Hello Everyone, I'm a student of the department of English,M.K.B.U. This blog is written in response to the thinking activity task on Cultural studies assigned by Dr. Dilip Barad sir, Department of English, M.K.B.U. In this blog I will reflect my understanding on the given videos and will also try to analyse three major topics related to these videos:
Power in Cultural Studies
Importance of Media Studies in our Digital Culture
Who can be considered as a 'Truly Educated Person'?
Power in Cultural Studies
According to Eric Liu's video, power is often uncomfortable to discuss, especially in civil life and community living. In a democracy, power is expected to reside with the inherently good or evil. The definition of power is the ability to make others do what you want. This dynamic is present in all aspects of life, from family to the workplace and relationships. In the civil arena, power involves influencing a community to make desired choices and take actions.
There are six main sources of civil power:
1. Physical Force :- Involves physical force and the capacity for violence, such as control over the police or military.
2. Wealth :- Money provides the ability to buy results and other forms of power.
3. State Action :- Involves government and the use of law and bureaucracy to compel specific actions.
4. Social Norms :- The power of social norms operates peer-to-peer, influencing behaviour and even changing laws.
5. Ideas :- The power of ideas, like individual liberties or racial equality, can motivate people to change their thinking and actions.
6. Numbers :-The power of numbers, a vocal mass expressing collective intensity of interest, asserts legitimacy.
Power operates according to three laws:
1. Power is never static :- It is always either accumulating or decaying in a civil arena.
2. Power is like water :-It flows through everyday life, and politics involves harnessing this flow in a preferred direction.
3. Power compounds :- It begets more power, and so does powerlessness. Preventing a concentration of power requires the application of the first two laws.
How to read and write Power :-
To read power means to pay attention to as many texts of power as you can ,not only books but you can see society as a set of texts also as a power.
To write Power requires first that you believe you have the right to write,to be an author of change,you do. As with any kind of writing,you learn to express yourself,speak up in a voice that's authentic. Organise your ideas ,then organise other people.
In summary, this lesson explores the origins of civil power, how it operates, and what individuals can do to exercise it.
2. Importance of Media Studies in our Digital Culture
Media studies are crucial in our digital culture due to the significant role media plays in today's society. Platforms like YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram rapidly disseminate news, making information easily accessible. However, it's essential to recognize that media outlets, such as newspapers, often associated with the elite class or politics, may selectively present news favourable to their interests.
In our country, about 20% of the population, consisting of the educated and elite, holds decision-making power. The remaining 80% must follow the orders dictated by the elite, often due to financial constraints. The elite, utilising their wealth and influence, exert control over the media, shaping the narrative to suit their agenda. Similarly, political figures can manipulate media channels to serve their interests.
The media's primary motivation is not necessarily serving the audience; instead, revenue is generated through advertisements. Elite individuals pay for advertising to promote their products, and media outlets prioritise these financial interests. Consequently, what appears on TV or in other media is crafted to serve the agenda of those with financial and political influence.
In conclusion, media is a vital aspect of modern life, but understanding its dynamics through media studies is essential to navigate the complexities and biases inherent in the digital culture.
3. Who can be considered as a 'Truly Educated Person'?
A truly educated person possesses the ability to inquire and construct independently, free from external controls. What matters is not what you cover in class but what you discover. Developing an appreciation for where and how to look, as well as the skill to formulate meaningful questions, is crucial. The key lies in understanding how to challenge, proceed independently, and address the challenges presented by the world.
It is essential to store knowledge in your mind, not just for the sake of knowing facts, but to know where and how to look, question, and confront challenges. The educational system should foster these abilities through self-education, inquiry, and collaborative investigation, promoting both individual growth and solidarity with others. These qualities define what it means to be a truly educated person.
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