Essay questions: (please write the response of these two questions separately, and if writing personal experiences please write from an asian female’s perspective. thank you.)
1) Geographic Metaphor
In our discussions, we have used a number of different geographic metaphors to describe social processes in our media and communication systems: cultural redlining, cultural enclosure, and the gentrification of the internet. For this essay, you will write about ONE of these metaphors. Briefly describe the original geographic concept (redlining, enclosure, or gentrification) and explain how it applies in this cultural or social context. Please also include a real-life example of this phenomenon and explain why it is significant or interesting.
What aspects or elements of our state or industrial institutions make these phenomena possible? How does the use of this metaphor help us to better understand how media and communication systems work? What is the social and cultural impact of this phenomenon and/or the real-life example you mention? How does your metaphor or example replicate trends we’ve noticed in other parts of the course?
2) Capitalism(s)
Over the last several weeks, we have discussed various types of capitalism. For this essay, you will write about either platform capitalism OR surveillance capitalism. Describe how it relates to the broader concept of capitalism, and what new elements it adds to the original concept. Please also describe how this system works in everyday life, either in relation to the particular strategy of a particular technology company, or with a different real life example. Please also discuss some of the impacts of this new iteration of capitalism on society.
Is the overall impact on society positive or negative? How do particular elements, tendencies, or tools of digital platforms create the foundation for this system? What role does technology play in these capitalisms, and could there be a different or better use of these technologies? Could the internet have developed along different lines and resulted in a different kind of system?