Introduction
A deeper understanding of written and print media of communication can help understand its impact on the modern world. For instance, the growth of the human species does not develop naturally. It is achieved through the technology of writing that this transformation is attained. This paper looks into the aspect of empowerment of print.
Empowerment of Print
Over the years, writing or public media have been highly regarded because they have helped to transform human consciousness. Writing has reconstituted originally spoken language to a visual space. This has formulated a platform where culture can be passed on to other generations. However, this is under scrutiny. It is evident that, over the years, print has liberated, educated, and exposed information to the masses leading to empowerment (DeGregori, 22).
The line between literacy and print is very thin. For instance, comparing the information, fiction, science, or any other aspect that is contained in a book cannot be equated to mere utterance. Thus, it is very evident that print media have had multiple effects on the modern society. This applies to institutions, churches, economy, and even the government. For instance, modern day print media has led to a revolution from oral-based education to the modern platform, which is adhered to by many people.
The modern education system has facilitated the use of charts and other logical diagrams when formulating analysis. Print has also enhanced the management of knowledge. For instance, the use of dictionaries help in providing correct language. With regards to economic development, print has facilitated ownership of words. Unlike the primary culture that would encourage the sharing of themes and ideas, the modern print culture has encouraged the use of proprietary rights (Briggs & Burke, 72).
During the age of the television and radio, television secondary orality was achieved. However, this cannot be considered to be different from the earlier forms of oral language because the communication sense is the same. It is also notable that the secondary orality is largely based on writing and print, which are critical for the manufacture, operation, and usage of the equipments. The impact that is generated by the developments in technology is attributed to print.
For instance, the television has brought a change in the political arena among many nations. This is achieved by reaching large masses through the modern developments. The live debates help the audience know the personality of their leaders. With this mandate, print largely challenges the authority of various governments (Briggs & Burke, 72).
The main challenge that print poses to institutions and governments lies in its ability to expose information and create awareness among the residents of a certain country. In addition, the print is very dynamic as compared to the primary oral culture.
Writing has greatly impacted on the church and religion as a whole. This has led to various religions adopting print as a form of media. Nevertheless, it has been observed that print lacks creativity, and its products are derived from the influence from others, or the environment in which they thrive (Bloom, 77).
Conclusion
It is evident that, over the years, print has liberated, educated, and exposed information to the masses leading to the empowerment of the citizenry. However, various forms of criticisms have been noted. In this case, print has exposed what would otherwise be considered as secrets. The proponents consider this as empowerment emanating from print. Print is a medium through which information is passed. Therefore, it has challenged governments and religion.
Works Cited
Bloom, Harold. The Anxiety of Influence: A Theory of Poetry. New York: Oxford University Press, 1997. Print.
Briggs, A. & B. Burke. The Print Revolution in Context, 2005. Print.
DeGregori, Thomas R. Bountiful Harvest: Technology, Food Safety, and the Environment. Washington, DC: Cato Institute, 2002. Print.