Some real quick links I found (at the bottom) regarding internet restrictions in China and my own ideas.
It coincides perfectly with what Professor Ewen has been talking about in the print lectures, the restriction of knowledge to maintain control. It is not a restriction on literacy as in Douglass' case, but on ideas. That the indoctrinated belief system of Chinese society can only be enforced if the people are unable to challenge it intellectually. Like the Protestant Reformation which demanded the bible be in the vernacular for everyone to interpret, the internet is already transcribed into the most common of languages, affording everyone with the capacity to decipher what is being read, it only requires literacy and minimal computer know-how. Like the printing press it allows for the expression of ideas of anyone who has access to it (a computer with an internet connection). No longer is dissemination of knowledge restricted to elite organizations (the Catholic Church, governments, wealthy), institutions (universities, colleges) or leadership classes (i.e. Dubois- Talented Tenth), it allows for all types of interpretations and points of view, no matter how superfluous or erroneous (i.e. Menocchio- cheese and worms). Anyone can become a namer, so to speak.
I thought it was fascinating that the restrictions were lifted temporarily during the Beijing Olympics. I am sure the government monitored any access to the sites it normally blocks and then investigated those surfers after the Olympics. In a way the temporary lift could have aided them in locating dissidents.
The internet is the modern day equivalent of the printing press as far as I am concerned. It is interesting to see how it is already trying to be reined in and "those in charge" try to continue their authority. What was intended to circumvent contemporary media, is already being circumvented itself by the powers that be.
turetss
Feb 26, 2009 10:53 PM
China made one step ahead to be closer to norms of democracy and freedom of western world.