The Phonograph - Key Blog Post #4

Have you ever thought about the origins of the recording device? Nowadays music platforms, like radio and streaming services heavily depend on recording to produce content across media forms such as music videos and movies too! This essential technology dates back to a creation, by Thomas Edison back in 1877. The phonograph! It was an invention because it was the ever machine that could both capture and play back sound.

Edison first started working on recording while working on a project to enhance telegraph technology initially with the goal of capturing messages but later realizing its potential to store and reproduce human voices instead. He then proceeded to create a device – the phonograph – to experiment with this concept which included a cylinder covered in thin tin foil that would vibrate upon receiving sound waves from a voice interacting with a diaphragm connected to a needle. As the cylinder turned around slowly and smoothly the needle made marks on the foil that mirrored the vibrations of the sound. When the cylinder was replayed these marks produced vibrations that replicated the recorded audio essentially playing back the recording. 

The first sound ever recorded on the phonograph was Edison’s own voice reciting “Mary had a little lamb.” The success of this initial test quickly revealed the device’s revolutionary potential. After refining his design, Edison envisioned the phonograph being used in various ways: to record phone conversations, create audio books for the blind, and preserve the voices of loved ones. These initial ideas were just the beginning of what would become a lasting impact on society, communication, and entertainment.

The phonograph laid the groundwork for the modern audio recording industry, influencing everything from music production to broadcasting and dictation. At the peak of the Industrial Revolution, Edison’s invention spurred other inventors to explore recording technology further. For instance, Emile Berliner developed the gramophone in the late 19th century, which used flat discs instead of cylinders. This design became popular because it allowed for mass production, enabling recorded music to reach wider audiences and making audio recordings more accessible to the general public.

Beyond the technology, the phonograph’s impact extended to social and cultural life. The phonograph brought entertainment into people’s homes, allowing individuals from different social classes to listen to the same music and spoken-word recordings. This democratization of sound helped bridge class divides, as both working-class and affluent families could enjoy recordings in their homes. The phonograph also played a role in shaping social interactions, as families and friends gathered around it to share in listening experiences. Music became a central part of social gatherings, and the phonograph transformed how people interacted with music and sound.

Edison’s phonograph was much more than a device; it was the beginning of a new era. By enabling the capture and reproduction of sound, it laid the foundation for nearly every form of audio-based media we know today. Music and recording is a key part of billions of people's lives across the world. Recording has expanded cultures, created job opportunities, and enhanced entertainment. From music to broadcasting, the phonograph’s legacy endures, underscoring the revolutionary power of capturing and sharing sound. 

Clara Deck, demonstrates recording on a historic 1903 Edison Standard Phonograph 

Sources: 

History of The Phonograph

How the Phonograph Revolutionized Sound Recording

HOW THE PHONOGRAPH SHAPED OUR WORLD

The Truth about Surveillance - Blog Post #5

Nothing is private. The small computers we carry in our pockets each day are constantly invading our privacy and constantly surveiling us. After further educating myself through the various TedTalks, my eyes have been opened to the truth about surveillance. 

The issue of constantly being watched by our government is something that does not cross my mind everyday. As I spend time on social media, driving to my favorite coffee shop, or attending church on Sunday mornings, I am not thinking about if the government is watching me; but maybe I should. 

After becoming more aware of the capabilities our government, or anyone with a cell phone has, this issue is something I will vow to be more aware of. I do not have a criminal record and I have never broken the law, yet the government probably has my license plate number and other ways of keeping tabs on me. As a 19-year-old girl, this is a scary fact. Technology has brought so much possibility and growth into our world, but it has also opened hundreds of doors for people with bad intentions to take advantage of people who are just trying to live out their lives. 

While watching the TedTalk videos, I found myself trying to justify the government's actions regarding surveillance. What if a the police were able to catch a criminal because of license plate readers? What if a violent act was prevented because they wire tapped someone's phone? The truth of the matter is, this does happen. The government is able to catch criminals and solve cases because of these resources, but does this justify the constant watching of innocent civilians? 

I believe that the government should still be able to surveil United States citizens who have made conscious decisions that place them on a watch list. However, I do not believe that the government has the right to surveil every person that drives to work or purchases something at their local convenience store. There needs to be a filter system in place to ensure that law-abiding citizens do not have their privacy invaded each and every day. 

In my opinion, our cellphones are the root of the problem. They are constantly listening and collecting data on us. In order to combat this invasion of privacy we all experience, we must think about our actions on our phones and use encrypted communication tools to secure our calls, texts, and search history. Additionally, we have every right to tell apps on our phone "NO". By changing privacy settings and not allowing apps to store data, we can build another wall of protection into our private life. 

TedTalks Referenced:

How to avoid surveillance ... with the phone in your pocket

Your online life, permanent as a tattoo

The small and surprisingly dangerous detail the police track about you

Freedom of Expression - Key Blog Post #3

The Importance of Valuing our First Amendment Rights

The emergence and evolution of the First Amendment was a lengthy process that the Continental Congress took with great responsibility to shape the United States of America. Our country was built on principles that still serve as the foundation of our government today. At the forefront of the drafting, James Madison established principles that shaped eight other theories that emerged later in our history. 

Freedom of Expression is what differentiates the United States from other countries. This is what our founders wanted – separation from the church, freedom from the tyranny of monarchies, and freedom to think and act on their own accord.   

The Eight Values of Free Expression are theories established by highly educated scholars that highlight the importance of free speech in a democratic society. The most important values for the function of a free democratic society are Participation in Self-Government and Checks on Governmental Power. Participation in Self-Government establishes that citizens have the right to elect candidates they want to represent them and their political party. Without this principle, democracy simply could not exist. Checks on Governmental Power is another theory that is highly practiced in our country. Without checks and balances between the legislative, judicial, and executive branch, each level would have free range to destroy what our founders took so long to institute. 

