Woodward and Bernstein's Methods were Justified: Why do you believe citizen participation in investigation and giving all the information about the President election's financial resources to reporters is so important? Is it worth doing so?

Election campaign financing should be transparent. Politicians should listen to their constituents and not be swayed lobbyist agendas. Keeping track of where campaign funds are coming from is one way to ensure that politicians are not being bought by corporations or special interest groups. In the case of the Watergate scandal, campaign funds were used to commit and attempt to conceal a crime. If it was not for Bob Woodward, Carl Bernstein, and The Washington Post, it is very likely that the truth behind the Watergate incident would have never been reveled to the public and the and the guilty members of the Nixon administration would have gone unpunished. While all their methods were not entirely ethical, they were forced to use such tactics to uncover the truth. Woodward and Bernstein did not uncover the truth alone, they had to rely on employees that were brave enough to revel the truth. It was several employees, such as Deep Throat, the finance bookkeeper, and Hugh Sloane, that were willing to voice what they knew and get involved with citizen participation.They all had a lot to lose, but their conscience wouldn't let those in the Nixon administration to abuse their power. For example, the bookkeeper for the financial director knew her job was on the line and there would be serious repercussions if it was discovered that she was the one who leaked information. She would not only lose her job, but her life could have possibly been in danger. In addition,, Hugh Sloane and his pregnant wife were willing to walk away from a high profile job with a large paycheck due to the fact they couldn't bear the guilt of knowing what his employers were capable of doing to keep their party in power. If more citizens were willing to stand up for what is right, there would be less corruption in the world. 

Cultural Differences: Why do we need to take intercultural communication into consideration as communicators?

According to Education.com, intercultural communication is, "verbal and nonverbal communication among people of different cultures". Every culture has their own set of norms and messages may not translate the same way. Religion, economics, and political factors are are a fraction of what contributes to what makes to making each culture unique. Language as well as societal differences present barriers that can be difficult to overcome. The internet and technology has made global communication possible. As a result, for communicators in any industry, workplace, or social setting, it is crucial to keep intercultural communication factors in mind while presenting content. How different cultures interpret a message could lead to miscommunication, awkward situations, and hurt feelings. Therefore, in order to be sensitive to other cultures, it is important to acknowledge the audience's background.

One example of of why intercultural communication needs to be taken into consideration is each cultures' sense of humor varies. What's considered funny in one part of the world may be offensive in another. For example, Sheida Hodge,of the Cross-Cultural Division for Berlitz International Inc. pointed out the differences between American and British humor. She said, "Americans, because we are individualistic and confident, tend to do a lot of put-down humor. It's a big deal for the British; they believe it breaks tension, but their sense of comedy is different. They use more irony, which Americans may mistake for sarcasm."(ChinaDaily.com) By being aware of these differences, communicators will be able to effectively communicate with others from around the world.

Works Cited

"Humor Is No Laughing Matter Overseas." China Daily. ChinaDaily.com, 6 Apr. 2004. Web. 27 July 2012. <http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/english/doc/2004-04/06/content_321053.htm>.

"Intercultural Communication." Education.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 July 2012. <http://www.education.com/definition/intercultural-communication/>.

How Class System Impacted Print Before the Revolution:How Did the Masses Communicate Before the Print Revolution?

Before the print revolution, ancient societies had to rely on producing each document by hand. It was a tedious skill that only certain members of society could perform. Furthermore, due to the amount of work required to produce each text, books cost a significant amount of money and were reserved for the elite. As a result, only the wealthy and powerful owned books, could read and write, and able to possess the knowledge in contained in the text. So, the rich and powerful organizations, such as the prevalent religions of the day, were able to control the masses by limiting printed information. The lower classes had to communicate with each other through word of mouth, even though their contact with others outside of their class was limited. They were forced to rely on their rulers or religions to inform and educate the overall masses. However, with the invention of movable type, books became more affordable and accessible to all members of society. This invention allowed everyone to communicate to a larger number of people. More ideas, beliefs, and stories could be shared as opposed to just relying on the wealthy for information.  

