Final Project-Censorship

My final project argues how internet censorship in China negatively affects the flow of two-way information. More specifically, when information is censored, is gives rise to political activism and human rights atrocities. The significance of political activism brings awareness concerning human rights of others, making it a global issue. As China continues to block social media sites such as Google, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, and MySpace, dissidents seek out alternative and better technology, bringing awareness to social inequalities in their country. This is evident in China’s massive demonstrations through social media networks. In addition, many citizens have suffered fines, jail sentences, and persecution for not complying with the rules of the Golden Shield policy. My support for this argument comes from the international concept of human rights applies to everyone. I plan to show specific examples of violations such as examples Liu Xiaobo’s incarceration over the last eleven years and of harsh sentences and inhumane treatment of activists in China. China continues to send the message to the world that any denigration will be stopped and or permanently eradicated. I will show that information is negatively affected through censorship by demonstrating the need for two-way communication, global awareness, and improved technology.

Works Cited

Berleur, J., Markku I. Nurminen, and John Impagliazzo. Social Informatics: an Information Society for All? : in Remembrance of Rob Kling : Proceedings of the Seventh International Conference on Human Choice and Computers (HCC7), IFIP TC 9, Maribor, Slovenia, September 21-23, 2006. New York: Springer, 2006. Print. This book chapter discusses socio-technical censorship practices, the impact of the regulators of information, and understanding information flow on the internet. This information is constructive in it shows the dynamics of censorship and the technology of filtering.


Clayton, Richard, Stephen J. Murdoch, and Robert Watson. "Ignoring the Great Firewall of China." (2006). University of Cambridge, July 2006. Web. 20 Mar. 2010. . The journal article shows the technological tools China relies on for blocking servers and the side effects of denial of service. It shows that China's firewall is not impervious to technological loopholes and through the use of encryption applications. The information is significant in understanding the flow of information.

"Flatter World and Thicker Walls? Blogs, Censorship and Civic Discourse in China." Public Choice 132 (2008): 31-46. Rebecca MacKinnon, 9 Aug. 2007. Web. 21 Mar. 2010. . MacKinnon journal article discusses the impact of internet censorship in China and the actors involved. She reiterates that Western views sometimes have a negative impact in that they focus only on interactions with authorities, not necessarily the political change or discussions. This article shows how blogging and the exchange of information bring increased human rights awareness and the influence of political trends.

Peerenboom, Randall. "Assessing Human Rights in China: Why the Double Standard." Cornell International Law Journal 38. Escholarship. UCLA Public Law Series, UCLA School of Law, UC Los Angeles, 3 Oct. 2005. Web. 22 Mar. 2010. . Randall Peerenboom article looks to the human right violations in China and points out that China is being held to a higher standard globally that its Western parts. The article explores China's civil rights policy and the causes for constraints. This article provides support through the background and poor records of human rights violations and participants involved.

Qiu, Jack L. "VIRTUAL CENSORSHIP IN CHINA: KEEPING THE GATE BETWEEN THE." International Journal of Communications Law and Policy 4 (1999/2000). CIAO. Columbia University Press, Winter 1999. Web. 19 Mar. 2010. . Jack Linchuan Qiu?s journal article provides background on the regulatory process of China's firewall and the current state of rules it abides by. He goes on to discuss the virtual boundaries established by China and the constraints in virtual space. This is supportive in providing a fundamental background in understanding the implications of censorship

Clay Shirky-Balance of Power

I am amazed at the power of social media and what it will mean for the future. The balance of clout in corporate America and elsewhere is shifting (at times rapidly). The effects of social media and the ability to mass a protest, battle, or give transparency to inequalities is indescribable. Thinking back to the days of Vietnam protests and civil rights protests, the manpower (physically) to amass large crowds was daunting. Shirky points out that collective action differs than individual action in that they are difficult to get started but there is a downside; collective action is harder to halt abruptly. One might think collective action is always a benefit (most of the time), but there is an ugly side of groups turning on corporations with malice intent. Society can bring an institution to their knees with a stroke of a key and a few determined individuals. Learning to use these new tools and harnessing the “power of the people” will be the biggest challenge. People can get involved without ever leaving their homes and maintain an invisible effort for a cause. The idea that most people had to have desire to get involved has changed. The risk of exposure and retaliation has lessened with the advancement of social media. The advantage of consumerism now provides economic strength and is growing stronger every day. Consumers’ realizing they have more clout and the ability to demand accountability is changing how we acquire goods and commodities. We share information and the exchange brings the long-awaited transparency that is overdue. We need to consume, and lessening of the bureaucracy of governmental deterrents and giving a shield to the corporate giants is slowly deteriorating. Technology will only improve, providing better tools and hopefully more accountability and transparency. Society is becoming educated in the power of social media and holds promise for the future. I believe this new medium is one of the significant revolutions for the history books.

