1. Rams26 2. Occupy and the militarisation of policing protest 3. Ayesha Kazmi 4. The Guardian 5. November 3, 2011 6.http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/cifamerica/2011/nov/03/occupy-militarisation-policing-protest
This article discusses the Occupy Wall Street movement. The article discusses how there has been a strong controlling force since Day One of Occupy Wall Street. Many reports of police brutality, and strong police presence not only of local law enforcement, but state and even national counter-terrorism units.This all questions the American people rights of free speech and to peacefully assemble. This relates to Habermas’s two concepts: Legitimation crisis, and Communicative Action. Modern society clearly is not meeting individuals needs and that institutions are manipulating individuals. Legitimation crisis is all corporate greed of the big companies and also the influence of money in government. The Occupy Wall Street movement is a Communicative action in response to the Legitimation crisis. The movement is a way for individuals to all come to consensus on what issues their are and then the plan for a common action is all the Occupy Wall St protests in public areas. The Occupy Wall Street is also a form of group solidarity, looking to improve the lives of the 99%.
Molly22 11/1/11 Title: The Wrong Inequality Author: David Brooks Source: The New York Times http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/01/opinion/brooks-the-wrong-inequality.html?_r=1
The Wrong Inequality addresses one of the most critical issues that are present in today’s society, greed. It points out how society has developed into a society where it has become culturally acceptable for a CEO to make 20 million in a year, while poverty is on the rise, and jobs are decreasing. The wrong inequality is the fact that society has tried to meet the needs of the richest 1 percent of society, while the individual needs of the rest of society are not being met. According to Habermas, modern society is not meeting individual needs and that institutions in society in society are not meeting individual needs and that the institutions in society are manipulating individuals. This is evident in how big banks and corporations have continuously manipulated people with risky lending, and increasing banking fines. Due to this, the economy took a down turn as a result of their actions and consequently impacted the people of society. In order for society to create change within the capitalist system that exists within society, people have to get together and organize reform. Organizations such as Occupy Wall Street that are present all over the United States are an example of how organizations must come together as a solid group to demand and create reform within society. Until more organizations are present to demand change, change will not occur.
1. devaio 2. What Happened When I Tried to Get Some Answers About the Creepy NYPD Watchtower Monitoring OWS 3. Nick Turse 4. Alternet 5. 11/6/11 6. http://www.alternet.org/occupywallst/152954/what_happened_when_i_tried_to_get_some_answers_about_the_creepy_nypd_watchtower_monitoring_ows/?page=entire
Reading this article made me think immediately of a legitimation crisis described by Habermas. There is a definite incoherence of policy in this story as dozens of police officers are left completely in the dark as to why actions are being taken. There is too much going on in the background for them notice. Also, the giant metal surveillance structure(Sky Watch) described in the article is a very unpopular choice among the protestors, and especially the author. This is an illustration of the loss of institutional will; the officers no longer care about how the public sees them and make decisions that reflect that(such as vulgar displays of power like Sky Watch). And finally, as the spark of the entire Occupy Wall Street movement, it is very aparrent that the public has lost their confidence in the government and businesses to act efficiently and in their own interest. This has recently spread to law enforcement as well with many stories surfacing about unnecessary brutality and deaths/injuries that have resulted since the protests began.
1. Swimming 2. Kenya warns al-Shabab of bombing by Twitter 3. Not Listed 4. BBC News 5. November 1, 2011 6. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-15547512 ““The Kenya Defense Forces urges anyone with relatives and friends in the 10 towns to advise them accordingly” May Chirchir said on his official Twitter account.” This is the perfect definition of communicative action, according to Habermas, it is the one type of action that Habermas says, uses all human ways of thinking, and language. It is very interesting that even military spokesmen are using Twitter as a form of communication, which creates a “groups of solidarity” whether it was directly his goal or not. Chirchir is looking to create change and Twitter is his vehicle of choice. Twitter only allows 140 characters per tweet; Chirchir claims that it was tough to fit what he wanted to say in one fell swoop. Although, it is pretty amazing how much of a difference 140 characters can make, this tweet hopefully saved lives, when it pleaded with the civilians of Somalia to stay as far away as possible from the al-Shabab camps that Kenya military troops were aiming to destroy. Al-Shabab is linked to al-Queda, which is another example of group solidarity created by communicative action (unfortunately).
1. Cupcake 2. Greek Talks on Interim PM go into Second Day 3. Author: N/A 4. BBC News Europe 5. November 8, 2011 6. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-15640428
This article made me think of Habermas and his ideas about communicative action and the legitimation crisis. The article discusses Greece’s bankruptcy and the communicative action that is now being done to bring a change to their economy since Greece currently is not meeting individual needs and the European Union is manipulating the country with this legitimation crisis. With the imminent threat of removing the euro as Greece’s currency, Greece is scrambling to pass a European Union bailout package. Without this bailout, Greece is expected to run out of money within the upcoming weeks. Greece is taking communicative action by formulating a new government, with elections approaching on the 19th of February.
1. Sexiib22 2. Occupying Wall Street Reaches a Crossroad 3. Cara Buckley 4. NY Times 5. November 4, 2011 6. http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/06/nyregion/occupy-wall-street-protest-reaches-a-crossroads.html?pagewanted=all
This article is about the movement to occupy Wall Street. This movement began because people believe that big corporations were bailed out and given a lot of money, but everyone else was looked over. Those in high positions in big corporations and institutions have the power of the individuals who work for them, therefore using it in many ways to alienate blue collar workers. This is what Mead describes as authority, because the power is attached to the high positions. Those that support the movement to occupy believe that those in high positions abuse their authority and look over the individuals in lower positions.
