Part 3 Weaponizing Information To Control Hearts and Minds
William Jackson, M.Ed.
Digital content is adaptable and inclusive to text, video and
audio content. The value of the content is its ability to empower
and inspire others. To open the mind to the potential to reach
and teach broader audiences and encourage collaborations
and allowing journalistic tools to be applied.
As a past higher education instructor I would have my students
think on a global scale and have a global perspective of the
world. They have knowledge that should be shared to build
connections and collaborations. Not to encourage separation
and ignorance. Unfortunately, the idea that people of color
should not and could not think on such a scale is at times
etched in the minds of children of color, this prevents them
from dreaming beyond their current positions in life especially
if the are in poverty of finances, educational access,
intellectual stimulation and cultural growth.
In the era of digital access to unparalleled informational platforms,
services, resources. news, and unprecedented cultural connections
there should not be a waste of time on mindless entertainment
or just visually appealing eye candy of pornography and
death of cultures and generations. Information that is weaponized
blinds people to embracing cultures, genders and generations.
Use of the transformative resources of digital tools can open new
doors for engagement across generational lines, gender, life-styles
and social-economic backgrounds.
In the 21st century youth, teens and young adults can grow their
digital and social skill-sets. Digital journalism allows anyone to be
a journalist and connect their passions with others that share the
same interests of positive growth and unity.
In recent years political leaders have vilified journalist and even
encouraged the killing of them. The rights to free speech, free
expression, free thinking, have been turned around to mean that
a free mind is dangerous, rebellious and devious. Weaponizing
information is a process to keep the same content in the eyes,
ears and voices to keep people from learning and applying
new learning that allows for growth, understanding and acceptance.
America is dangerously embracing a mind-set that it fought against in
World War 1 and World War 2, but now accepts similar destructive
ideologies directed to gender, color, culture, educational and economic
status. Since when it it ok to speak to women disrespectfully and
in a demeaning manner. Since when do men turn a blind eye to
slandering a women’s reputation knowing that same individual can
turn on their daughters, granddaughters or nieces. It is interesting
that men can sell their souls to keep political power at the sacrifice
of literally killing children and imprisoning them, while at the same
time denying them basic human rights. Allowing women no matter
their culture or color to be de-humanized by not providing proper
medical care, human rights and humanitarian efforts of being
clean, feed, cared for and protected no matter what nationality
they are.
The power of digital media through technologies can change the very
fabric of building relationships that can be cultivated by strategically
placing content on digital platforms.
Malcolm X statement in the early 1960’s can be applied even
today in our growing and maturing digital world. “If your not careful,
the media will have you loving those that hate you and hating those
that love you.”