, Robert Harrison, and James Wilson. The chief justice is considered the highest judicial officer in the nation and holds the responsibility of presiding over the Supreme Court and handling the weekly schedule for the justice's meetings. When the chief justice is in the majority party during a case, "the justice has the authority to assign who will write the courts opinion."Additionally, the chief justice heads impeachment trials against the President of the United States.  Currently, the justices in the Supreme Court are Chief Justice John Roberts, Clarence Thomas, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Stephen Breyer, Samuel Alito, Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan, Neil Gorsuch, and Brett Kavanaugh. 

Cases: The Supreme Court has taken on many cases over the years which have left a lasting impact on the nation. Some of the most notable cases are Dred Scott v. Sandford which denied citizenship to African Americans in 1857, Plessy v. Ferguson which upheld state segregation laws in 1896, and the Engel v. Vitale which ruled that prayer initiated in public schools violated First Amendment rights in 1962. 

Post 1: My News Sources

1. One of the main places I get the news of the day is from NBC's show called "Stay Tuned" on Snapchat. I like this source because it quickly shares all of the most prevalent news and it's easy to access because it shows up on Snapchat's discovery page. For the most part this show stays fairly unbiased politically even though the rest of NBC's shows tend to promote left-wing politics. I usually prefer getting my news and information from sources that aren't trying to push certain political agendas one way or another, so I find this to be a great option. I would recommend this show as an option for people who want to know about breaking news but only have a few minutes to spend researching it. "Stay Tuned" is also a great option for people with short attention spans, because the news anchors are very engaging and explain situations very clearly and concisely. NBC has done a great job at making a news show that reaches younger people well and helps them to stay up to date on the news and what is going on in the country. 

  

https://www.nbcnews.com/

 
2. One of the other main sources I get my news from is Evie Magazine. I really like this website, because they are thorough with their research and they are good at presenting facts and staying nonpartisan. I like to be informed about news without a lot of the political agendas that are on most other news sites, and I find that Evie does the best job at staying impartial with political news. I also like reading Evie's content because they always finish their articles with a heartfelt conclusion that ties everything together and recaps what can be learned from the situation. This adds a sincerity to the closings that are not found in most other news articles. I would recommend Evie Magazine to women who are wanting to stay well informed and enjoy writers who are quick-witted, smart, and satirical. While Evie is predominately for women, men can also enjoy their articles. Evie is great for anyone who has ten or fifteen minutes on their hand to take time and become well acquainted with political and cultural events. They are especially a good option for people who don't want political agendas in their news and for people who lean right politically. 

 https://www.eviemagazine.com/

3. Business of Fashion is another site I go to a lot for news related to the fashion and cosmetics industry. Fashion related topics tend to be what I'm most interested in and Business of Fashion has a lot of articles on every aspect of the industry from what designers are doing to how politics are effecting the industry. Since I am a fashion merchandising minor, it is important that I stay informed on what is happening in the fashion industry. I find that Business of Fashion does a great job covering the news for all facets of the business. All the articles are a reasonable length which is another reason I like reading their articles. I would recommend Business of Fashion as a news source for anyone who is interested in fashion, or anyone who wants to know how politics and the economy influence what is happening in fashion. Clothing trends often reflect what is happening in a society, and Business of Fashion is great at explaining why and how trends reflect the zeitgeist of the current and past eras.

 https://www.businessoffashion.com/

4. If I'm wanting to find out information about the entertainment industry and Hollywood, then I'll usually watch the E! News Snapchat show called "The Rundown." The host of the show is high-energy and entertaining and she is able to cover all of the news in just a couple minutes. Since news about the entertainment industry isn't what I'm most interested in being informed about, I don't take as much time to read articles on the subject. This is why I like getting all the information I need to know just by watching this show for a few minutes on Snapchat. The show is also very enjoyable to watch, because the host is  amusing. I would recommend this show to younger people who are wanting to keep up with celebrity gossip and news about what is going on in Hollywood. The show's lighthearted humor is appealing to younger generations, and since this news isn't as important as political news, it's nice that it is presented in a more upbeat way than most other news shows. 

https://www.eonline.com/

5. The last source I get a lot of my news from is my family. Both my dad and sister are very interested in politics, so they are always researching what is happening in the news. I find them to be very trustworthy resources, because they always make sure they have accurate information before sharing it. I recommend going to them for the news, because they are both very good at clearly explaining what is happening in the news. They are also good to go to, because they are nonjudgemental so if you don't understand a situation or you have an unpopular opinion they will discuss it with you without making you feel stupid or like your opinion is irrelevant.