The truth is that words matter. We write things a certain way because it means something different than if we were to write it another way. Luckily, in America we have the First Amendment, which is supposed to prohibit the government from making any law to infringe upon our freedom of speech. Here is what it says, as our Founding Father's wrote it: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances." Unfortunately, here in America, Congress is breaking the law.
When did it start? The first attempt was in 1798 by President Adams and the Alien And Sedition Acts. This law didn't beat around the bush. If you opposed any U.S. law or spoke out against the president or congress, you were to be jailed for up to two years. This law was eventually allowed to expire. Since then, congress has tried to strip us of our free speech. Since then, they have succeeded.
Of course, these days it's all about the art of being subtle. Do we think twice when we listen to the radio and hear the edited versions of songs? Some of us even defend the censorship of music, saying that words like that shouldn't be listened to by children. I say it's up to the parents to decide what their children listen to. When we watch TV, well, any TV that isn't a premium cable channel, we think nothing of censorship. Should inappropriate language, themes and situations be censored? If you answered yes, who determines what is appropriate?
I'm all for not allowing children to watch R rated movies, or adult television shows, or listen to explicit songs. But that is the responsibility of the parents, not the government. We have rating upon rating on music, television, and film, but as far as I'm aware, there are no ratings on books. An elementary school kid can go to the library and check out Mein Kampf. Over the history of our country, many books been banned, and those have been overturned. Other forms of media have not enjoyed the same amount of protection that books have enjoyed.
If all books are appropriate, why aren't all songs, TV shows, and videos? Are those types of media more subversive than others? Books are seen by many as 'pure.' While music and videos have the negative stereotype of being for lazy people. Because of this, the government managed to sink its teeth into these forms of media. What if the government is after more than just media?
The government is after all free speech, no matter what form it takes or who utters it, publishes it, posts it, or records it. The Patriot Act, signed into law by George Bush, changed the definition of terrorism to be so broad that this blog could be considered terrorism. Section 802 of the US Patriot Act changes Section 2331 of Title 18 of the United States Code to read, "The term 'domestic terrorism' means activities that... appear to be intended— (i) to intimidate or coerce a civilian population; (ii) to influence the policy of a government by intimidation or coercion." Read more here.
Now, this blog is not intimidating anyone, and you could argue that it's not coercing anyone either. Intimidation is a stretch, but my blog does fall under coercion. According to Merriam-Webster, to coerce is to, "to compel to an act or choice." Under the Patriot Act, I could be tried as a domestic terrorist. How did this bill get passed? How have any of the recent bills been passed? The health care bill? Prior to the health care vote, Nancy Pelosi said, "We have to pass the bill so you can find out what's in it." The same was true with the Patriot Act. Only one senator, Russ Feingold (D-WI), opposed it, based on, "[Attorney General Ashcroft] provided the text of the bill the following Wednesday, and urged Congress to enact it by the end of the week. That was plainly impossible." He was the only politician to say he didn't have time to read it. If he didn't have time to read it, did any of his colleagues?
The government preys on the citizens, using fear as their primary motivator. After 9/11, they passed the Patriot Act to 'protect' us. At least, that's what they claimed. Upon further examination, they passed the Patriot Act to strip us of our freedoms, to infringe on the first and fourth amendments. They used fear to exploit our faith. Our faith that the primary job of the government is to protect its citizens from harm. If there is one thing that history has taught me, it's that the only person I can count on to protect me is myself. I have no faith in the government. They will not censor this citizen.
© Nate Phillipps 2010
Showing posts with label television. Show all posts
Showing posts with label television. Show all posts
Monday, July 26, 2010
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Want VS Need
There are a lot of needy people living in our country, and in countries around the globe. Have you seen that commercial for the new steam-vacuum? Feel like you need it? If not, the advertiser isn't doing their job. We are bombarded with apparent needs all day long, whether it's on television, the radio, in a movie, or in conversation. In a shocking play of words (much like the current trend of using 'free market' instead of 'capitalism') the media has replaced 'want' with the ever present 'need.'
What is need? As boring as dictionary definitions are, Wikipedia states, "A need is something that is necessary for organisms to live a healthy life." This may be the definition the government chooses to use in it's mission statement. If using this broad definition, health care is a need, a low-fat diet is a need, government handouts are a need, a hybrid car is a need. The list could go on and on. I prefer to use Dictionary.com's definition of need, "A requirement." So if a need is really a requirement, then what are the base requirements for life?
There are three basic needs for human life. They are food, water, and shelter. If you have food, water, and shelter, you will be able to survive. The important thing to remember is that the amount of time you will be able to survive is not guaranteed, and it depends on much food and water you can find, and what sort of shelter you have. Also, I am not taking into account any sort of disease that requires medication or treatment in order for you to live. But if we look at the simplest aspect, if you have these three things, you should be able to live. It probably won't be in comfort, but you will live.