Famous women in technology

Rebecca Boone, Ph.D. 1938-1997


Rebecca Boone forged a path for all women in online communities. Having grown up in the South, Boone was candid about her roots, affiliations, and her passion to make online communities a secure place for all women. She made a big impact with her development of Transformations, Women Online Worldwide, and Qworld forums. I admire the fact that growing up southern; she was able to maintain the southern traditions yet own her identity. Courage and vision characterizes her accomplishments as leading the way in the field of science and technology. Developing online communities for women, she also was influential in establishing and promoting opportunities for the gay community online forums. She was a teacher of “How to persevere” despite adversity. She taught online psychology courses and worked diligently as a volunteer. Her forum, Women Online Worldwide, is a reflection of her vision for women to have individuality in the digital world.

Shirky-Collective Action 375

I was particularly interested in Shirky’s thoughts on collective action and institutional challenges. Social media and the internet have opened a “Pandora’s” box of transparency and interaction globally. No longer do geographical barriers prevent the dissemination of information. As Shirky’s analogy puts it, “It is like a disease.” Social tools allows for immediate change in informational flow compared to the old communication technology. Information spreads much like disease in that it thrives off contact. The example of the Catholic Church attempting to “ride out” the storm of abuse issues is a good example of old behaviors that no longer work. The decision making that once was limited to the hierarchy of the church is now exposed as parishioners share information within the organization, bringing a collective cohesiveness. Although society now does this virtually, reaching across the globe instantaneously changes our behaviors. Deciding to get involved often meant an arduous process of locating an organization, making contact (snail mail or telephone), and then taking initiative or action. Today, one can jump on the health care debate (for example), and interact with the White House, advocates, or protest in blogs. The transition from letter writing, demonstrations, and gathering in large numbers has changed dramatically. As Shirky’s chapter six states, “Our behaviors have changed.” But as he points out, social tools do not make collective action, just removes the barriers. We are comfortable with easy access and tools that social media and the internet provides. No longer are we restricted to one way communication and having the ability to be heard or connected has created a new form of action.

Revision-Final Paper

Proposal revision:


Having taken advice from Julie I am revising by proposal, attempting to narrow censorship, China, and the internet. I propose the topic of how censorship and the internet play an active role in political activism despite their differences. Moreover, how they actually can work in concert with one another and give personal representation as well. This is evident within China’s government and the parameters they set for users. Although American views China’s censorship negatively, Chinese users (for the most part) have found a voice within the boundaries established. There are several other countries and specifically users who feel what is happening in China are inherently wrong although users in China work within the system established. I want to explore how both countries differ in internet censorship but share a commonality as they accept the parameters established. I still need feedback from others on narrowing or any advice to give! Thoughts?

Final Paper Proposal 475

My proposal peers into the censorship perpetrated on the user and the implications. I want to explore the needs for “whitelisting” and how will it impinge on ones identity on the net.


If China is an example of suppression of information technology, where will it stop? Collectively, evolution of information and technology will fragment or slow without encompassing the whole (meaning the world). Constraint is power and apparent on social media sites as well. Who decides and why? If we are to say there is freedom then can we bring it to a standstill? Information for all?

Why is this important? I declare suppression of one or all groups leads to revolutions…good or bad we will not progress as a society without inclusion. Censorship is as old as mankind only now we can propagate across all borders, the willingness to control. We have changed the margins in which we can tolerate autonomy and now get to choose. Do you want a stake in this process? Does it matter? I feel globally there should be no boundary of information for the user. Aside from the governmental need to protect our country, military, and national defense, censorship has no place. It has bled over to our VR world, carrying the same behaviors that invoked inequalities on society.

I would welcome ideas to narrow this down or expand on issues.

Ode of midterms

O’ mid past beyond the pale

I seethe from the toiling of purple prose,

The purity of my words, a fable.



Make merry on the hours of darkness

For I dance to a different master’

O’ mid past the beyond the pale.



Scoff again at my lumbering prose

For lonely words does not a friendship make?

Still, my purity of words, a fable.



Quail from the cloud of apprehension

I seek out your rhyme of song

O’ mid past beyond the pale.



It is thoughts that my mind avoids doing

Why does my prose flounder?

You jest the purity of my words, a fable.



Hark not you mischievous sprite of the mid terms

O’ mid past beyond the pale

from the time when the purity of my words, persist in fable.

Shirky-Here comes everybody-Sharing is good!

The point of interest for me in Shirky’s chapter on “Sharing anchors community” was photo sharing and how it has transformed how we see the world. It speaks of transparency and sometimes censorship. As stated on page 26, with the 2006 military coup in Thailand, placing restrictions by governmental authorities seems futile with the convergence technology of cell phones and video/photo capabilities. Someone, somewhere, has the ability and fortitude to capture military unrest, civil disobedience, and or some other action that is news, before we are “allowed” to know. Professional journalists/photographers are quickly taking a backseat globally to technology and the amateur photographer with a camera. There is a down side as information transcends the globe can be taken out of context. But pictures often bring clarity and will speak more effectively in the advent of a crisis. It was most prevalent in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. What we saw was lack of governmental response to a horrific catastrophe. What we heard from our media was “pan-fed” garbage. America and the rest of the world saw firsthand was transparency of FEMA through their inaction, as well as and other agencies. The ability today to aggregate photos and share them globally is putting humanity on the scene long before our faithful news media.