Censorship and Relation to "Little Brother"

The conversation we had this morning was extremely beneficial in helping to clear up all the questions I had about censorship in China, with google, and in the book. The articles we read as homework were incredibly interesting and before I read the articles, I had not known quite the extent of censorship in China. After some discussion, having the opportunity to search the Chinese google and compare it with our American google, was very interesting. There were slight variations for certain topics, but then for topics such as the Dalai Lama, the two versions were night and day. Being able to play with certain aspects of our computers is also very fun, and the technology talks are very helpful in me understanding a lot of the words in the book.

This discussion today allowed me to utilize literature in my life in significant ways because the censorship in China is something that is incredibly important to our time. It is important to know what is going on in the world around you, and reading these articles and discussion this topic, greatly enhanced my knowledge of what is going on in China. It is also important to realize what is going on in China because some things are also going on in America. We are not censored nearly as much as China, but our lives are censored to some effects. The government can look at anything we do on the internet. Although they don't, they have the opportunity to whenever they feel they should. This thought is incredibly terrifying to me. Another point of our discussion this morning that really stopped me dead in my tracks was when we learned about ACTA. I, as well as about 99.9999% of Americans have illegally downloaded one thing or another. It is crazy to imagine that all of these people would be losing their internet privileges for the rest of their lives. I am glad that the government has this opportunity because it could make a positive effect on our country, but it scares me because I don't know how far they will take it in the future. I don't think America wants to be like China, completely censored, so I'm wondering where they will cut off. This discussion was beneficial because it gave me a lot of knowledge over our government in America, the government in China, and the technological aspects of censorship and the effects it has. This discussion made me more knowledgeable about a lot of stuff going on in our worlds behind the scenes, but is still vital to know.

Reading "Little Brother," is a huge eye-opener for me. I cannot imagine America becoming that hostile, paranoid place as it is described in the book. However, after this discussion over our current government's position, it is evident that a similar America could become a reality in our near future. Reading "Little Brother," has truly made me question my life as an American, the rights I have, and how far the government should go. I'm on the fence a bit as to whether I think the Government should have access to our internet trails and every aspect of our lives. This book really makes me think of both sides and weigh the outcomes, which have left me still undecided. The questioning nature that this book creates in me is evidence that this book is being utilized in my life in a significant way. It is helping me to form my opinion about technology, the government, as well as other areas of uncertainty. However, I am not taking everything Marcus and his friends do as right or good. I understand that their decisions are not the best, and a lot of the problems in this book arise from their poor judgement, but I am taking in what I am reading, and trying to make sense of it by connecting it to my feelings on the government and spying.