This article is about students and their families being affected by the recession. To sum up most of the article it stated that the recession affects students’ confidence, behavior, trust in financial institutions and overall well-being. This crisis affects 95% of student’s personal money management. From dropping classes, taking a leave of absence, or using a credit card to pay off another this has posed a huge problems for students. This ties into Mills, social imagination theory where we have the ability to see our individual experiences as they are related to and influenced by macro level social, cultural, and historical processes. To realize that because of the recession, a lot of people have been affected financially because of macro-level problems. The distrust of financial institutions the students have may cause them to avoid investing their business in these companies. What happens in the government is beyond our control but we are aware that this is why change is occurring.
PurpishG U.N. Finds Signs of Work by Iran Toward Nuclear Device David E. Sanger & William J. Broad NYTimes November 8, 2011 http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/09/world/un-details-case-that-iran-is-at-work-on-nuclear-device.html?ref=world
It is simple to say that this article fits my idea of "communicative action". The United Nations weapons inspectors found evidence that relates to the Iran has nuclear devices in their possession. The article then continues to talk about reports that were sent out. Specifically the report that was presented by a senior Obama administration official that presented that there were detonation systems that worked on tremendous precision. Relating to my theory there had to be communication involved for each individual to know what's going on. Communication is the one type of action that uses all human ways of thinking and language. I also say that communicative action allows human beings to understand and agree with one another and to make plans for common action. Currently there is much talking going on about the credibility of this information, but we do know that communicative action is necessary. -Habermas
1.CAYASSO 2.The Nation: The Audacity of Occupy Wall Street 3.Richard Kim 4.NPR 5.November 7, 2011 6.http://www.npr.org/2011/11/07/142092366/the-nation-the-audacity-of-occupy-wall-street
The recent phenomena of Occupy Wall Street has enraged several, as participants in this movement have been dubbed extremist and fat cats looking for a government bailout. However, whatever your opinion maybe of the current series of events, you cannot deny that there is presence in numbers and collective thought and action. Occupy Wall Street epitomizes Habermas’ ideal of communicative action, as Kim details in his article, “Something unexpected happened: at first scores met in parks around New York City this summer to plan an occupation of Wall Street, then hundreds responded to their call, then thousands from persuasions familiar and astonishing, and now more than 100 cities around the country are Occupied.” This indisputable movement and concerted action was the result of growing unrest and anxiety towards our manipulated economic system that seems to reward the richest one percent of Americans with tax cuts and left the rest of the working poor and middle class with stagnant wages and unemployment.
Individuals apart of Occupy Wall Street come from all walks of life, from grad students to the displaced unemployed, however they are participating in free, unfiltered and unified communication and most importantly action! They are speaking up because Wall Street and those who control the economic gauge of this country are not doing so in the best interest of the majority. Like Habermas, the participants are demonstrating that there is no need for revolt or violent exchanges, but rather power in numbers, group solidarity and unison action. By not standing down, they are forcing this economic institution to not only listen to their claims, but address them! They understand that open discourse and common action is the only vehicle for change!
Cord Name: HY15B Title: Greece President Hosts Papandreou Samaras talks Author: None Source: BBC News Date: 11/6/2011 Link: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-15613936
The Greek president host a crunch talks between beleaguered PM George Papandreou and main opposition leader Antonis Samaras on how they come together for the issues on the debt crisis. Mr. Samaras the New Democracy party is refusing to talk unless the Papandreou resigns.
This article articulated Habarmas ideas on communication action. The reason why is because even though Mr. Samaras and Papandreou are not seeing to come to agreement for what is best for the country the president is willing to bring them together so they understand and maybe come to an agreement that is good for the country in the future.
The debt crisis in Greece is issues that are affect both the Greek people and so many other people in the world. And the idea of having communicative action would be something better for Greece people and other people in the world and it would be the vehicle for change that the country needed.
1. Muppet 2.Citizens exercise rights at Occupy St Augustine 3. N/A 4. Historic City News 5. Nov 6, 2011 6. http://www.historiccity.com/2011/staugustine/news/florida/citizens-exercise-rights-occupy-st-augustine-20432
The occupy movement is a Key example of Habermas' ideas on communicative action. This week, several hundreds of people got together and occupy a portion of St. Augustine to help gain national acknowledgment about feelings towards our nation that they all seem to share. It has had such an impact that people are not just occupying America, but in other countries around the world as well. Habermas' criticism of Marx's transition into a communist society was that he believed that it would be without disorder to society instead of a disruptive revolt. The people of Occupy St. Augustine was well aware of the laws and their constitutional rights and came together peacefully to maintain that they themselves were not in violation of laws. A man even went as far to distribute literature outlining their rights to peaceful assembly.There is a belief that the working class will rise to power and overthrow the proletariat moving society into a state of communism and this would take place through communication. Occupy is now communicating with the world.
Jersey Greek Talks on Unity PM Continue Mark Lowen BBC News November 9, 2011 http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-15655459
The talk about Greece potentially not being in the European Union would result is a financial crisis. The Prime Minister of Greece is looking for a successor, but is not able to find one yet. Being the Greece is in a state where they need someone who is able to handle the idea of the financial crisis and wants to stay in the EU. For the person to be elected, the people would need to be able to judge on this persons qualities and not on their ideology of government. There was someone who thought would have fit the job Luke Papademos, but judging from his past and merits. He did not get the position.
Sasha End Bonuses for Bankers Nassim Nicholas Taleb The New York Times November 7, 2011 http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/08/opinion/end-bonuses-for-bankers.html
This article discusses the benefits of ending the practice of giving bonuses to bankers, asserting that this will end the problem of bankers taking risks that negatively affect the public. He says that the reason bankers take risks in the first place is because of these bonuses, and that when these risks “blow up”, the bankers are forced to hide it or bailout. This is very reminiscent of Habermas' legitimation crisis, which states that modern society isn't meeting the individual needs of its members and that societal institutions are manipulating these members. In the case of bankers receiving bonuses, this is a reflection of society's inability to meet the individual's needs via allowing institutions like banks to provide such a hazardous and high-risk incentive, which in turn negatively affects society at the individual level. Another concept this reminded me of was communicative action. This type of action, according to Habermas, allows for humans to use thinking and language to understand/agree with one another and to consequently form ideas and plans for actions of social change. This is shown through people coming together to reject the loose enforcement on the institution of banks and their practices, like the author of this article and movements like Occupy Wall Street.
