UT Interconnection of Digital Interactions with Political Discourse Discussion

You have connected with two interactive documentaries this week, both concerned with how we as individuals interconnect with the larger world and how that world interconnects with us, both through language and media. Both documentaries are interested in the negative impact of different modes of communication.

For the discussion:

• Referring directly to your viewing/reading, share your thoughts about the “sins” and dangers we encounter through language and/or media?
• You can also consider how the issues explored in the documentaries may have intensified in the last six years and how much more our digital interactions interconnect with political discourse.
• You could also briefly describe what you would add to either documentary to bridge the gap between 2013/2014 and 2020.
• Finally for fun, and only if you like, you can share a meme or other brief example (a tweet or short video/song) that provides a critical or creative commentary on one or more of the issues examined in one of the documentaries.

Walkthrough

Please note: there are some topics viewers may find problematic; like all arguments, not everyone will agree with the conclusions drawn in each episode. Remember, arguments are conversations and debates; we explore then in order to think more critically about issues and events, not because we always agree with them. We might also agree with some points and not others.

Unspeak – please watch all six episodes (each are approximately 6 mins long.