21
Apr
2008
2 Comments
Iranian Blogosphere Tests Government’s Limits
A study has been conducted over the last year by the Berkman Center to analyze Iranian blogosphere for impact of new communications media on democracy and democratization in Iran.
Bloggers are not permitted to criticize the Islamic system itself, Ms. Kar said, but they are far freer than writers for newspapers or other news media.
“These Web logs are very effective,” she said. “They create conversation. Not just about elections or democracy, but about cinema, theater, arts, literature. These fields are very important for changing that society.”
Source: New York Times
Join the Conversation
The internet has made it possible, for the first time in human history, for a man or woman on the street, to speak to the world, and for people across the world to speak to one another.
With such technology at our disposal, the question now arises: Now that we are able to speak to one another, what do we really have to say to one another?
And therein lies the challenge. Will our wisdom keep pace with our smarts? Are we going to use this new found technology to make a difference where it really counts, in bringing about changes for the betterment of humanity at large?
I can only imagine what you ME folks go thru. The difference in FREEDOM of expression, religion and lifestyle is incredible. Esra’a has shared some thing about the disrespect and threats she has received. A couple bloggers have been jailed. And that’s just what we have heard of here and a few things in the news. I hear that some people have been publicly humiliated and beaten for their views also. Terrible! The Internet is the WAY though. They can’t stop all of you. People outside the ME need to know that there are real humans being oppressed there that are not “foam at the mouth”, mad dog terrorists. Muslim immigrants have told me they meet that mindset all the time. People here are afraid to trust them. Dialogue can happen. Views can be expressed and exchanged. Opinions can change. Walls can come down. It’s beautiful!