mediabean

I posted this comment on bournesocial.com in response to “If You Don’t Have Anything Nice to Say, Shutup!” It doesn’t make as much sense without the context of the original post, but I doubt you’ll be lost.

When it comes to the VMAs, there’s one thing for sure: this was fantastic publicity for all involved. Beyoncé reminded us of her class, Taylor turned on the charm, and Kanye’s even more controversial than before. Meanwhile, MTV seems suddenly relevant and has reminded us all they’re still the masters of media antics. The hype surrounding West’s outburst was completely consistent with everyone’s image, so it’s a win-win-win-win.

I find Congressman Wilson’s outburst more upsetting because it was more than just a rude exchange between two laymen. Rather, the President’s speech symbolized a formal meeting between the Executive and Legislative Branches; in the same way the Supreme Court could never hand down a ruling with the outright declaration of “Liar,” Wilson’s comment demonstrated an ignorance and total lack of respect for the very government system of which he is a part. (Separately—and perhaps unfairly—I expect more from the allegedly educated leaders of this country than I do of a rap star.) But outbursts in Congress are nothing new, and I don’t think it’s fair to drag race into the question as many of the media’s talking heads have done.

I’m undecided regarding Social Media as a culture change agent: perhaps it’s simply amplified the echo chamber of extremists at whom we can point and gasp. Not only is it easier for us to find and gawk at racist, sexiest, etc. content and communities online, it’s also one of the only places where those communities can grow and thrive. We advocate and encourage productive and entertaining online communities and discussions, but unfortunately the capability is there for all, even those who suck.

I am interested to see if the relative anonymity we’re granted in online exchanges begins to change the decorum offline. Today, I can anonymously say online whatever I like with no damage to my reputation. In ten years, will it be acceptable to say the same things out loud with a similar non-result?

And is that a bad thing? Should we be less PC? Or in the same vein as Wilson’s outburst, will it decrease our ability to function as a culture?

I’m not sure. But I do know NPR’s On Point aired a fantastic segment last week called “Questions of Civility” that discussed these events and more. It’s a great conversation—check it out here.