Publishing Pioneers: Describe the Contributions of Two Early Colonial American Women

In America's early history, newspapers were very influential and powerful medium. This was due to the fact their publication was the only form of mass communication besides books. However, as opposed to books, newspapers could print timely and current information. Therefore, whatever was printed was not only able to reach a large number of people and keep them informed about current events, but also sway their opinion depending on the manner in which the piece was written. As a result, newspaper publishers were powerful considering that they control the information that get printed. Considering that during the time colonial time period women utterly lacked control and power in American society, I found it surprising that several women, like Anna Zenger and Elizabeth Timothy, managed have any kind of role in newspaper publishing. Nevertheless, both women were only able to break in to the industry due to their husbands unfortunate demises. For Anna Zenger, she began working as a publisher for her husband's newspapers, The New York Weekly Journal, after he was arrested for "printing false and seditious writing" (Biagi 54). She must have been a brave a determined woman to continue printing after what to her husband just for writing the truth about a public official. On the other hand, Elizabeth Timothy publishing career began after the death of her husband, the founder of the South Carolina Gazette. She actually wrote her first article under her thirteen-year-old sons' name because she knew it was the only way her work would be respected and taken seriously. Her first article reflected her own struggles as a poor widow with children and the need for help the community. Both women were pioneers in the male-dominated newspaper publication and their efforts should be respected.


Biagi, Shirley. Media/impact: An Introduction to Mass Media. Boston, MA: Wadsworth Cengage Learning, 2010. Print.

Truman Capote and Perry Smith: How has the experience of writing the book change Truman? Has it been a positive or negative change? How do you think it it will affect the rest of his life?

When the film first began, it portrayed Truman Capote as a flamboyant New York literary socialite that would do anything to get a great story. However, by the end of the movie, he was only a shell of his former-self due to the life changing experience of researching and writing his novel, In Cold Blood. After coming across an article about a mass murder of a Kansas family, Capote became obsessed with turing the story into his greatest work. He used manipulative and ruthless tactics to get what he wanted out of people. That behavior eventually caught up with him and negatively impacted his life. His boyfriend Jack had even warned him when he started to get into to deep and said, "Careful what you do to get what you want"(Capote 2005). As he began interviewing the murderers, Truman developed a close relationship with Perry Smith that led to his demise. It was if Truman felt a bond with Smith due to the fact that both had a difficult childhood. If not for his literary talents, Capote realized that he could have ended up like Smith and was quoted as saying, "It's as if Perry and I grew up in the same house. And one day he stood up and went out the back door, while I went out the front" (Capote 2005).

Since he felt a connection and wanted his story, so he did the bare minimum to appear to help the Perry and Dick in order to gain their trust. He was horrified to learn Perry was the actual killer of the family and it shattered the illusion that he could distance himself while writing the book. However, he needed the executions to make the perfect ending for his book. So when the killers were eventually hung, Capote's guilt and regret caused him to spiral into a deep depression that lasted for the rest of his life. He was able to write his his greatest novel, but at a very high price: he never finished another book and basically drank himself to death.

Works Cited

Capote. Dir. Bennett Miller. Perf. Phillip Seymour Hoffman and Catherine Keener. Sony Picture Classics, 2005. Film.

Homer and The Written Language: What impact did written language have on communication?

In every language, the medium of writing differs from spoken word. As a result, written language has its own set of rules and flow. In fact, when people write exactly as they speak, it tends to read in an awkward and confusing manner. Prior to written language, people had to rely on spoken work to communicate with others. However, when written language appeared in ancient cultures, it allowed them to have another platform to communicate with each other.

Before written language became a well established form of communication, some ancient cultures had to rely on oral tradition to preserve stories, events, and records. In order to be passed down through the generations, people would memorize the details of a story and then retell it with their own spin. Therefore, the tale differed from each storyteller and the author's original vision was often lost. One of my previous clusters, World Literature, also discussed the epic poems of Homer, such as The Odyssey. According to Communication in History, "the epic poems of Homer provide a unique opportunity to compare the oral and the written forms of language" (Crowley 44). When reading and writing became prevalent, extreme memorization was no longer necessary and the author's original story could be shared with the public. It also shows how the written and oral version varies in each form.  

Works Cited

Crowley, David, and Paul Heyer. Communication in History: Technology, Culture, Society. Boston: Ally & Bacon, 2011. Print.

The Importance on Mass Communication: What is Mass Communication?

