Ruby Valdez on Apathy

This week's reading was on apathy. This chapter deals with the effects that technology has on the public sphere. For example, the Internet has affected the younger public a lot and is considered to be a massive way to communicate with the youngsters. The modernists view this impact that technology has as (surprise, surprise) a negative thing. They believe that things such as the media have made the younger public passive. Things such as this bring out trivial issues and distract from the important issues. The modernists believe that young generations are important and the way they communicate is also important. Mckee mentions how through the use of things like the Internet young people get politically involved (which is left up to interpretation of whether or not this is political involvement.) Mckee also gives examples from the 60's and the Merry Pranksters who elected a pig as a candidate to be the next president of the U.S. Which by the way I loved.

I really enjoyed this reading because I am part of this younger generation who is believed to be apathetic. However, I am politically knowledgeable and I do have an interest in what is happening or what is going to happen to my generation. I believe being involved in issues is important because a lot of the time young people are ignored. I'm not saying I think everyone should be like me, but I do think that people should try to at least know what's going on around them. However, if the time called for it I would act to protect my rights (in a very non-violent way of course.) I really enjoyed this reading and it's been a very awesome class. I learned a lot and about people who think differently than me too. Good luck too all of you in whatever you choose to do:)