Free press has been recently introduced as a new tool in which society brings about change. Journalists such as Keith Olbermann of MSNBC are well aware of the power in their words to influence people in positions of power. As Finley said: “Journalists should comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable.”
Upon viewing a special comment from Keith Olbermann on the current situation in the United States, I was surprised of how he was able to say most of the points he said. Realizing that the United States may not be completely censored, yet, not completely free and open to everything, I wondered how it was ever possible to have that freedom to insult the president!
Compared to the United States, Qatar has a censored press and is regulated in one particular format. However, It is still a very efficient means of censorship because it withholds the biggest and widely famous news network, Al-Jazeera. Considering Qatar to be the headquarters of a news network that reached more than half of the world’s population, it is not possible that censorship be enforced. Many of the citizens do not feel comfortable in giving out information, perhaps not due to the fear of being prosecuted. But there is a general unease to speak about certain topics to people they generally not of acquaintances.
The video was a message in response to president Bush’s response to an interview. He spoke about the Iraqi war and of the consequences and aftermath of incidents such as 9/11 and the war on terror. Olbermann’s comments are well justified by logical reasons on his part and perhaps created controversy as it came out.
The US was a situation where radical changes came about to reform and shape the way in which people think. On the other hand, Qatar is given credit as to being a nation open to change and development. There perhaps could be a chance in which censorship could be lifted from its press and open out to ideas. In the near future perhaps even more open to political and social change.
In conclusion, the link to sociology is that different people think differently. The way through to anyone is by using familiar ways in which relate to topics. Olbermann wanted to afflict a comfortable president to make him well aware of his answers to that interview. He used bold statements and argumentative language to explain he is upset. Olbermann then comforts the afflicted where he shows an upset persona when addressing the issue.
