Globalization of Rational Thought

Egypt denouncing attacking on the U.S. embassy- Hezbollah is urging protests in Lebanon- Al Qaeda calls for even more attacks on U.S. embassies; these are just a few of the headlining stories currently being splashed across the internet as another weekend closes to an end. Of course it’s important to consider as well that further turmoil is occurring across America with Chicago’s public school teachers continuing to stay on strike and the Presidential election that is quickly approaching. Although these events are all a cause for serious concern, it does help to display how America’s public life and public sphere is alive and thriving.

(Huffington Post)                                             

As American citizens we are given the opportunity to read about the attacks against America going on in Tunisia and at the touch of a mouse enrich our knowledge about what Romney’s next campaign strategy is. We, as the American people, have the chance to stay connected to ideas, events, and the latest news so easily; yet other nations don’t give their citizens that right and limit the discussion that takes place in the public sphere. Naturally there are limits as to what can and can’t be said in the United States but the freedom of what can be discussed, argued, theorized, etc. is nearly limitless. Ever since the world has become interconnected via globalization and the spread of the internet,we now have the opportunity for someone in Bemidji, Minnesota to share their thoughts (via a social networking tool possibly) to a complete stranger across the globe in just a matter of minutes (perhaps even seconds).

(CBS World News)

                                       

 Look at the current uprising in the Middle East- an obscure film which spurred riots and violence in not just one location but throughout several different countries in a small period of time. This shows how this interconnectedness allowed a massive movement to change and completely alter individual’s rational thought. The internet shared this movie to individuals across the Middle East and essentially made many stop with their lives completely and enter into the “public sphere” by voicing their opinions about the United States. Granted their communication has ceased from being rational thought and moved into a whole other realm.

                I don’t necessarily believe that I am concerned about the current state of public life and rational debate because it allows many, whose voices in the past have been silenced or shunned, to have the opportunity to finally speak. The internet truly does make it much easier for citizens of the world to access knowledge and breaking news- yet one may argue that we are now flooded with information. Nonetheless,   although opinions expressed in the public sphere can be troubling to hear, I do feel that as Americans we should be grateful to have the chance to not only share our opinions but to use that outlet as a venue to learn more the people around the world too.