The Printing Press

     Imagine, it is the 1400's, any book or manuscript was handwritten, and most of the population is unable to read or obtain a piece of literature. This was all a reality until a piece of machinery created by Johannes Gutenberg revolutionized the way books and literature were created and distributed. In this era, books were extremely expensive and inaccessible, and as a the gaining literacy levels in Europe increased- the need for a cheaper and quicker process of producing literature work was due.

Gutenberg, a poor metalsmith, was looking for ways to make an income using his work. He needed a fast and efficient technique to mass produce works while being able to cut costs of books. Taking inspiration from eastern wood-blocking technique, Gutenberg decided to twist the craft, creating metal individual letters working together under a larger piece of equipment to print sentences all together at once- repeatedly, giving a substantial alternative to book making and the manufacture of books. After some time, collaboration, and a loan, Gutenberg was able to produce two-hundred copies of the Gutenberg Bible, printed in Latin. The use of the printing press turned into an assembly-line type of work while printing, making it effective and quicker than the hand scribes were able to create books, while producing them for the masses. 

    The invention of the printing press revolutionized Europe. It facilitated the spreading and preservation of knowledge in the standardized form, crucial to the advancement of science, technologies, religion, education, and much more throughout nations.

This eliminated risks of text altercation within hand writing texts, creating stability among all subject matters. The immediate change coming from the printing press was in fact cutting the costs of books, being able to fill library's shelves at a lower cost rate, and the quickening gain of knowledge through Europe. This sent the mass movement of spreading information and ideas between others into play. During this era, the printing press is credited for initiating the "information revolution"  and its mass spread of ideas and self exploration between individuals. This was extremely crucial to the development into the Renaissance Era; and Martin Luther's spreading of religious information. With the newly released printing press, those who were unable to read, would gather to listen to readers list off news, stories, and information from the papers- building a stronger sense of community. 

   

Given the time period that the printing press was invented in, there were various negatives seen by those of higher power, or those unwilling to confide to change. Misinformation spread was a big concern, along with the individual's power to challenge the norm or authoritative power at the time. Although challenging was dangerous at the time, individuals remained in control of their words and continued to print- further revolutionizing Europe and other nations. 

    I learned a lot from researching the printing press. We are incredibly lucky in today's society to have words and information at our fingertips; our society often forgets about how it started and what our technology has built from. The printing press was able to educate thousands of individuals while making the process more affordable and accessible to those who were interested. The printing press was able to aid in many aspects and subjects across the globe, whether it be politics, religion, science, or community news sources. 

The Supreme Court

    

    Growing up, students in the school systems of America were taught the basis of the Supreme Court and their impact on the ever evolving society that we live in today. As the years passed, we watched Justice's come and enter into the court. While growing up, I have realized that the Supreme Court not only affects our government programs, but also our general freedoms as American Citizens and how they are interpreted by the law today. Before watching the video, I did not know a lot of mundane situations of an everyday American can be impacted by the Supreme Court if the situation permits. 

    

    

    After watching a twenty minute documentary on the Supreme Court, I realized that the most important take away was that these cases take a prolonged amount of time to start, discuss, see, and dissent. The Justices do not simply make a decision, there is multiple voices of reason, and background involved. The Justice's dissect these cases and determine what follows the US Constitution, and what applied to today's modern world. This process between the nine Justice's takes time, and patience within each other- and with the best interest of the American citizens in mind. While becoming more familiar with the court and how it works, I found it incredibly interesting that while the Justice's are all hearing a case- there may be three or four different streams of thought that are all being discussed and arguments within.

 

    I have very mixed feelings about the Supreme Court; I think it is a very powerful and applauded level of law. I believe there have been very talented and intelligent judges that have served on the court over the years. In todays era of the Supreme Court; I believe that some of the justices currently serving are questionable at times. As am American citizen- and a woman- the Supreme Court appears to diminish a lot of the power that the court previously gave Americans. After watching this video, I have gained respect for the Supreme Court and the judges on the court that do intend to keep the best interest of the people in mind.  I have gained respect for the Justice's that serve- as they are very intelligent individuals, but after watching this documentary- I cannot help but wonder what has changed in the few years between when this film was released. 