Mass Communication "involves the use of print or electronic media, such as newspapers, magazines, film, radio, or television to communicate to large numbers of people who are located in various places-often scattered all over the country or world" (Berger 12). Moreover, mass communication is how people or organizations communicate their ideas through various mediums that are able to reach a number of people. Mass communication and mass media everyday life affects our everyday lives. Everyone in today's society receives information from some type of mass media. Mass communication mediums make it possible to stay informed about what's going on in the world. Most people have become so reliant on getting their news from these mediums. I know it would be impossible for me to go even one day without watching television or using a computer to catch up on current events. In fact, I would feel very disconnected. Furthermore, advertisers and companies utilize mass communication mediums to influence consumer decisions. From the moment you wake up, companies are desperately trying to persuade you to buy their product. Whether it is an ad on the sidebar of Facebook to the billboard on the road, advertisers spend big bucks to get your attention.

 Works Cited

Berger, Arthur Asa. Essentials of Mass Communication Theory. Thousand Oaks: Sage Publications, 1995. Print.

The Feel of a Touch Screen Versus Paper: "Will New Technologies like eBooks replace print books? Why or Why Not?"

Thanks to the growing popularity of mobile wireless devices, I think eBooks will begin to replace print book over the next several years. However, several factors must occur before new technologies replace print books. For example, the price of devices like the iPad must go down in order to make reading eBooks affordable to more people. Frankly, anything you can read an eBook on costs a small fortune. Furthermore, I would prefer to take $9.99 book to the beach rather than the pricey device that runs the risk of getting ruined by the elements. Second, I personally like having the physical object of a book on display in my house. In fact when I bought my house, I was thrilled that it contained a built-in bookshelf in the living room. It gives my visitors insight into my interests and make fabulous conversation pieces.

While both mediums have pros and cons, eBooks eventually will begin to dominate because of their accessibility, convenience, and space advantages. Even though my preference leans towards print, it is inevitable that that eBooks are the wave of the future. In today's society, most people have a device and access to wireless technology that can be accessed practically anywhere. Instead of driving to a bookstore or library, a large number of books are available via devices like the Nook or iPad. In addition, not having to lug around all the necessary books are an added advantage as well. Finally, if space is an issue and you have a love of reading, your house will not be overwhelmed by the numerous pieces of literature.  

The Ethical Questions Raised in Rashomon: What is the Rashomon Phenomenon? Which of the Interpretations Discussed in the Text Do You Find Most Intriguing and Why?

According to Essentials of Mass Communication Theory, the Rashomon Phenomenon explores if, "we can know reality and the truth about it" (Berger 27). Moreover, it addresses the conundrum that if how everyone interprets facts differently, then what can be considered the truth. The film, Rashomon, perfectly illustrates this dilemma. In the film, a murder occurs, but all of the characters involved recalled the event drastically varied with only several elements remaining the same. During the trial, all of the parties involved try to persuade the court that their version of the story is the truth. Even though the stories differ incredibly, several facts remain the same. First, Tajomaru, the bandit, spots Masago and her husband Takehiro, a samurai, riding through the woods. Second, his lust of Masago drives Tajomaru to trick Tajomaru by offering him cheap swords and then tie him up. Third, Tajomaru and Masago have sex. Whether Masago is a willing participant or raped varies depending on the storyteller. Fourth, Tajomaru winds up dead in the woods. The events leading up to his death and the person responsible also vary in each story. The filmmaker never reveals which story is the truth and leaves it up to the audience to determine who they feel was telling the truth based on the fact presented.

While reading the chapter, I went through the various interpretations and analysis of the film. However,

I found the ethical interpretation of Rashomon to be he most intriguing. Each character in the film faces a moral dilemma and their actions show what kind of person they truly are. For example, even though the woodsman stole the pearl dagger from Tajomaru's dead body, his intention was not greed for himself, but as an opportunity feed his large family. While stealing is wrong, he attempts to redeem himself by taking in the abandoned baby. Based on what the woodsman saw in the grove, none of the characters involved in the murder made dishonorable decisions. As a result, he was able to justify stealing from corrupt people. While it was an ethical predicament, he choose not to reveal the whole story to the court in order to better his own family.

Berger, Arthur Asa. Essentials of Mass Communication Theory. Thousand Oaks: Sage Publications, 1995. Print.

Dumb and Smart Communication: "Explain the Differences Between One-Way and Two-Way Communication and Why Two-Way Communication is Important for the New Communications Network?"