Khaki A roundup of Occupy protests CNN wire Staff CNN November 7, 2011 http://articles.cnn.com/2011-11-07/us/us_occupy-protest-roundup_1_protest-cuts-protesters-plan-fellow-protesters?_s=PM:US
This article reflects the progress of the Occupy Wallstreet movement. It is about how a small group of people organized themselves in the beginning and it became a global protest. This is an example of my theory of communicative action. Communicative action is the vehicle change and it allows human beings to understand and agree with one another, to make plans for common action. These previous unconnected people were connected by the idea that they were the lower 99% and created group solidarity. This is a legitimate crisis in that modern society is not meeting most of its individuals needs and this calls for communicative action rather than a revolution or revolt. We need to communicate with one another and have a common goal and this will bring us together so that we can unite against the 1%.
Schmady "What Happened When I Tried to Get Some Answers About the Creepy NYPD Watchtower Monitoring OWS" Nick Turse AlterNet November 6, 2011 http://www.alternet.org/occupywallst/152954/what_happened_when_i_tried_to_get_some_answers_about_the_creepy_nypd_watchtower_monitoring_ows?page=entire
Over the last few weeks, The “Occupy Everywhere” movement, sparked by Occupy Wall street, mimicked and personalized by organized protestors across the globe, has used every non-violent tool at their disposal to expose the systems of power that keep the “99%” afraid of it’s government. This article is another fine example of the over exuberant exertion of power over the powerless. The quiet demonstration of potential force in the Sky Watch placed conspicuously over the Wall Street protestors could only be interpreted as such implied authority and silent (and hopeful) manipulation of peaceful individuals. The Occupy Wall street movement has become an inspiring step out of apathy, taking our own inherent power to challenge the network of oppressive forces created by the economy, government, and military (in this case, highly militarized police). In the process of creating an alternative society under the noses of the American government, the protestors are running into many of the problems that we face on a national level such as the conflict between the rationality and speed of bureaucracy and the precision and fairness of human freedom. It’s hard to feel completely free, however, when the power elite has branded civil disobedience as “potential terrorism” or “a threat to national security”. It begs the question of what we continue to define as our nation, and whether that concept of “nation” is worth protecting.
Codeword: Carmelo Title: Personal trainers say 2012 trends include using technology, life coaching to lose weight Author: The Staff at the McClatchy-Tribune Date: November 9, 2011 Link: http://www.kansascity.com/2011/11/09/3255925/personal-trainers-say-2012-trends.html
In this article, they discuss how in 2012, personal trainers are using a broader approach to losing weight than they have in the past to decrease obesity rates amongst their clients. Some of the new approaches include community collaboration which encourages there members to get involved with parks around their homes to keep up with this lifestyle outside of just the gym. Another is the influence of technology, using social media to keep up with new everyday trends in fitness to incorporate to their lives in each passing day. Year in and year out, Americans resolve to hit the gym and get in shape. Through Mills’ sociological imagination, we are able realize that this obsession with being skinny is socially constructed through the media and television in our everyday lives. Super models and actresses all grace the covers of magazines portraying that skinny is the “it” image whereas if this weren’t the situation, and being fat was acceptable, many people would find other new year’s resolutions as this wouldn’t matter to them because society wouldn’t judge them so harshly.
Alex12 Kim Kardashian, Kris Humphries: Are you surprised? Stephanie Bloomberg CNN News November 1, 2011 http://www.cnn.com/2011/11/01/showbiz/celebrity-news-gossip/kim-kardashian-kris-humphries-divorce/index.html
According to lecture, Habermas characterized a rational society as “a society constructed of free communication, where ideas are weighed by their merits and unaltered ideology” (Joos). This article demonstrates how the Habermas’s theory of communicative action has initiated the vehicle of change in accordance to entertainment. One of Hollywood’s biggest stars, Kim Kardashian, is receiving backlash from her 72-day marriage. Individuals in society are outraged because of the disregard of the sanctity of marriage that was displayed, and also how she earned millions of dollars from her wedding. Using Habermas’s perspective, people utilized web based meeting spots such as blogs, and online forums to discuss and interact about their disdain of the Kim Kardashian divorce scandal. Due to this agreement and understanding of the conflict, individuals rallied together to combat this issue. Due to the group solidarity, Kim Kardashian is receiving a lot of criticism because the sanctity of marriage was compromised; the moral basis of society was at stake. In the article, it talks about how Kim was consumed with greed and the moral fiber of marriage and family was the consequences. As a result, some individuals who were displeased with the situation formed a group to discuss this issue, and Kim Kardashian is currently being highly criticized in the media. Kim Kardashian’s primary capital gain is her reality television series, and if the people do not approve, they will not support her.
2008c300 How To Find Slate on Google+ Katherine Goldstein The Slate Group, a Division of the Washington Post Company Nov. 9, 2011 http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/slate_fare/2011/07/how_to_find_slate_on_google.html
Habermas...
The Slate Group recently announced that they would be joining Google+ and starting a "conversation" in an attempt at "finding new ways to engage and interact with (their) readers." Personally I believe that in today's modern society individuals lack freedom. I also believe that communication is a key aspect of freedom. In order to change the current society in which we live, something I believe to be both inevitable and necessary, communication must first be established between individuals so that plans for common action can be developed. I also see great potential in the networking circle aspect of Google+ which in theory would enable persons with similar interest and goals to "gather with" one-another and share their common ideals. I applaud The Slate Group for both joining and promoting the new Google+ platform for change.
