This week the question of whether I agree or disagree with the way WikiLeaks is run was raised in tutorial. As seen in the class discussion and from my research online it is clear that many of us are still divided upon this question.
The mission of WikiLeaks according to their website is to bring “truth to the world by publishing fact-based stories without fear or favor.” Although this mission seems harmless and positive it is clear from research into public opinion that many do not agree with the actions of Julian Assange.
On one hand people are convinced that Assange is a terrorist out to destroy the world:
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Image Source: http://www.debate.org/debates/Wikileaks/2/ |
While others consider him a freedom fighter deserving of a noble peace prize:
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Image Source: http://blogs.theaustralian.news.com.au/mediadiary/index.php/theaustralian/comments/julian1/ |
After sifting through all the media hype and spin upon each of these juxtaposing positions, I have decided that I support the actions of Julian Assange and believe that in today’s society of mass media ownership and government corruption that an organisation like WikiLeaks is fundamental to a healthy democracy. Although governments attempt to discredit the work of Assange by arguing that by releasing sensitive documents he is threatening national security, I believe that this threat is no where near sufficient enough to have the site closed down.
Now I have made my position on this issue clear, I would like to hear yours. Is Assange irresponsible, a hero of free speech or simply somewhere in between?
I believe that the government does enough itself to threaten national security. Every government does... because like the old saying goes, there is always a bigger fish in the sea or something like that...pretty sure i got to sayings mixed up. Julian Assange and Wikileaks is a website that even if shut down, it will keep on happening, just under a different name. Wikileaks merely provided the framework for others to follow. If Julian is irresponsible, then so is the government... really, it is one person versus a whole government... pretty interesting too look at it like that. Nice post Corryn. Yew
ReplyDeleteGood post! Julian Assange had good intentions when creating Wikileaks. Of course the government is going to try and shut down any outlet publishing content that makes them look bad. The video screened in class definitely shuns a negative light upon the authorities. It’s a scary thought to consider just how much the control the government has when it comes to our knowledge about the happenings of war and foreign affairs. The media can be so misleading and I think the introduction of the Internet, citizen journalism and social media is definitely a threat to government control. It will be interesting to see what happens with the proposal of ISP internet filtering.
ReplyDeleteHappy to see another Assnage supporter!
ReplyDeleteThere is way too much secrecy that the government seems to think they have the right too. We can't trust the government, and we definitely can't trust the media - their ties with the government makes virtually any story released way too untrustworthy.
I love wikileaks, and the embarrassment it has upon the government, not to mention the pressure it places upon it either!
It's true what Fergus has said, Wikileaks has provided the frame works of what is possible and what can be done. Shutting it down will only cause a mass amount of copy cat websites to be published.
*sorry for the bad spelling
ReplyDeleteI agree that organisations like Wikileaks are fundamental to a healthy democracy. Personally I love the idea of Wikileaks, it allows for the truth to be heard and for lies to be revealed. I do not believe that Assange was irresponsible, as her impact has lead to society realising the lies that the government have made. Obviously the government are worried about more lies being revealed as they have had many attempts to shut the website down. It makes me think, What else is the government hiding from us?
ReplyDelete1. I have to agree that Wiki Leaks is an important website socially and politically! Many Journalists working under media conglomerates and traditional media outlets have less and less resources and funding put in to truly investigative journalism evident on Wiki Leaks. I understand that releasing some military secrets could possibly put a warring nation in danger, but the necessity of a more transparent military and government in Australia, as well as globally is inarguable! The current media landscape is too censored and controlled to act as a forth of state, as such websites like Wiki Leaks need to be protected and supported!
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