ED 483 Blog

Larry Lessig’s video on TED Talks was interesting to watch.

First and foremost I must commend Larry on his ability to prepare a visually pleasing presentation. I thought the way Larry singled out specific words textually on the video screen as he spoke was very effective. It was a wonderful way to keep the audience’s attention focused on what he felt were “keywords” or points.

Larry Lessig had a lot to say about copyright issues. The point he made that resonated most with me is that extremism breeds extremism. He spoke about how extreme attempts to prevent people from breaking copyright laws, has caused them to revolt. The new generation, learning and growing amidst this new technology, has technological skills we have never dreamed possible. These youth are capable of producing many media elements, but not without the inevitable risk of “copying”. Lessig points out that any time one uses media from the web to create something, he or she is in turn “copying” another’s work. This generation’s computer users are revolting against copyright laws, viewing the government as a bully or enemy, one to be counteracted or ignored. This, as Lessig points, is dangerous. Similarly, these youth are being labeled as “pirates” and/or criminals. How can we expect criminals to behave…? What further repercussions could this have on society?

To write a summed-up, collective reflection – - I firmly believe a sense of balance need be established between availability of and access to technological media, as well as protection provided for the media’s creators.