1. cotee 2. Unions Assume A Support Role For Occupy Movement 3. Jeff Brady 4. NPR 5. 10/29/11 6. http://www.npr.org/2011/10/29/141794777/unions-assume-a-support-role-for-occupy-movement
The "Occupy" movement is a classic example of communicative action. People are responding to what is termed as a "legitimation crisis," wherein an aspect of society (in this case politics) is not meeting the needs of individuals. The action that people are taking starts with talking amongst each other, but has than culminated into protests and strikes. The people taking part in this action are all part of a "group of solidarity," which is any group where the members can identify with each are work towards a common goal. This article discusses two groups, the Occupy group (whose goal it is to more evenly distribute wealth across the social classes) and the labor union group (who are vying for worker's rights) coming together for a common goal, though for different purposes, and symbiotically benefitting from each other. In essence, the Occupy group is supplying the publicity and labor unions are supplying the backbone (the power in numbers) of the movement. Ultimately, the goal of the movement is to have all people understand each other's needs and come up with a plan for common action.
Freebird Sleep Medication: Mother’s New Little Helper Pamela Paul New York Times November 4, 2011 http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/06/fashion/mothers-and-sleep-medication.html?pagewanted=all
Sleeping pills are referred to as “mother’s little helper”. This reference contributes to a group of women that are having similar experiences with sleep deprivation due to the plethora of responsibilities that are incorporated in motherhood. It is a consensus among this group that sleeping pills are an acceptable resource to aid in sleep deprivation. Through communicative action mothers in this group agree that they need help to alleviate the stress and worries of motherhood while trying to fall asleep. They have been able to communicate about similar experiences for causes of sleep deprivation. This communication aids in group solidarity among these mothers. If this ideology remains unaltered the cohesiveness of this group can stay intact creating a strong foundation for a common action for the support of sleeping pills as aid to help mothers fall asleep. This purposive action among this group of mothers stems from the demands of motherhood that are still bombarding their minds while they are trying to fall asleep. This dependency that this group of mothers have on sleep aids can bring social change to the level of responsibilities and expectations that is placed on motherhood.
1. Indiana 2. Mississippi Voters Reject Anti-Abortion Law 3. Katharine Q. Seelye 4. New York Times 5. 11/8/11 6. http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/09/us/politics/votes-across-the-nation-could-serve-as-a-political-barometer.html?_r=1
This article tells how voters in Mississippi turned down an anti-abortion measure that would outlaw all abortions and some forms of contraception. This surprised some politicians because Mississippi is one of the more conservative states. This issue relates to Habernas’ concept of communicative action. Citizens who have found common ground on opposing anti-abortion methods have joined together to create a solid voice. Through protests, petitions, and voting the citizens of Mississippi showed that they were against the governments’ interference into personal, medical issues, especially because the passage of this bill would build support for similar laws in other states. Communicative action and group solidarity extend beyond the state in this case.
1. EXUL 2. Giving mini burgers to mice reveals the good and bad of cooking meat 3. Nancy Shute 4. The Salt-NPR’s food blog 5. 11.9.11 6. http://www.npr.org/blogs/thesalt/2011/11/08/142140379/cooked-meat-is-an-energy-powerhouse-for-better-and-worse?ft=1&f=1024
When I first saw the title of this article, the first thing that popped into my head was Habermas and his theory of communicative action. I was pretty upset about mice eating burgers for research purposes. I am positive others would agree. A philo-café, along with other Habermasian options, would be the perfect place for something like this. I feel that a philo-café relating to health buffs, parents, PETA, and anyone who finds this experiment absurd would definitely be around for a while. This research means more than just mice eating fancy, expensive meat. There is a greater topic that all the groups of solidarity, I mentioned before, would find great interest in. This situation is an excellent example of alienation of communication; consumers are being told to believe eating meat is bad, but then they are told it is good. In addition, media will only communicate whatever is interesting not what is valuable and helpful for society
1.Duval 2.Could Every Day Be Black Friday? 3.Adam Davidson 4.NYTimes Magazine/Excerpt found on NPR 5.11/16/2011 6.http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/20/magazine/adam-davidson-inflation-solution.html?_r=2&pagewanted=all
This article discusses Black Friday, the economic reasoning behind it, and the actual effects it has on the economy. Some people suggest that we can continue consumer spending if we slash prices for more than just a day, however this author argues that that is a problem because selling large quantities of goods at a lower profit (which results because the U.S. no longer controls the prices of the raw materials it produces) will only lead to greater unemployment which then, in turn, would slow consumer spending again. This would lead to what the author calls a "deflationary spiral." Furthermore, he suggests that raising prices rather than cutting them would prevent this (i.e. inflation). Try telling Americans that though... Black Friday has deep roots in American culture and is remembered by it's extreme discounts, binge-buying, and unmistakable, country-wide mania. By Berger and Luckmann's definition, this is an economic institution in that it exists separate from people, although it was created by people, and it controls individuals' behavior. Despite the fact that Black Friday doesn't really have any long term benefits on our economy these days because it does not have residual effects on spending, we still go out and spend billions and billions of dollars that we would not spend otherwise on this one day. Holiday shopping (or over-shopping, rather) is in of itself a habit that has become institutionalized and telling Americans that prices are being raised rather than dropped would only lead to backlash, despite whatever practical reasoning exists behind it.
At the top of each post you must list the following information: 1. Your Codeword 2. Title of the news article you choose (see suggestions below) 3. Author of the news article 4. Source of the news article 5. Date of the news article 6. Link (url) to the news article
Those six lines should be followed by your reflection from the perspective of the social theorist you choose from the list of options for each due date. A reflection is not a summary. Instead, what you are expected to do is to thoroughly read the news article of your choice and reflect on it from the perspective of one of the assigned Social Theorists. Note that your reflection may include a bit of summary, but it must not consist entirely of summarizing the article. Good reflections will analyze the issue discussed in the article from the perspective of one of the assigned Social Theorists; outstanding posts will even take the voice (write in the tone and style of) the Social Theorist. Reflections should be a minimum of one paragraph. They must be posted no later than 4pm on the due date below and the article you choose must have been published within two weeks of the due date. There are 3 points possible of Extra Credit for each post.
