The Public Sphere and The Internet w/ host Karl Marx

[clidoss]

where did you get this info from, what books?

[FireEyedMaidOfWar]

This is a slight unmeritable man, meet to be sent on errands: And, though others lay labours on this man, to ease ourselves of divers slanderous loads, he shall but bear them as the ass bears gold, to groan and sweat under the business, either led or driven, as they point him the way; and having brought their treasure where they will, then take they down his load and turn him off, like to the empty ass, to shake his ears and graze in commons.

[schnellamaster]

Very nice man!

[colonelmcmuffin]

I don't think that the internet is a communistic thing- rather it is closer to capitalism than our market today. Pirated videos and music are crimes and theft, just as stealing dvds and cds from stores would be shoplifting. Youtube allows people to share their own talents and thoughts in a "public sphere", but the internet itself was a technological advancement in communication too. Sites like E-bay allow people to buy and sell things at their own prices, in essence a free market economy.

[SpectacleofDebord]

@colonelmcmuffin I agree, the pseudo-communications that occur on the net are dominated by spaces that are subject to constant advertising. Even these youtube videos often begin with ads. Not to mention the fact that access to technology and the knowledge to use it are not freely avaliable to all. Thus, pbulic debate is regulated to those that can afford it....

[curtvdl]

Hi and thanks for all the responses to this video.

Unfortunately I couldn't find the written script of this video.

Just to clarify for some who have posted with comments related to communism. This video was meant to relate my understanding of the theory of 'public sphere' theory. I use Marxist theory to explain it because it was the root theory...and I got to use a fake German accent. :)

Hopefully when I'm less busy I can do more on other theories of interest.

Again, thank you!

[dinkolino2]

most used Marxist technique is an attack on the strawman. internet is the most capitalistic/freemarket thing out there.. corporatism is fascism and not capitalism.. it is no different than communism. both are based on state regulation and repression of the individual personal/economic freedom

[SpectacleofDebord]

@dinkolino2

Communism is NOT based on repression, but liberation from the constraints of capitalism that INHIBITS the individual from freely developing their capacity to engage in creative labor. The commodification of labor is the cruelest tyranny of the modern era, to sell ones self to survive and to place that price in the hands of the bourgeois master is demoralizing.....Capitalism and corporatism are two sides of the same coin, both equally exploitative.

[dinkolino2]

corporatism/fascism/neoliberal­ism is the SAME as communism. The only difference is in the name. For a common person it boils down to him not being able to own anything, therefor becoming totally dependent. Any collectivist agenda is based on repression, because you dont have any choice, that is, you are FORCED to go along with the plan. And a plan is never put forward by the majority.. this is an impossible thing. And why is it that the mega capitalist actually funded communism through histroy?

[ProTools]

the only problem that may arise is internet providers themselves selling to companies and making their service just like the modern day television.

For instance, if you pay 15$ you get youtube, yahoo, and myspace, and that is it. All other sites are blocked.

For 20$ you may get more etc. But ultimately they can block sites any and all sites from being access by their service that are not on the "safe" list or w/e they call it.

This is my greatest fear and we certainly can NEVER allow this.

[philsuf]

magnificent!

did by any chance i can have any subtitles? or script of it? not an english native speaker here

btw, thanx! very inspiring

[oakleymancol]

I am not sure how the entrepreneurship found in the public sphere (i.e. personal blogs) represents the degradation of capitalism. Isn't the opportunity for competitive innovation the essence of capitalism?

[bakseeda]

public sphere theory speaks of the need for coffeehouses etc in which the public exchange and form opinion - I experimented with this concept on a recent trip to Amsterdam. The only opinions I formed were comical and quite paranoid in nature!

[adnauseam81]

Good stuff, although Habermas and the Frankfurt School were Marxists in name only.

[EmpireofMInd]

One of my favorites -- one of the best!

Dr. Strangelove

[delsol00000]

Drawing upon theories of the public sphere, reflect upon how far you engage with media examples of public spheres. Do they allow you the freedom to debate societal issues/problems, if so, how? - is my essay topic, can anyone give me any points to highlight...thanks.

[miggy221]

omg!karl marx is a black man?

[curtvdl]

You know it.

[firetaker25]

One's views and the societies views are still limited or advanced by one's or society's experience, education and comprehension. And, many or most do not have much access to computers or broadband or the education to process the arts and letters contained therein. They may never have this, as they work and don't have or make time for it. Therefore, it is up to the educated and the better off among the working class to prepare ground should the working class need it.

[slugloveboy]

Oooh, Limewire. Democracy, here I come!

[BruinFan08]

awesome video - but beware of the influence of advertising. Network television's political line is highly influenced by advertising revenue

[YaneViborita]

Funny stuff, and a good review of Habermas' theory of the public sphere. His theory is of course impressive at first sight; but Nancy Fraser has a very good criticism of it in Justice Interruptus; namely, that Habermas overlooks issues such as unequal distribution that affect one's participation in the public sphere, formal and informal exclusions, etc.

[NihilAdmirari]

Yep, funny, informative, and pearl jam video on top. Cool.

[RoxyKeahi]

This is so great! Very funny and informative. Thanks

[reptor00]

Good job Kurt

Clayton

[EmpireofMInd]

Excellent. Very clever.

Dr. Strangelove