Globalization and Democratization as Works in Progress: "Tools like blogging, wikis and cell phone publishing are still nascent, but their potential is tremendous. Those willing to engage the political process have more channels to make their voices heard outside of official or corporate channels. More than having a vote, they can be heard. Otherwise illegitimate voices can be made legitimate. Government and large corporations can be made to listen."
Comment: I'm in agreement with the utopian views expressed by this speaker. Many of the new tools for information flow are geared towards the individual - journalism (blogging), broadcasting (podcasting), video (vlogging), and music (GarageBand). As is desired, the medium itself is "dumb". People can use these tools for whatever end they desire. True democracy is evidenced by the presence of voices with which we disagree. In theory, if everyone has an equal opportunity to express their ideas, the best idea will win. In reality, I'm sure it won't be long before we discover that the new utopia has its own warts. Many of the same challenges confronting mainstream media will be present in this "new realm". But in theory, we'll all have a voice.