1. Rams26
ReplyDelete2. Occupy and the militarisation of policing protest
3. Ayesha Kazmi
4. The Guardian
5. November 3, 2011
6.http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/cifamerica/2011/nov/03/occupy-militarisation-policing-protest
This article discusses the Occupy Wall Street movement. The article discusses how there has been a strong controlling force since Day One of Occupy Wall Street. Many reports of police brutality, and strong police presence not only of local law enforcement, but state and even national counter-terrorism units.This all questions the American people rights of free speech and to peacefully assemble. This relates to Habermas’s two concepts: Legitimation crisis, and Communicative Action. Modern society clearly is not meeting individuals needs and that institutions are manipulating individuals. Legitimation crisis is all corporate greed of the big companies and also the influence of money in government. The Occupy Wall Street movement is a Communicative action in response to the Legitimation crisis. The movement is a way for individuals to all come to consensus on what issues their are and then the plan for a common action is all the Occupy Wall St protests in public areas. The Occupy Wall Street is also a form of group solidarity, looking to improve the lives of the 99%.
Molly22
ReplyDelete11/1/11
Title: The Wrong Inequality
Author: David Brooks
Source: The New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/01/opinion/brooks-the-wrong-inequality.html?_r=1
The Wrong Inequality addresses one of the most critical issues that are present in today’s society, greed. It points out how society has developed into a society where it has become culturally acceptable for a CEO to make 20 million in a year, while poverty is on the rise, and jobs are decreasing. The wrong inequality is the fact that society has tried to meet the needs of the richest 1 percent of society, while the individual needs of the rest of society are not being met.
According to Habermas, modern society is not meeting individual needs and that institutions in society in society are not meeting individual needs and that the institutions in society are manipulating individuals. This is evident in how big banks and corporations have continuously manipulated people with risky lending, and increasing banking fines. Due to this, the economy took a down turn as a result of their actions and consequently impacted the people of society. In order for society to create change within the capitalist system that exists within society, people have to get together and organize reform. Organizations such as Occupy Wall Street that are present all over the United States are an example of how organizations must come together as a solid group to demand and create reform within society. Until more organizations are present to demand change, change will not occur.
1. devaio
ReplyDelete2. What Happened When I Tried to Get Some Answers About the Creepy NYPD Watchtower Monitoring OWS
3. Nick Turse
4. Alternet
5. 11/6/11
6. http://www.alternet.org/occupywallst/152954/what_happened_when_i_tried_to_get_some_answers_about_the_creepy_nypd_watchtower_monitoring_ows/?page=entire
Reading this article made me think immediately of a legitimation crisis described by Habermas. There is a definite incoherence of policy in this story as dozens of police officers are left completely in the dark as to why actions are being taken. There is too much going on in the background for them notice. Also, the giant metal surveillance structure(Sky Watch) described in the article is a very unpopular choice among the protestors, and especially the author. This is an illustration of the loss of institutional will; the officers no longer care about how the public sees them and make decisions that reflect that(such as vulgar displays of power like Sky Watch). And finally, as the spark of the entire Occupy Wall Street movement, it is very aparrent that the public has lost their confidence in the government and businesses to act efficiently and in their own interest. This has recently spread to law enforcement as well with many stories surfacing about unnecessary brutality and deaths/injuries that have resulted since the protests began.
1. Swimming
ReplyDelete2. Kenya warns al-Shabab of bombing by Twitter
3. Not Listed
4. BBC News
5. November 1, 2011
6. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-15547512
““The Kenya Defense Forces urges anyone with relatives and friends in the 10 towns to advise them accordingly” May Chirchir said on his official Twitter account.” This is the perfect definition of communicative action, according to Habermas, it is the one type of action that Habermas says, uses all human ways of thinking, and language. It is very interesting that even military spokesmen are using Twitter as a form of communication, which creates a “groups of solidarity” whether it was directly his goal or not. Chirchir is looking to create change and Twitter is his vehicle of choice. Twitter only allows 140 characters per tweet; Chirchir claims that it was tough to fit what he wanted to say in one fell swoop. Although, it is pretty amazing how much of a difference 140 characters can make, this tweet hopefully saved lives, when it pleaded with the civilians of Somalia to stay as far away as possible from the al-Shabab camps that Kenya military troops were aiming to destroy. Al-Shabab is linked to al-Queda, which is another example of group solidarity created by communicative action (unfortunately).
1. Cupcake
ReplyDelete2. Greek Talks on Interim PM go into Second Day
3. Author: N/A
4. BBC News Europe
5. November 8, 2011
6. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-15640428
This article made me think of Habermas and his ideas about communicative action and the legitimation crisis. The article discusses Greece’s bankruptcy and the communicative action that is now being done to bring a change to their economy since Greece currently is not meeting individual needs and the European Union is manipulating the country with this legitimation crisis. With the imminent threat of removing the euro as Greece’s currency, Greece is scrambling to pass a European Union bailout package. Without this bailout, Greece is expected to run out of money within the upcoming weeks. Greece is taking communicative action by formulating a new government, with elections approaching on the 19th of February.
1. Sexiib22
ReplyDelete2. Occupying Wall Street Reaches a Crossroad
3. Cara Buckley
4. NY Times
5. November 4, 2011
6. http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/06/nyregion/occupy-wall-street-protest-reaches-a-crossroads.html?pagewanted=all
This article is about the movement to occupy Wall Street. This movement began because people believe that big corporations were bailed out and given a lot of money, but everyone else was looked over. Those in high positions in big corporations and institutions have the power of the individuals who work for them, therefore using it in many ways to alienate blue collar workers. This is what Mead describes as authority, because the power is attached to the high positions. Those that support the movement to occupy believe that those in high positions abuse their authority and look over the individuals in lower positions.
