Henry Jenkins has been a prominent figure when it comes to aspects of media and pop culture. He is currently the Provost’s Professor of Communication, Journalism, and Cinematic Arts at the University of Southern California and has written and edited twelve books on the topic of media and pop culture. The article that will be focused on in this post, “Nine Propositions Towards a Cultural Theory”, was written in 2007 about the significance of YouTube. Since this article was written when YouTube became relatively new, it was interesting to read Jenkin’s reasoning for why it was significant back in 2007.
Henry Jenkins
In this article, Jenkin’s gives nine reasons for YouTube’s significant presencein the world of media. These nine reasons include: YouTube creates a hybrid space where all types of content can exist and be shared, it has enabled the emergence and growth of participatory cultures, greater visibility, easy access to content, and participation within ongoing communities and social networks.
The proposition that most intrigued me was the fifth proposition. This proposition states:
YouTube operates as an important site for citizen journalists… We can see many examples of stories or images in the past year which would not have gotten media attention if someone hadn’t thought to record them as they unfolded using readily accessible recording equipment
One example of this, as Jenkin’s points out, is when UCLA police tazered a student in the UCLA library. Here is the video for those who wish to watch it themselves (although it is mildly disturbing).
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AyvrqcxNIFs[/youtube]
Jenkins brings up a very good example of how media helps us learn about the world around us. These facts we learn may be entertaining, but are nonetheless informational and useful tools to further our knowledge. Without a doubt YouTube has driven our culture to be more creative, outspoken, and collaborative. To this day, Jenkin’s word holds true: YouTube gives us the opportunity to get a special “inside” look to things that we may not normally have the chance to see. What is also incredible is that YouTube is programed to gives us “recommended” videos, that, based on what one has previously viewed, will enjoy viewing.
While YouTube allows us to explore our creativity and collaborate with others, it also allows us to revisit the past when we want to. The fact that I am able to pull up that UCLA tazering video, which was posted about six years ago, is amazing. Whenever we feel like listening to old songs, watch funny videos, or share our own creations, YouTube allows us to do so.
Megan, I agree that the use of media helps bring awareness to others, and this growing issue of police violence is a great example of this. We have learned to educate ourselves of our human rights because of this reoccuring issue of unjust violence, as shown in your video. This video was very easy for you to access, so I can’t imagine how easy it could be to find more violent videos or images on the Internet.