Week Twelve – Speaking Truth to Power

Forms of technology and media have taken over our lives in many situations including education, politics, personal lives and careers. As beneficial as it may be, there are certain negative impacts. In Document 10.3 “Aguas Blancas Masacre”, 17 peasants were brutally killed by Guerrero police officers while on their way to a demonstration. The state was able to manipulate evidence and the public by using  photographs and the opposing sides reputation. They were able to plant various weapons on the dead and alive showcasing the officers acted in self defence. On top of this, the belief that the “radical peasant group” wanted to overthrow government further supported what was being depicted. With a thorough investigation, media clips and footage were able to prove the police shot at unarmed men and faked evidence. The new era of digital technology is so powerful but can be mishandled leading to detrimental consequences. I think people can’t always trust the things shown to us because there is a chance of foul play. Checking multiple resources, asking questions and withholding preconceived notions/bias are temporary solutions but how far can that go.

Moving on, Document 10.2 “Revolutionary Womens’ Law” showcased the demands of the EZLN for women’s rights. While I was reading it, they seemed so straightforward and I was shocked that people didn’t have access to simple things such as “the right to choose their partner: no forced marriage”, “not be beaten or physically mistreated by their family mem- bers or by strangers”, rights to education and working, etc. Speaking from a place of privilege, I haven’t had to worry about the following or even have basic rights taken away from me. There are a lot of situations where women face horrible issues and have to fight for something that should already be guaranteed.

 

Discussion Question:

Can you think of other examples of the misuse of evidence and media during tragedies?

Disadvantages of modern day technology?

Week Seven: Export Boom As Modernity

Modernity can be looked as a positive or negative thing depending on who you speak to. With more industrialization, tolerance and a new era of science/technology, a country joins the modern world with a lot to offer. It can be linked to a more liberal way of life.

However when transitioning from a traditional society to present day, those core values and heritage of certain groups start to disintegrate. I dare to even say it is forcing assimilation on folks. To be successful in the “new world”, you have to follow along with the majority or get left behind. As a reader, I can’t understand what people at the time went through but of course there would have been uncertainty and refusal.

The “norm” has been changed considering relationships, education, communication  and other important factors. The wealth gap seemed to arise  with other pressing issues.

On the other hand, modernity created a more accepting place to live where woman were able to do things they weren’t before, education was very valued, material goods were accessible and an overall comfortable way of living. There are always two sides to the story.

To answer the lecture question:What are the signs of  what is to come?

Honestly, I do not know for sure but looking at the world around us and seeing what has been popular could be a deciding factor. Certain things aren’t relevant anymore or applicable to daily life. One example could be the use of paper. We are in a digital era where typically everything is done online such as reading, homework, communication, etc. Having bookstores, the post office and other places that rely heavily on the use of paper may not be around. Amidst the pandemic, schools have completely shifted online with little to none  in classroom contact. I think  this will effect how our education system will look from now on. Nothing is guaranteed when looking at the future.

Discussion Questions:

Would you say modernity has left a more positive or negative impact?

How would marginalized groups excel during these times? Or would you disagree? Explain