1.Renez
ReplyDelete2.Recession impact cripples students’ finances
3.Author n/a
4.National Endowment for financial education
5.Date n/a
6.http://www.nefe.org/NEFENews/PressRoom/PressRelease/RECESSIONIMPACTCRIPPLESSTUDENTSFINANCES/tabid/800/Default.aspx
This article is about students and their families being affected by the recession. To sum up most of the article it stated that the recession affects students’ confidence, behavior, trust in financial institutions and overall well-being. This crisis affects 95% of student’s personal money management. From dropping classes, taking a leave of absence, or using a credit card to pay off another this has posed a huge problems for students. This ties into Mills, social imagination theory where we have the ability to see our individual experiences as they are related to and influenced by macro level social, cultural, and historical processes. To realize that because of the recession, a lot of people have been affected financially because of macro-level problems. The distrust of financial institutions the students have may cause them to avoid investing their business in these companies. What happens in the government is beyond our control but we are aware that this is why change is occurring.
PurpishG
ReplyDeleteU.N. Finds Signs of Work by Iran Toward Nuclear Device
David E. Sanger & William J. Broad
NYTimes
November 8, 2011
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/09/world/un-details-case-that-iran-is-at-work-on-nuclear-device.html?ref=world
It is simple to say that this article fits my idea of "communicative action". The United Nations weapons inspectors found evidence that relates to the Iran has nuclear devices in their possession. The article then continues to talk about reports that were sent out. Specifically the report that was presented by a senior Obama administration official that presented that there were detonation systems that worked on tremendous precision. Relating to my theory there had to be communication involved for each individual to know what's going on. Communication is the one type of action that uses all human ways of thinking and language. I also say that communicative action allows human beings to understand and agree with one another and to make plans for common action. Currently there is much talking going on about the credibility of this information, but we do know that communicative action is necessary.
-Habermas
1.CAYASSO
ReplyDelete2.The Nation: The Audacity of Occupy Wall Street
3.Richard Kim
4.NPR
5.November 7, 2011
6.http://www.npr.org/2011/11/07/142092366/the-nation-the-audacity-of-occupy-wall-street
The recent phenomena of Occupy Wall Street has enraged several, as participants in this movement have been dubbed extremist and fat cats looking for a government bailout. However, whatever your opinion maybe of the current series of events, you cannot deny that there is presence in numbers and collective thought and action. Occupy Wall Street epitomizes Habermas’ ideal of communicative action, as Kim details in his article, “Something unexpected happened: at first scores met in parks around New York City this summer to plan an occupation of Wall Street, then hundreds responded to their call, then thousands from persuasions familiar and astonishing, and now more than 100 cities around the country are Occupied.” This indisputable movement and concerted action was the result of growing unrest and anxiety towards our manipulated economic system that seems to reward the richest one percent of Americans with tax cuts and left the rest of the working poor and middle class with stagnant wages and unemployment.
Individuals apart of Occupy Wall Street come from all walks of life, from grad students to the displaced unemployed, however they are participating in free, unfiltered and unified communication and most importantly action! They are speaking up because Wall Street and those who control the economic gauge of this country are not doing so in the best interest of the majority. Like Habermas, the participants are demonstrating that there is no need for revolt or violent exchanges, but rather power in numbers, group solidarity and unison action. By not standing down, they are forcing this economic institution to not only listen to their claims, but address them! They understand that open discourse and common action is the only vehicle for change!
Cord Name: HY15B
ReplyDeleteTitle: Greece President Hosts Papandreou Samaras talks
Author: None
Source: BBC News
Date: 11/6/2011
Link: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-15613936
The Greek president host a crunch talks between beleaguered PM George Papandreou and main opposition leader Antonis Samaras on how they come together for the issues on the debt crisis. Mr. Samaras the New Democracy party is refusing to talk unless the Papandreou resigns.
This article articulated Habarmas ideas on communication action. The reason why is because even though Mr. Samaras and Papandreou are not seeing to come to agreement for what is best for the country the president is willing to bring them together so they understand and maybe come to an agreement that is good for the country in the future.
The debt crisis in Greece is issues that are affect both the Greek people and so many other people in the world. And the idea of having communicative action would be something better for Greece people and other people in the world and it would be the vehicle for change that the country needed.
1. Muppet
ReplyDelete2.Citizens exercise rights at Occupy St Augustine
3. N/A
4. Historic City News
5. Nov 6, 2011
6. http://www.historiccity.com/2011/staugustine/news/florida/citizens-exercise-rights-occupy-st-augustine-20432
The occupy movement is a Key example of Habermas' ideas on communicative action. This week, several hundreds of people got together and occupy a portion of St. Augustine to help gain national acknowledgment about feelings towards our nation that they all seem to share. It has had such an impact that people are not just occupying America, but in other countries around the world as well. Habermas' criticism of Marx's transition into a communist society was that he believed that it would be without disorder to society instead of a disruptive revolt. The people of Occupy St. Augustine was well aware of the laws and their constitutional rights and came together peacefully to maintain that they themselves were not in violation of laws. A man even went as far to distribute literature outlining their rights to peaceful assembly.There is a belief that the working class will rise to power and overthrow the proletariat moving society into a state of communism and this would take place through communication. Occupy is now communicating with the world.
Jersey
ReplyDeleteGreek Talks on Unity PM Continue
Mark Lowen
BBC News
November 9, 2011
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-15655459
The talk about Greece potentially not being in the European Union would result is a financial crisis. The Prime Minister of Greece is looking for a successor, but is not able to find one yet. Being the Greece is in a state where they need someone who is able to handle the idea of the financial crisis and wants to stay in the EU. For the person to be elected, the people would need to be able to judge on this persons qualities and not on their ideology of government. There was someone who thought would have fit the job Luke Papademos, but judging from his past and merits. He did not get the position.
