Process Post #4

As a non-native English speaker, this week of PUB 101 was very interesting to me. As part of the class lecture, we used the app Kahoot, and it was quite eye-opening for me to understand that for some examples we were supposed to use proverbs. While these types of expressions were very new to me, after some examples I slowly began to realize what theme, we were supposed to attempt. It made the class more engaging as we learnd about publics and counterpublics – something that will undoubtedly help in developing future media strategies as we as our personal cyberinfrastructure!

Beside lecture, as Micky mentioned in D103 tutorial, that Leetaru and Kalev’s “In a Digital World, Are We Losing Sight of Our Undigitized Past?” was one of her favorite readings, it felt the same way for me. 

Honestly, I think it’s incredible to think of all the ways that information has become more accessible in our digital age. With just a few clicks, we have at out fingertips an almost limitless pool of knowledge and resources – something people only dreamed about before the internet came around! But with this convenience also comes risks: as everything shifts online, it can be easy to forget about undigitized pasts or take for granted how important those sources were (and still are!). To ensure access is kept open for generations both now and future-facing alike, let us remember why protecting our undigitized past matters.

In a world where information is increasingly accessible and convenient, it can be easy to overlook the importance of undigitized past. For me as a 22-year-old living in this digital age, safeguarding our history feels crucial. As I peruse bookshelves rather than browser windows more often these days – something that used to bring so much joy during my childhood years –I find myself reflecting on just how much we lose when all sources aren’t given an equal footing online.

Knowledge doesn’t come solely from first page google searches; there are lessons and fascinating insights found offline too which may otherwise go overlooked! Bringing attention back towards tangible media might hold valuable learnings for generations new and old alike—so here’s hoping future readers spend time both ‘on’ & ‘offline’.

The internet has become our go-to source for information, but there are so many aspects of our history and culture that remain beyond the digital realm. It’s more important than ever to ensure we actively protect and preserve those elements – not just physical artifacts or objects, but stories, perspectives and experiences too! It’s up to us as a society today to make sure these all-form part of the understanding passed on throughout generations; afterall they paint an invaluable picture of where we’ve come from – perhaps even why things have turned out that way?

As far as readings go, Reading Warner’s “Publics and Counterpublics” opened my eyes to a complexity of understanding the power dynamics between public opinion and an oppressive regime in Iran. It was particularly resonant with me as I know all too well how, sadly, the counter-public is often our government – one that strips us of any cultural identity or freedom we yearn for. This article served to provide even more insight into this topic that’s so important yet often neglected when it comes to political discourse around Middle Eastern countries like mine!

Iranians live in a complex and dynamic society: the powerful Islamic Republic of Iran provides an alternative vision to that of everyday citizens. This relationship between publics, counterpublics and dominant/marginalized groups continuously shapes political discourse – creating conversations around important social issues such as inclusion and equity. 

Knowing this makes us even more aware about how vital it is for Iranians to continue discussing these topics openly so we can create opportunities for positive change within our country.