For me personally, Individual Self-Fulfillment (aka Self-Actualization), theorized by C. Edwin Baker, resonates with me more than any of the other eight. The ability to express oneself freely is integral to individual growth and self-identity. This value is deeply personal because it relates to my sense of self and the freedom to pursue my own path without undue restriction. I feel deeply grateful for this freedom when women and children in other countries are told what they will be and who they will be from the minute they learn to walk. It is easy to take these seemingly insignificant rights for granted, however it is vital that we celebrate what Madison built so many years ago.  

Our country today is quite different than the 13 Colonies were in 1789. Today, we see examples of United Sates citizens exercising their rights established in the First Amendment. As the Presidential Election approaches our country, just a mere seven days away, many high-tension situations have arisen. Although these situations are uncomfortable and sometimes hair-raising, the First Amendment protects speech that opposing sides might find hateful through the Promote Tolerance theory. The Promote Tolerance theory, theorized by Lee Bollinger, states that by promoting tolerance of conflicting ideas, our country and our citizens learn valuable lessons including how to decide the difference between what is hateful and what is an opinion that I don’t like. We often see this on social media. Because instant communication is so accessible, hate speech lies in the hands of anyone who owns a smartphone.  

The United States is built on principles that were established at the birth of our nation. The First Amendment protects our right to free expression and the ability to think freely. We see each of the Eight Values of Free Expression in practice in our world today and it is crucial that we celebrate these rights and value the gifts of freedom they give us each day when we roll out of bed in the morning. 

Sources : Tolerance Theory

Examples in Our Country Today

Freedom of Expression

Delving into the Supreme Court - Blog Post #2

The Supreme Court and its Fascinations 

The Supreme Court is the highest level of court in our nation. The Supreme Court has been at the forefront of some of the most impressionable decisions that have shaped the way the United States government functions. It is a key part of the judicial branch. Its main role is to ensure that laws and policies are in accordance with the Constitution, and its rulings set precedents that guide the interpretation of laws across the country.

I was familiar with the Supreme Court and how it functions, but after taking a deeper dive into the workings of the court, my eyes have been opened to the true way it functions. The process in which a case finally reaches the SCOTUS is tedious and detailed. Each justice's personal advisors and assistants help sort each case and then the nine justices come together to discuss the cases deemed worthy discussing. This structure was unfamiliar to me and educated me on the true responsibilities of the nine justices. 

My most important takeaway from these videos was about the Supreme Court's role in determining how laws are applied, with a focus on how justices interpret the Constitution in ways that influence significant legal decisions. The video highlights the balance between judicial philosophies like originalism and living constitutionalism, showcasing how these interpretations impact the Court's rulings and their broader societal implications. 

The most interesting fact about the SCOTUS is the how justices' personal judicial philosophies shape their decisions. This not only affects the outcome of major cases but also influences the broader interpretation of the Constitution. Presidents have tried to promote their own personal agenda by appointing justices on their side of the political spectrum, but this is not alway successful. The Court's dynamic in balancing tradition and evolving societal norms is particularly fascinating, showing how deeply the justices' views impact the development of U.S. law and civil rights.

The Supreme Court plays a crucial role in shaping U.S. law by interpreting the Constitution and setting legal precedents. While its fundamental function was known to me, understanding the detailed process of how cases reach the Court and how justices deliberate has deepened my appreciation of its complexity and importance. 

Video Reference Links: Part I and Part II

My Top Five News Sources - Blog Post #1

 

        News sources have greatly evolved from their humble beginnings of the invention of the printing press in 1440. Today, news can be accessed from the palm of your hand instantaneously. We have access to thousands of sources that can inform us of the most recent updates whether we are five or 5,000 miles away from the action. 

 #1 TikTok 

        My first source of news and information is TikTok. TikTok has grown to be one of the most popular apps across the country due to it's appeal to all types of audiences. In result, news sources have capitalized on the opportunity to share their news on this platform. Although I use the app for the mindless entertainment, I have found that my feed is partially consumer by news sources covering daily events or the next big story. This new exposure has allowed me to be more educated on events, and the brief introduction I receive motivates me to research the event or subject further so I can not just be aware, but educated on the topic. 

#2 Instagram 

        My second source of news and information would be Instagram. Very similar to TikTok, Instagram is a fast paced social media app, however, Instagram has been around for a longer time compared to TikTok. If I haven't been made aware of a current event on TikTok, the chances of it being brought to my attention on Instagram are high. Whether there was a celebrity death or if a NFL team won a big game, I typically see my friends and family reposting things they have deemed important. I enjoy using Instagram as a news source because I am able to stay up to date on relevant topics and topics that people in my following think are worth sharing. 

#3 Fox News 

        Fox News is a major American cable news network known for its conservative perspective and influence on political coverage in the United States. I enjoy Fox News because it aligns with my political views and they typically have up to date information very quickly. I also enjoy that Fox News offers a mix of news coverage, opinion shows, and talk programs, along with their large social media presence. 

#4 Daily Mail

   Daily Mail is originally a British Tabloid but they have broadened their horizons to cover the events of the world. Although this source does not always get the highest reputation feedback, I often find myself leaning towards this source due to their entertainment style news. They do tend to support biased information in their stories but I enjoy getting in the loop with Daily Mail. I do make sure to fact check somethings if they seem outrageous or biased.  

#5 Family and Friends 

        Finally, I enjoy receiving news from family and friends. News from my family and friends provides a personal and direct way of staying connected with my loved ones, often more meaningful than traditional media sources. This might include updates on important life events, such as births, weddings, achievements, or challenges, and it fosters a sense of closeness among us.