Sasha
ReplyDeleteEnd Bonuses for Bankers
Nassim Nicholas Taleb
The New York Times
November 7, 2011
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/08/opinion/end-bonuses-for-bankers.html
This article discusses the benefits of ending the practice of giving bonuses to bankers, asserting that this will end the problem of bankers taking risks that negatively affect the public. He says that the reason bankers take risks in the first place is because of these bonuses, and that when these risks “blow up”, the bankers are forced to hide it or bailout. This is very reminiscent of Habermas' legitimation crisis, which states that modern society isn't meeting the individual needs of its members and that societal institutions are manipulating these members. In the case of bankers receiving bonuses, this is a reflection of society's inability to meet the individual's needs via allowing institutions like banks to provide such a hazardous and high-risk incentive, which in turn negatively affects society at the individual level.
Another concept this reminded me of was communicative action. This type of action, according to Habermas, allows for humans to use thinking and language to understand/agree with one another and to consequently form ideas and plans for actions of social change. This is shown through people coming together to reject the loose enforcement on the institution of banks and their practices, like the author of this article and movements like Occupy Wall Street.
Khaki
ReplyDeleteA roundup of Occupy protests
CNN wire Staff
CNN
November 7, 2011
http://articles.cnn.com/2011-11-07/us/us_occupy-protest-roundup_1_protest-cuts-protesters-plan-fellow-protesters?_s=PM:US
This article reflects the progress of the Occupy Wallstreet movement. It is about how a small group of people organized themselves in the beginning and it became a global protest. This is an example of my theory of communicative action. Communicative action is the vehicle change and it allows human beings to understand and agree with one another, to make plans for common action. These previous unconnected people were connected by the idea that they were the lower 99% and created group solidarity. This is a legitimate crisis in that modern society is not meeting most of its individuals needs and this calls for communicative action rather than a revolution or revolt. We need to communicate with one another and have a common goal and this will bring us together so that we can unite against the 1%.
Schmady
ReplyDelete"What Happened When I Tried to Get Some Answers About the Creepy NYPD Watchtower Monitoring OWS"
Nick Turse
AlterNet
November 6, 2011
http://www.alternet.org/occupywallst/152954/what_happened_when_i_tried_to_get_some_answers_about_the_creepy_nypd_watchtower_monitoring_ows?page=entire
Over the last few weeks, The “Occupy Everywhere” movement, sparked by Occupy Wall street, mimicked and personalized by organized protestors across the globe, has used every non-violent tool at their disposal to expose the systems of power that keep the “99%” afraid of it’s government.
This article is another fine example of the over exuberant exertion of power over the powerless. The quiet demonstration of potential force in the Sky Watch placed conspicuously over the Wall Street protestors could only be interpreted as such implied authority and silent (and hopeful) manipulation of peaceful individuals.
The Occupy Wall street movement has become an inspiring step out of apathy, taking our own inherent power to challenge the network of oppressive forces created by the economy, government, and military (in this case, highly militarized police). In the process of creating an alternative society under the noses of the American government, the protestors are running into many of the problems that we face on a national level such as the conflict between the rationality and speed of bureaucracy and the precision and fairness of human freedom. It’s hard to feel completely free, however, when the power elite has branded civil disobedience as “potential terrorism” or “a threat to national security”. It begs the question of what we continue to define as our nation, and whether that concept of “nation” is worth protecting.
Codeword: Carmelo
ReplyDeleteTitle: Personal trainers say 2012 trends include using technology, life coaching to lose weight
Author: The Staff at the McClatchy-Tribune
Date: November 9, 2011
Link: http://www.kansascity.com/2011/11/09/3255925/personal-trainers-say-2012-trends.html
In this article, they discuss how in 2012, personal trainers are using a broader approach to losing weight than they have in the past to decrease obesity rates amongst their clients. Some of the new approaches include community collaboration which encourages there members to get involved with parks around their homes to keep up with this lifestyle outside of just the gym. Another is the influence of technology, using social media to keep up with new everyday trends in fitness to incorporate to their lives in each passing day. Year in and year out, Americans resolve to hit the gym and get in shape. Through Mills’ sociological imagination, we are able realize that this obsession with being skinny is socially constructed through the media and television in our everyday lives. Super models and actresses all grace the covers of magazines portraying that skinny is the “it” image whereas if this weren’t the situation, and being fat was acceptable, many people would find other new year’s resolutions as this wouldn’t matter to them because society wouldn’t judge them so harshly.
Alex12
ReplyDeleteKim Kardashian, Kris Humphries: Are you surprised?
Stephanie Bloomberg
CNN News
November 1, 2011
http://www.cnn.com/2011/11/01/showbiz/celebrity-news-gossip/kim-kardashian-kris-humphries-divorce/index.html
According to lecture, Habermas characterized a rational society as “a society constructed of free communication, where ideas are weighed by their merits and unaltered ideology” (Joos). This article demonstrates how the Habermas’s theory of communicative action has initiated the vehicle of change in accordance to entertainment. One of Hollywood’s biggest stars, Kim Kardashian, is receiving backlash from her 72-day marriage. Individuals in society are outraged because of the disregard of the sanctity of marriage that was displayed, and also how she earned millions of dollars from her wedding. Using Habermas’s perspective, people utilized web based meeting spots such as blogs, and online forums to discuss and interact about their disdain of the Kim Kardashian divorce scandal. Due to this agreement and understanding of the conflict, individuals rallied together to combat this issue. Due to the group solidarity, Kim Kardashian is receiving a lot of criticism because the sanctity of marriage was compromised; the moral basis of society was at stake. In the article, it talks about how Kim was consumed with greed and the moral fiber of marriage and family was the consequences. As a result, some individuals who were displeased with the situation formed a group to discuss this issue, and Kim Kardashian is currently being highly criticized in the media. Kim Kardashian’s primary capital gain is her reality television series, and if the people do not approve, they will not support her.
2008c300
ReplyDeleteHow To Find Slate on Google+
Katherine Goldstein
The Slate Group, a Division of the Washington Post Company
Nov. 9, 2011
http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/slate_fare/2011/07/how_to_find_slate_on_google.html
Habermas...
