Communication and Power in Canada
Student’s Name
Institution Affiliation
Date
Barney identifies three criteria for his assessment of communication technology in a democratic context in Canada, or what he calls the “Canadian Democratic Audit.” What are they, and what does each criterion mean?
The three criteria include public inclusiveness, public participation, and responsiveness. Public participation is a relatively essential element for measuring political legitimacy, where citizens participate in decision-making processes. Inclusivity criteria are a measure of the equality in any democratic government while responsiveness criteria refer to a measure of the extent to which the political system can address the needs of its citizens.
Barney suggests that “technology is irreducibly political.” What does this mean?
Barney’s assertion of technology being irreducibly political refers to the fact that it is somewhat hard for political deliberations to affect how technology is implemented in a given state even though it can, at times, slow down various technological innovations. Technology is just a mere tool that seeks to realize its direct ends only.
Barney argues that “design” is key to understanding the relationship between politics and communications technologies. What does this mean?
Design is what determines various specifications of a given technological instrument, which therefore influences how this tool is to be used, affects our attention and practices, and shapes our world as we continuously use this technology in our everyday communication, whether political or not.
Barney describes a complex relationship between ICTs and politics in Canada in that ICTs provide crucial infrastructure for political activities, and they play an increasingly central role in our day-to-day lives. What are the political implications of this?
Technology use plays a very vital role in enhancing that there is constant communication between the political class and the citizens of Canada. Citizens have the opportunity to air their views with one another openly, and this shapes how elected leaders address citizens’ concerns, and they can be equally detrimental to leaders who may not deliver to their expectations.
Carah and Louw refer to Italian scholar Antonio Gramsci and his definition of hegemony. What is it? How is communication significant in the formation and maintenance of hegemony?
Hegemony refers to dominance in terms of social power, which is exhibited by a particular class over others. However, hegemonic power is said to be relatively hard to be completely achieved since it also involves other unresolved issues between alternative and dominant ideologies. Communication is crucial in bridging the gap between the dominant and alternative ideologies and can be used to restore trust between the two.
What is a naturalized discourse? Explain the concept in detail, and offer a Canadian example
A naturalized discourse refers to a social practice that has been made to appear normal as a result of being framed by certain beliefs as well as values of a particular social class or group. For instance, in Canada, the ruling class has taken control of almost everything in that nation as they are deemed to have power and resources to influence various groups, and they even influence the media.
Carah and Louw say “identity is never accomplished.” What does this mean?
Carah and Louw describe identities as a way of obtaining and consequently circulating power in a given jurisdiction. Identities are never achieved due to the struggles that are exhibited between various social relationships groups and the material world. It’s almost impossible to bring multiple social groups together and exercise power over them due to their varying needs and expectations, as well as their desire to rule; thus, no permanent identities can be created.
What problems are associated cultural imperialism? Would it matter, for example, if all cultural texts in Canada were made in the US? Why or why not?
Cultural imperialism may lead to serious issues such as, one culture may end up suppressing others economy by providing superior technologies and products which are highly demanded, there is disruptive foreign influence, sometimes forced assimilation, etcetera. It would matter if every cultural text in Canada were made in the US since they would lose their cultural identity over time.
Identify and briefly describe at least five reasons why the “ideological square” exists in terms of racialized identities.
Idealized squares are primarily based on racialized identities due to the following. People need their unique interests addressed, different cultures determine the thinking and ideologies of a particular group, individuals in a group are more comfortable being ruled by their people to avoid racial biases, people want to retain their social beliefs and lastly there is a sense of inclusivity and belonging when individuals identify themselves with their leaders which results in different idealized squares.
Carah and Louw identify four ways gay and lesbian communities use communications to challenge negative representations and identities in the media. What are they?
Gay and lesbians community have with ways of addressing negativity portrayed by media, and they include, creation of music, writing of informed articles about their sexual orientation, celebrating some of the members of LGBT community who are in media and openly communicating through social media and other platforms on their liberties regarding sexual orientation.
References
Barney, D. (2011).?Communication technology. UBC Press.
Carah, N., & Louw, E. (2015).?Media and society: Production, content and participation. Sage.
