Week 4: Student Response to Discussion One and Two and Assignment

WednesdayOct 25 at 8:58pm

Manage Discussion Entry

Simon Denyer’s article on China’s control over the internet did not shed much light on the customs or traditions of China, but it focused on the political culture. China has long been known for their control of information. The piece highlighted the strict political climate in China by reviewing expanded regulations for internet censorship.

Apple was a familiar company specifically mentioned twice in the article. They previously provided virtual private networks that gave people a place to hide from government censorship, but can no longer do so legally (Denyer, 2017). Apparently, Apple came under forceful pressure which compelled them to obey the laws of China, even the ones they disagree with, leaving them open to criticism, of course, from those interested in limiting censorship.

The article did not blatantly make any stated comparisons between the United States and China’s policies. The tone was decidedly negative concerning China’s repressive policies, pointing out rules that do not exist in the United States. Denyer explained that anyone who sets up a chat room becomes legally responsible for its content and will be rated and scored to make sure they are promoting socialist core values (Denyer, 2017).

One aspect of the story that did make an impression was the photo used above the article, showing what appears to be a middle-aged woman in Beijing, perched on the back of a motor-trike staring attentively at her smart phone. The image was a reminder that though those in China have censored access to the internet, that access has become commonplace. The image could have just as easily been seen in any city in the United States.

Cindy Harthorne

Denyer, S., (2017, September 27). The walls are closing in: China finds new ways to tighten Internet controls. Retrieved October 25, 2017, from https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/the-walls-are-closing-in-chinafinds-new-ways-to-tighten-internet-controls/2017/09/26/2e0d3562-9ee6-11e7-b2a7-bc70b6f98089_story.html?utm_term=.c7eb56329c29 (Links to an external site.)

Graber, D. A., & Dunnaway, J. (2015). Mass Media and American Politics (Ninth ed.). Thousand Oaks, California: Sage Publications.