The Slate Group recently announced that they would be joining Google+ and starting a "conversation" in an attempt at "finding new ways to engage and interact with (their) readers." Personally I believe that in today's modern society individuals lack freedom. I also believe that communication is a key aspect of freedom. In order to change the current society in which we live, something I believe to be both inevitable and necessary, communication must first be established between individuals so that plans for common action can be developed. I also see great potential in the networking circle aspect of Google+ which in theory would enable persons with similar interest and goals to "gather with" one-another and share their common ideals. I applaud The Slate Group for both joining and promoting the new Google+ platform for change.
1. cotee
ReplyDelete2. Unions Assume A Support Role For Occupy Movement
3. Jeff Brady
4. NPR
5. 10/29/11
6. http://www.npr.org/2011/10/29/141794777/unions-assume-a-support-role-for-occupy-movement
The "Occupy" movement is a classic example of communicative action. People are responding to what is termed as a "legitimation crisis," wherein an aspect of society (in this case politics) is not meeting the needs of individuals. The action that people are taking starts with talking amongst each other, but has than culminated into protests and strikes. The people taking part in this action are all part of a "group of solidarity," which is any group where the members can identify with each are work towards a common goal. This article discusses two groups, the Occupy group (whose goal it is to more evenly distribute wealth across the social classes) and the labor union group (who are vying for worker's rights) coming together for a common goal, though for different purposes, and symbiotically benefitting from each other. In essence, the Occupy group is supplying the publicity and labor unions are supplying the backbone (the power in numbers) of the movement. Ultimately, the goal of the movement is to have all people understand each other's needs and come up with a plan for common action.
Freebird
ReplyDeleteSleep Medication: Mother’s New Little Helper
Pamela Paul
New York Times
November 4, 2011
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/06/fashion/mothers-and-sleep-medication.html?pagewanted=all
Sleeping pills are referred to as “mother’s little helper”. This reference contributes to a group of women that are having similar experiences with sleep deprivation due to the plethora of responsibilities that are incorporated in motherhood. It is a consensus among this group that sleeping pills are an acceptable resource to aid in sleep deprivation. Through communicative action mothers in this group agree that they need help to alleviate the stress and worries of motherhood while trying to fall asleep. They have been able to communicate about similar experiences for causes of sleep deprivation. This communication aids in group solidarity among these mothers. If this ideology remains unaltered the cohesiveness of this group can stay intact creating a strong foundation for a common action for the support of sleeping pills as aid to help mothers fall asleep. This purposive action among this group of mothers stems from the demands of motherhood that are still bombarding their minds while they are trying to fall asleep. This dependency that this group of mothers have on sleep aids can bring social change to the level of responsibilities and expectations that is placed on motherhood.
1. Indiana
ReplyDelete2. Mississippi Voters Reject Anti-Abortion Law
3. Katharine Q. Seelye
4. New York Times
5. 11/8/11
6. http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/09/us/politics/votes-across-the-nation-could-serve-as-a-political-barometer.html?_r=1
This article tells how voters in Mississippi turned down an anti-abortion measure that would outlaw all abortions and some forms of contraception. This surprised some politicians because Mississippi is one of the more conservative states. This issue relates to Habernas’ concept of communicative action. Citizens who have found common ground on opposing anti-abortion methods have joined together to create a solid voice. Through protests, petitions, and voting the citizens of Mississippi showed that they were against the governments’ interference into personal, medical issues, especially because the passage of this bill would build support for similar laws in other states. Communicative action and group solidarity extend beyond the state in this case.
1. EXUL
ReplyDelete2. Giving mini burgers to mice reveals the good and bad of cooking meat
3. Nancy Shute
4. The Salt-NPR’s food blog
5. 11.9.11
6. http://www.npr.org/blogs/thesalt/2011/11/08/142140379/cooked-meat-is-an-energy-powerhouse-for-better-and-worse?ft=1&f=1024
When I first saw the title of this article, the first thing that popped into my head was Habermas and his theory of communicative action. I was pretty upset about mice eating burgers for research purposes. I am positive others would agree. A philo-café, along with other Habermasian options, would be the perfect place for something like this. I feel that a philo-café relating to health buffs, parents, PETA, and anyone who finds this experiment absurd would definitely be around for a while. This research means more than just mice eating fancy, expensive meat. There is a greater topic that all the groups of solidarity, I mentioned before, would find great interest in. This situation is an excellent example of alienation of communication; consumers are being told to believe eating meat is bad, but then they are told it is good. In addition, media will only communicate whatever is interesting not what is valuable and helpful for society
1.Duval
ReplyDelete2.Could Every Day Be Black Friday?
3.Adam Davidson
4.NYTimes Magazine/Excerpt found on NPR
5.11/16/2011
6.http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/20/magazine/adam-davidson-inflation-solution.html?_r=2&pagewanted=all
This article discusses Black Friday, the economic reasoning behind it, and the actual effects it has on the economy. Some people suggest that we can continue consumer spending if we slash prices for more than just a day, however this author argues that that is a problem because selling large quantities of goods at a lower profit (which results because the U.S. no longer controls the prices of the raw materials it produces) will only lead to greater unemployment which then, in turn, would slow consumer spending again. This would lead to what the author calls a "deflationary spiral." Furthermore, he suggests that raising prices rather than cutting them would prevent this (i.e. inflation). Try telling Americans that though... Black Friday has deep roots in American culture and is remembered by it's extreme discounts, binge-buying, and unmistakable, country-wide mania. By Berger and Luckmann's definition, this is an economic institution in that it exists separate from people, although it was created by people, and it controls individuals' behavior. Despite the fact that Black Friday doesn't really have any long term benefits on our economy these days because it does not have residual effects on spending, we still go out and spend billions and billions of dollars that we would not spend otherwise on this one day. Holiday shopping (or over-shopping, rather) is in of itself a habit that has become institutionalized and telling Americans that prices are being raised rather than dropped would only lead to backlash, despite whatever practical reasoning exists behind it.