For many decades, mass media has existed primarily as form of one-way communication. Many forms of media, such as television and books, only sent out their message through their selected channel. Then, the receivers or audience passively consumed the content. According to Media/Impact, one-way communication can also be referred to as "dumb communication" (Biagi 19). This is due to the fact that the senders had all the control and limited interactions with the receiver. Also, he receiver is not able to offer any immediate feedback to the sender. For example, when someone goes to the movie theater, they are only able to select from the available film listings. In addition, the receiver is only able to watch the film and not directly contribute to the content.

However, in recent years many forms of mass media has evolved into two-way communication due to advancements in digital technology. Two-way communication or "smart communication" involves the sender and receiver being able to communicate directly and immediately with each other (Biagi 19). The receiver is no longer just passive; they have more power to influence and personalize the sender's content through feedback and interactivity. For example, the receiver has the choice to "like" a company on Facebook, which allows them to receive promotional information and gives them a platform for voice their opinions.

Two-way communication is essential in the new communications network due to the fact it is becoming the preferred form of communication of consumers around the world. Thanks to wireless technology, people expect to deal to receive personalized content immediately and have a direct connection with the sender or company. In order to remain profitable, companies need to embrace the technology that allows two-way communication possible.

Biagi, Shirley. Media/impact: An Introduction to Mass Media. Boston, MA: Wadsworth Cengage Learning, 2010. Print.

The History of Media: "Why Should We Study the Media of Early Civilizations?"

Although technology is rapidly changing our current society, it's important to look back at the media that helped us arrive at this point. From the earliest paleolithic symbols to a post on Facebook, media is the way that ideas and knowledge are shared between the masses. By examining the effect that media had in early civilizations, it can help us understand the historical significance that communication plays in shaping cultural norms, recording events, and forming the structure of society. In fact, the medium of reading and writing was responsible for revolutions in many ancient empires, particularly in Egypt thanks to the shift of writing on stone to papyrus (Crowley 14). When ancient media evolved to more accessible forms, it allowed people to become enlightened and knowledgeable, which also gave them more power. In today's society, the internet and wireless technology has also caused somewhat of a revolution. Now more than ever, information in readily available to large groups of people and as a result it is changing our civilization. Therefore, by studying media in ancient empires, we can gain insight on how advances in communication mediums impact society. It's odd to compare an Nook to papyrus, but both convey the ideas of their times and shape their culture.

Crowley, David, and Paul Heyer. Communication in History: Technology, Culture, Society. Boston: Ally & Bacon, 2011. Print.

The Significance of Rashomon: "Why Do We Watch Rashomon in a Communications Class ?"

Prior to my pursuing my current major in Corporate Communications, I had intended to get a Bachelor's degree in Cinema. Moreover, I used to have the grandiose dream of becoming a successful film director. After deciding it was an unattainable and expensive aspiration to chase, especially if I intended to stay here in Saint Louis, I changed my career path to something I was just as interested in. The role that communication, marketing, and public relations play in the corporate world is also very fascinating to me. Therefore, I was particularly thrilled to learn that I would be watching and analyzing films relevant to the study of communications in the Foundation Studies cluster. It's like having the best of both worlds in one class.

While attending Southern Illinois University Carbondale, I took several film classes and Rashomon and its director were frequently discussed. Despite all of the acclaim, I had honestly not watched the film before this class. Furthermore, I knew the film has cinematic significance, but did not realize the how much its plot relates to the study of communication. After watching the movie, I can see why it is an excellent film to show in a communications class. According to Media/Impact, "communication is the act of sending messages, ideas and opinions from one person to another" (Biagi 8). However, as illustrated in the film, Rashomon, no one interprets a message or even the truth the exact same way. The film explores how each character recalls the events leading up to the murder differently due to their motives and backgrounds. As a result, the film drives home the point that communication is subjective. Additionally, in any form of communication, the sender must decide on the how to portray the message and how it will be received by the audience. For example, the woodman left out the fact that he stole the dagger because he did not want the other men to get the wrong idea about him. In fact, the movie had such an impact on the study of communication that it has a theory named after it which will be discussed in a later blog.  

Works Cited

Biagi, Shirley. Media/impact: An Introduction to Mass Media. Boston, MA: Wadsworth Cengage Learning, 2010. Print.