If you read my tweets on Sunday (just a few I have to say) you may have read "I love the Internet very very much...", and things like "don't take it for granted" etc. It has arrived. The time that will change some things, for most of my friends and family, heck, even for me. I'm talking about censorship and its ridiculousness. There, I said it. For most of you, the Internet is your work place, a place to meet long lost friends and stay in contact with everyone and everything, read the news, play games, watch missed episodes, inform yourself, get help, and express yourself through blogs and similar ways. Really, it is a source for everything.
I appreciate the Internet. A lot. Now, more than before. Although I cannot watch or see everything you guys in the US or UK can (yes, believe it or not!!) I still do appreciate the fact that I can use Skype, Facebook, Twitter, Blogs, and type in search words just as I please.
I also know that some of my readers and even your own readers out there have had problems in the past to access the Internet properly, to read everything, or to even use it. We all also know what a certain large country did and banned, it was all over the news. You would think we live in the 18th century again, where everything you do and think and believe in is questioned and you cannot use your modern thinking for your own future. Does this make sense? Maybe. Maybe not.
I also know that some of my readers and even your own readers out there have had problems in the past to access the Internet properly, to read everything, or to even use it. We all also know what a certain large country did and banned, it was all over the news. You would think we live in the 18th century again, where everything you do and think and believe in is questioned and you cannot use your modern thinking for your own future. Does this make sense? Maybe. Maybe not.
Don't touch my Internet!
via this article
So, imagine me reading for weeks now that a certain quite modern country (more modern at times than my current one - yes, there I said it, too!!) has decided (ok, not the country but unfortunately those "in charge" of it) to censor the Internet starting in August. They already started, that is for sure. And although I do understand some points I don't understand why a country apparently so open and so in need to become something big and something European wants to go that way. Its people rely on the news, on the possibilities to express themselves, to learn more, to live more, and to stay in contact with everyone and everything.
Do I only surf websites that only come from Switzerland (where I live at the moment if you haven't noticed! - Haha!) ?! Hardly. I would be stuck in a lifeless world with some info but just not enough. Yes, I do read those sites but for like ten minutes and then I'm going full force: starting here in mainland Europe, then up to the UK and then over the US. I try to read it all or at least get an idea of what is going on around the world. My favorite online newspapers are all bookmarked and I love it. Thanks to Twitter I even get more up-to-date info. Amazing!
When I need a recipe I just type something in and see what happens. When I want to drool over amazing clothing I so want but won't get I go online and look for stuff. New book ideas are gained through the Internet as well, although I love going into a book store. Fun videos cheer me up. The Internet is my friend. Not my best but it is my friend. My real friends and I keep in touch like this, because they live far far away and I am stuck here. And then there is this wonderful community I call the blog world. I love that the Internet gives me a chance to express myself, read, learn, broaden my horizon, and still keep me sane enough to enjoy the real world, too.
When I need a recipe I just type something in and see what happens. When I want to drool over amazing clothing I so want but won't get I go online and look for stuff. New book ideas are gained through the Internet as well, although I love going into a book store. Fun videos cheer me up. The Internet is my friend. Not my best but it is my friend. My real friends and I keep in touch like this, because they live far far away and I am stuck here. And then there is this wonderful community I call the blog world. I love that the Internet gives me a chance to express myself, read, learn, broaden my horizon, and still keep me sane enough to enjoy the real world, too.
Though what I read, and must hear from friends is not funny anymore.
I have encountered those bans years ago. I was a bit shocked at first and thought the Internet went down but then I read the small prints and wow, I was not only shocked but angry. Then I learned more, and stumbled upon so many other things that are not working in the so-called Internet world. So hearing this news is not surprising to me, although still shocking and upsetting. Just knowing it is possible, and it will indeed happen (unless some miracle appears in the middle of right now and August) and destroy quite some people and their lives. Not saying people depend on the Internet, but it is a source we grew to love (or hate), and one that just belongs our generation and the next.
More info on what I'm talking about this here and here and here or here or even here.
I have encountered those bans years ago. I was a bit shocked at first and thought the Internet went down but then I read the small prints and wow, I was not only shocked but angry. Then I learned more, and stumbled upon so many other things that are not working in the so-called Internet world. So hearing this news is not surprising to me, although still shocking and upsetting. Just knowing it is possible, and it will indeed happen (unless some miracle appears in the middle of right now and August) and destroy quite some people and their lives. Not saying people depend on the Internet, but it is a source we grew to love (or hate), and one that just belongs our generation and the next.
More info on what I'm talking about this here and here and here or here or even here.
There is more but I don't want to bore you!
Sunday afternoon was a big day for all Internet people.
You may not be affected by this but think about how lucky you are for not having to deal with this, at least not now, and hopefully ever. Remember how irritated you were that blogger didn't work for a short while? Imagine you cannot blog at all anymore? Anywhere. Or keep your friends posted on your life with new and normal pictures of you. Just imagine. Just be happy!
I know this was a different post.
Sometimes different posts are needed.
Have a happy Internet day!
xoxo,
♥ S ♥
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15 comments :
Yes, different posts are sometimes needed, and what you're writing about here is very, very important!!
Happy Norway Day ;)
Much love from moi!!
That's just... I don't even know what to say. I'm upset reading this. Thanks for blogging about it. Off to check out the posts you listed.
omygoodness. I can't begin to imagine this happening here. It's just....pants.
I adore your blog! I'm following!
Would love you to enter my CHANEL giveaway:
http://thoroughlymodernmilly5.blogspot.com/2011/03/chanel-giveaway.html
xx
There's so much censorship around the world. My fellow Americans barely realize it. It's only when I talk to my friends from the middle east or others that I learn censorship is what they deal with every day. It's a normal part (but they always find ways around it.)
I have a love and hate relationship with the internet sometimes.
I am a little shocked this is happening.... I just think people deserve the freedom to do as they please.
Wow, that's crazy! We so often take the littlest things for granted, especially here in the U.S. everyone always complains, I wish people would be more thankful!
Great post - and thanks for informing me, I hadn't heard.
ahh censorship is the worst! when im in australia i cant watch videos posted on british website but when im in the uk i cant watch videos posted on australian websites. its so annoying! great post. i totally agree with you x
Thanks for always reminding me there's a world outside of here :)
I admit I take the internet for granted... I'll try not to!
Not cool... I'll try to keep you updated! And I won't take the internet for granted.
if i ever have to live in a country where the internet is censored...i'd move. for sure.
It's just another way they feel they can control the people... sad
I'm glad that you posted a link, because I didn't hear about this, and I tried to google it, but nothing about Turkey came up. That's too bad that they started censoring the internet, people deserve all internet access, otherwise where's the freedom of speech?
It's unfortunately that people think that they can control your freedom. I hope you still are able to blog - that would be horrible!!
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