The Blog: An alternative medium

I wonder what exactly can we truly believe in this world.

What: The Media Report discusses about how blogs are increasingly becoming the platform for activists in the Middle East

When: 22nd February 2007

Who: Mona Eltahaway

The blog and social justice in the Middle East

Traditional media vs. Blogs
I believe it can be especially hard to believe blog entries that we come across on the Internet. Even more so after years of consuming current affairs via commercial media. We have generally been led to believe that traditional media such as the newspapers, television and radio news bulletins are credible sources of current affairs. As they say, it takes time to build trust.

Blogs as alternative media
Mona Eltahaway was of the opinion that more females and young people are attracted to blogging because that's where they can be honest and voice out their inner turmoil. If the traditional media won't provide your viewpoint, just provide it on your blog.

As it turns out, more and more people in the Middle East are using blogs to ensure justice is served. The sense of familiarity actually helped these bloggers to bond and have the courage to fight for their rights (which are virtually non-existent). They're fighting to give an alternative view to what we're being fed. The world is none the worse to be provided with such insight.

"Weblogs are no panacea for the crippling effects of a media-saturated culture, but I believe they are one antidote. "

-Rebecca Blood in Weblogs: A History and Perspective

A good example of a blog which has been widely publicised and even compiled into book form is Baghdad Burning. Here, the blogger (an Iraqi lady) gave her own accounts of what is happening in Iraq. Viewpoints which are left neglected by traditional media.

Therefore, with the proliferation of blogs - platforms for significantly different viewpoints, will more people start to question the authenticity of traditional media?