(Badass) Voices of Revolution

Chapter 1: Fighting for the Rights of American Labor

I've been learning about the Industrial Revolution since middle school, but this chapter of "Voices of Revolution" especially stood out to me. I knew that there was investigative journalism going on during this time, but I didn't realize the extent of it. Specifically, William Heighton's work was revolutionary. He risked his life and his family in order to reveal the truth of American labor. 
Reforms were actually made because of these journalists, which is the most interesting part. Public schools were made available, and the working hours were minimized.

Chapter 2: Awakening a Nation to the Sins of Slavery

Reading about William Lloyd Garrison reminded me of modern-day bloggers and writers for independent media. He would stir up controversy in order to gain publicity and recognition. For example, he burned the Constitution because he knew it'd get attention. His ideas reached a small crowd at first, but his ideas spread more and more and, eventually, slaves were freed and thanked him endlessly for their gained freedom. Reading about his story was very inspiring to me as a journalist.

Chapter 3: Setting a Revolutionary Agenda for Women's Rights

I find the radical ideas that were printed in The Revolution interesting because of how hard it is for those ideas to change peoples' minds on a matter they're already so convinced to be against. 

Yo Soy 132

I am becoming more and more fond of independent media each day I learn about it. That being said, it's no surprise that I find the "Yo Soy 132" movement in Mexico nothing short of intriguing. 

This video put into perspective for me the reasons why Mexico is trying so hard to unite and fight for one another in order to achieve social equity while eliminating violence and electoral fraud.

In order to learn more about this movement aimed at democratizing Mexico, click here.

Drop beats, not bombs.

Today, a video was released by a citizen journalist of a little girl singing to the camera, and the middle of her song an explosion goes off. This is one of the most disturbing things I've seen in a while. I could hardly believe it was real. 

Not only does this video exemplify the raw truth of what's happening in Syria today, but it also shows how important citizen journalism is today all around the globe. Citizen journalism exposes what is happening outside of what corporations like NBC and CBS are reporting. Everyday people are a part of delivering important news that wouldn't be seen otherwise.

It's amazes me how average citizens with a camera phone and internet connection can have a hand up on journalists with videographers, sound guys and editors. I kinda like it.