technoculture314-09

There were many interesting things in the media this weekend that linked to the use of new-media and technology. On Campbell Live Friday tonight, there was a story on the new campaign for Vegemite’s newest product ‘isnack 2.0’. It received a negative response by the public. Mostly claiming it sounds like an ‘ipod’ or equivalent to a social networking site. Now Vegemite are giving the public an opportunity to name the newest edition to the Vegemite family.

On another story, I was particularly shocked with the events that happened in Chicago that led to the death of a High School student. On CNN, sources say the young man was killed when he was approached by a group of young men and refused to join a gang. Reports say the events turned on him, where he was beaten to death with wooden planks. What was more disturbing is that these events were captured and recorded on a camera phone by a spectator. This footage was broadcasted on news stations to see if any members of the public could identify the suspects involved. This story caught the attention of President Barack Obama who was a resident of Chicago for many years. In addition, members at the White House found the footage to be ‘shocking’ and ‘chilling’. This proves the power of technology. Could the person who was recording this footage be accountable as a citizen journalist? If it was not for this footage, it would gave been difficult for the police to determine the suspects. Unlike a news report, this raw footage gives viewers a realistic insight into the story, which puts the story at a different context. Many of us hear about the violence happening, but it seems ‘surreal’ when you watch a footage such as this. The family members of the deceased teenager have different opinions when it comes to the release of the footage to the public. Some members feel that it should have never been broadcasted publicly because of the graphic images, that they wish would have been kept in the safety of officials. These ‘graphic images’ are ones that no- one would want to be constantly reminded of. It is also true to say that when an footage such as this is released to the public, there is an opportunity for people to duplicate the images and it will forever remain in the ‘internet’ world. They continue by adding that it completely invades the notion of privacy. Others claim this footage would be a good way for government officials to see first hand the ‘crime’ that has surfaced in cities such as Chicago, and should be a wake up call to change the influence that is portrayed to the young people. Either way, new media and technology have a crucial role in society and continually prove that there is no boundaries when it comes to their uses. It is important to conclude that not matter where you are; there is always someone who is ready to record you.

I have attached the link to the video footage of the events below.

http://www.myfoxchicago.com/dpp/news/metro/video_derrion_albert