This is the first book to make the link between popular culture and social problems. Drawing on historical and topical examples, the authors apply an innovative theoretical framework to examine how facets of popular culture shape how we think about, and respond to, social issues.
Political Claims-making in Cyberspace and Its Effect on Modern Political Activism
Exploring the transformative role of the Internet in political activism, R.J. Maratea highlights how online platforms facilitate the rapid dissemination of political claims and foster citizen journalism. The dynamic nature of cyber-arenas enables a diverse array of multimedia content to reach global audiences at minimal cost, reshaping public discourse. This evolution not only empowers activists to mobilize support more effectively but also influences how traditional journalists cover political issues, reflecting a significant shift in modern political engagement.
In The Politics of the Internet: Political Claims-making in Cyberspace and Its Effect on Modern Political Activism, R.J. Maratea explores the practices of political claims-making and activism in online environments in order to better understand whether Internet technology is presently a democratizing force that changes the balance of social power in the public sphere and empowers average citizens to be more active participants in mass media.