    

The Eight Values of Free Expression, and Their Correspondence to Today

     Since the writing of the first amendment, undoubtedly, a lot has changed when thinking about todays age. Whether referring to foreign policies and the occupation of global countries, the 2024 election ideologies and debates, or the government mechanics that are in place to aid the American people. The first amendment is crucial to the American people and government; keeping the citizens at a sense of peace with being able to form together as a collective and spread ideas, criticism, opinions, art, and more. There are eight total values of free expression, all of which are crucial and implementable to the American government and people and should be conveyed at all times. However, I personally have a top value of free expression right now that I think is being perfectly implemented and used in todays current events. 

    As America is impatiently counting down the days until November 5th, the press, along with the American people have not been hesitant to run to social media to clip presidential rallies, interviews, and conferences. Using this newer social media change has given the American people the ability to subconsciously, or consciously become in favor to one official or the other. Along with providing information and fact checks on the individual speaking- allowing for America to keep the candidates as truthful as they may struggle to be. Using the checks on governmental power can be extremely beneficial to the American people, using their vertical checks and balances ability to take their power to the polls on, or before Election Day to make the difference they want to see. 

    Another value of free expression that runs hand in hand with governmental checks, is stable change: the ability to let alienated and angry citizens to vent about the government- essentially keeping it in check.

 In this century, the internet has allowed for a safe space for alienated or oppressed groups of Americans to publish their hardships, call the government out, and expose unethical programs in place within our country. With the increased viewership on these apps like TikTok and X, it allows the citizens (voters), to empathize, or turn inward on the government in a morality standpoint. With angry citizens speaking out, their voices are heard, and those who are listening have the power to stand together with this marginalized group- and create change together by calling upon government action; relating to checks on government. 

    While all eight of these values of free expression are all interlinked in human nature, the American government relies on the citizens to be able to express their ideas, opinions, art, creativity, scientific discoveries, and philosophies to be able to grow as a nation. Of course, there are those that are disagreed with, however, it is important to our ability as citizens to be able to scrutinize the government and share one's own ideas and improvisations about society and what we want it to look like, we are able to (very) slowly shape our nations future into a place where citizens are able to feel safe with creating. 

My Top 5 News Sources

     Finding a news source that is reliable or non biased in todays media outlets seems near impossible. However, I have navigated through the internet enough to find specific media outlets that are taken from real experiences and given out from the source.

   

My first main source of news happens to be TikTok; a very popular video/ photo social media. TikTok has been revolutionary to the way news has been spread around the globe. News outlets like NBC, ABC, CNN, etc. have created accounts that snippet important ones events to upload to the app; giving thousands of people light access to whats going on in the world without needing to do any research. TikTok also has uploads from Palestine, protests in the US, political opinions and debates, and so much more information that is crucial to the development of the "American mind". Having an outlet that releases so much information from educators, scientists, doctors, and professionals about any world event is extremely beneficial and crucial in todays age. 

    Another source that I find myself referring to and reading is CNN.  

Keeping up with he election this year has been a whirlwind, and their reporting has been top game for the Democratic Party. CNN also is diligent with their reporting on events within America and outside. For a very popular outlet, their attention to important details and fact checking have been very beneficial to readers and Americans who are looking to become educated on certain aspects and sides of the American government and current updates coming from Washington. 

    Another news outlet I use very often is X, or formally known as "Twitter".

I use X to check real time events. Live updates filter through X the quickest. I also recommend X to anyone who wants to keep up with their state representatives. Congress members use twitter to voice their opinions greatly; whether it is a good opinion- or a very different opinion. It allows viewers (and voters) to become more familiarized and personalized with their representatives or candidate. 

    

As someone who was born and raised in a very small town, I check my local news almost every day. WJAC is a news source for local news in Pennsylvania. Keeping up with events that happen at home is very important to me and allows me to connect to my family and friends at home still. My area is also extremely impacted by tragedy, specific economic and social issues,. Being able to keep up with what is affecting my peers and family keeps me engaged in current policies and engages critical thinking skills dealing with future issues and solutions. Keeping up with local news whether in a hometown or a current living situation is crucial to being an active member of your community. 

    The final news source that I check regularly is Politico.

Politico gives all around news updates on all sides of the polls. Politico also dives into policy, and explains in depth the meaning and reasoning behind some of the choices that candidates make. Politico also does not hold back in criticizing a statement. The source also spreads into the other elections running at this time- and how other levels of government officials can affect the future of America.