When Gutenberg invented printable type, he started the new wave of mass media across western civilization. Suddenly books were being printed in native tongues rather than in the more traditional Latin, allowing thousands of people to learn how to read and gain knowledge that was previously only accessible to the extremely wealthy. His inventions led to revolutions, as Martin Luther’s 95 thesis could be quickly reproduced and spread throughout Europe. Through the years this technology has developed and evolved. Instead of months to get information halfway across the world, it only took a week, then a few days, and now with modern day internet we can send that information in a few milliseconds. In the United States, you can look up almost anything in just a quick search as long as you have internet access. This has completely reshaped our world and allowed us to learn about cultures and people in countries we may never step foot into in our lives.
However, with all of this information being spread around, there are people who use and abuse media for their own gain. When Adolf Hitler took charge of Germany, he did so after many years of propaganda. He succeeded because he kept reinforcing the idea that he was going to save the common German and that the Jews and “undesirables” were to blame for all of their troubles. These messages were seen in every corner of Germany. If you see a message enough and have it reinforced over and over that it is true, you start to believe that it is true. In today’s media climate we see this kind of tactic happening far too often. Anyone can spread thousands of lies across the internet, and if you make it seem like a reliable source people are likely to take that information as truth. I’m not sure when fact checking and the idea that what is on the internet must be true, but it is these vices which allow people such as Hitler to begin to sway the public mind. We have especially seen this issue in the last three years around the 2016 presidential revolution. This is a worrying issue and we are seeing an increased need to be vigilant in looking at information across the web.
As media has evolved, we can see the influence of those before thus. Thanks to Gutenberg the world of media has been expanded across the world. News and information is available to all who have internet. However, with this privilege it is our duty to make sure that we are not being swayed by propaganda, and use our common sense to fact check any information sent our way.
~ Katie
Gutenberg started one of the biggest movements in mass media. His invention not only made print more accessible to people, but also made printing significantly easier. In contrast, Hitler and the rise of the Nazi power hindered the communication that went against their views. These two ideas remind me of the invention of the iPhone. With incredible technology we have at our fingertips it’s created a world of instant communication. People are so used to this instantaneous messaging system that we cannot even imagine a world without it. Which, is exactly how it must have felt during the rise and power of the Nazi party. Gutenberg and his moveable type printing press, and the Nazi party and their communication take over are both important aspects in the history of communication. However, I think one of the greatest leaps in that field is still the iPhone. Having multiple types of social media and messaging systems means that the modern person is in constant contact with the rest of the world. If something like the Nazi party came in and controlled our use of this technology, much like that of Asian countries, it would drastically change who we are and how we communicate.
-Emily
Kat & Em Take on Gutenberg 