That is where needs end, at least for those who do not have a disease or illness that requires treatment. Everything else in life is made up of wants. I want a bed to sleep in. I want a car to drive. I want to own a TV. I want to eat a hamburger. I do not need a bed to sleep in, I could sleep on the floor or on the ground. I do not need a car, there are several other modes of transportation available to me. I do not need a television and I do not need to eat a hamburger, there are several other foods that would sustain me.
So if we don't need all these fancy things, why do we use the word 'need' instead of 'want?' We use it simply because the government and media want us to use it. Need implies some sort of dependency, while want implies a self-reliance. To break it down further, need is a weak word and want is a strong word. The media and government would rather have weak citizens than strong citizens. It is easier to control weak citizens.
Ads are designed to target this weakness and convince people that they need a new mattress, a new car, or a new vacuum. You never hear one of those TV announcers say, "You don't need our product, your current vacuum will do the same thing, ours just looks better." No, they set up a situation where they can prey upon any self-doubt you have, any weakness hiding in your mind. If you don't buy their product, you will be outdated and laughed at by your friends, family and peers. The same is true of the government.
If you don't support the health care bill, you are denying people who need your help. Here's a secret, they don't need your help, they want your help. But the government says that they need it, so you have to give it. They have to use the term need, because usually the people who benefit from laws like that don't have anything of value to contribute or offer in exchange of the benefits they are receiving. If I come upon a homeless person sitting on the side of the street with his hand out, I will never give him money. If a homeless person wants to work for his money, then I would gladly hire him to mow my lawn, take out my trash, any number of things.
When you use the term need, you are, in essence, asking for something in exchange for nothing. The problem is we can't just blame the media or the government, because we do it too, unconsciously. We need to be just as vigilant with ourselves as we are with everybody else. If you want something, say you want it, don't say you need it. If you have food, water, and shelter, everything else is a want. There is nothing to be ashamed of if you want something. Want is a proud desire. It is true that we are living with more than we need, but once you secure food, water, and shelter, life is no longer about need, life is all about want.
© Nate Phillipps 2010
What is need? As boring as dictionary definitions are, Wikipedia states, "A need is something that is necessary for organisms to live a healthy life." This may be the definition the government chooses to use in it's mission statement. If using this broad definition, health care is a need, a low-fat diet is a need, government handouts are a need, a hybrid car is a need. The list could go on and on. I prefer to use Dictionary.com's definition of need, "A requirement." So if a need is really a requirement, then what are the base requirements for life?
There are three basic needs for human life. They are food, water, and shelter. If you have food, water, and shelter, you will be able to survive. The important thing to remember is that the amount of time you will be able to survive is not guaranteed, and it depends on much food and water you can find, and what sort of shelter you have. Also, I am not taking into account any sort of disease that requires medication or treatment in order for you to live. But if we look at the simplest aspect, if you have these three things, you should be able to live. It probably won't be in comfort, but you will live.
That is where needs end, at least for those who do not have a disease or illness that requires treatment. Everything else in life is made up of wants. I want a bed to sleep in. I want a car to drive. I want to own a TV. I want to eat a hamburger. I do not need a bed to sleep in, I could sleep on the floor or on the ground. I do not need a car, there are several other modes of transportation available to me. I do not need a television and I do not need to eat a hamburger, there are several other foods that would sustain me.
So if we don't need all these fancy things, why do we use the word 'need' instead of 'want?' We use it simply because the government and media want us to use it. Need implies some sort of dependency, while want implies a self-reliance. To break it down further, need is a weak word and want is a strong word. The media and government would rather have weak citizens than strong citizens. It is easier to control weak citizens.
Ads are designed to target this weakness and convince people that they need a new mattress, a new car, or a new vacuum. You never hear one of those TV announcers say, "You don't need our product, your current vacuum will do the same thing, ours just looks better." No, they set up a situation where they can prey upon any self-doubt you have, any weakness hiding in your mind. If you don't buy their product, you will be outdated and laughed at by your friends, family and peers. The same is true of the government.
If you don't support the health care bill, you are denying people who need your help. Here's a secret, they don't need your help, they want your help. But the government says that they need it, so you have to give it. They have to use the term need, because usually the people who benefit from laws like that don't have anything of value to contribute or offer in exchange of the benefits they are receiving. If I come upon a homeless person sitting on the side of the street with his hand out, I will never give him money. If a homeless person wants to work for his money, then I would gladly hire him to mow my lawn, take out my trash, any number of things.
When you use the term need, you are, in essence, asking for something in exchange for nothing. The problem is we can't just blame the media or the government, because we do it too, unconsciously. We need to be just as vigilant with ourselves as we are with everybody else. If you want something, say you want it, don't say you need it. If you have food, water, and shelter, everything else is a want. There is nothing to be ashamed of if you want something. Want is a proud desire. It is true that we are living with more than we need, but once you secure food, water, and shelter, life is no longer about need, life is all about want.
© Nate Phillipps 2010
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