More than meets the eye

During this time of political milestones and unrest, Facebook and Twitter have emerged to be major outlets for breaking news and not just a place to post vacation pictures and tweet about what one had for lunch. With the introduction of Myspace in 2003, the use of social networking sites have become a national past time. Many people spend hours “friending” old buddies, posting their latest antics of the day, and voyeuristically looking at friends pictures; but in the midst of the 2008 presidential election Facebook morphed into more than a way to hook up with an old flame. Then presidential candidate Barack Obama utilized Facebook in such a way that it motivated a neglected generation and caused the Grand Old Party to regroup. While many political candidates ignore the American youth and shun the things they love; President Obama skillfully embraced social networking and spoke to them in their language, through their medium, and like a Pide Pipper lead the youth to the polls. But nothing is really legit until the queen of talk, Oprah Winfrey, endorses it. On March 13, 2009 Winfrey did just that and joined the Facebook phenomenon.

Similarly, the aftermath of Iran’s election has transformed Twitter from the red-headed step child of social networks to a major voice for the Iranian people. Authorities have cracked down on text messaging, Facebook, and Youtube but under-estimated the power of Twitter. Not since the gossip rag The Enquirer was the first to break the story of John Edwards’ extramarital affair in 2007, has a media outlet risen from mediocrity to such journalistic legitimacy, if but for a moment. Twitter has become the lifeline for Iranians to instantly share with the outside world the horrors they face as they fight for justice and a vital means of communication between protestors.

The senseless death of Neda Agha-Soltan , an Iranian woman allegedly killed by the Basij militia, was captured on video by fellow-bystanders and posted on Youtube and Facebook. The name of Agha-Soltan quickly became “a symbol of pro-democracy” for protestors and the “voice of Iran” - all in real time.

The power Youtube, Facebook, Twitter, and other social networking sites have on how we receive and view world events is undeniable. I predict, in the not so distant future, more people will turn to these sites for the latest in news, and turn off the news at eleven. By the way, Oprah joined Twitter in April, 2009.

All things to all people

Two big stories recently focused on President Obama’s trip to Cairo and Susan Boyle’s lose to the dance crew Diversity on Britain’s Got Talent. While you may think the only connection these two stories share is there timing, I beg to differ.

President Obama’s charisma has been evident since his unforgettable speech at the 2004 Democratic Convention. His confident tone and his way with words, makes every phrase he utters a jewel the listener wants to possess. His ability to interact with people of all ages, color, and creed seems both genuine and sincere, and he is beloved by many around the world. Enter Susan Boyle, a plain looking woman from Scotland who stood before the people in a talent contest in England. She was pegged as a joke even before she made it to the microphone. I am sure, like the famous crowd at the Apollo theatre, many had their “boos” already poised on their lips. However to the astonishment of everyone, including the judges, Boyle belted out a version of “I Dreamed a Dream” that made the world take notice; this attention eventually drove Boyle to a mental facility. Still don’t see the connection? Let me help you, you can’t be all things to all people. There is an old saying “If everyone likes you you’re doing something wrong.” Okay it may not be a universal old saying but it is my old saying.

I am weary of a person that tries to be all things to all people. During Obama's campaign bid for the presidency he often downplayed his Muslim background and shied away from having his middle name “Hussein” used. Now we are fully aware that the Republican Party tried to use his Muslim background and name to inject fear into the American people. With the horrific day of 9/11 still fresh in the minds of many; Obama’s middle name was an easy target, a cheap one but an easy one. However in President Obama’s recent trip to Cairo he comfortably talked about his Muslim background and even brought up his one- time controversial middle name. I ask you, is he embracing his roots or exploiting them to “make friends"?

After Susan Boyle made YouTube history, her looks and her background became public interest and public scrutiny. Everyone seemed to love her and want a piece of her; even Oprah wanted the armature singer to grace her studios. The attention began to change Boyle, she got a makeover and changed the way she dressed. But what goes up must come down. The pressure to once again be great for the people took a toll on Boyle and brought her to the brink of insanity with camera’s and news crews documenting every moment.

Both President Obama and Susan Boyle are and were expected to be exactly what the people wanted, but people are never satisfied. There comes a time when the people want more than a person can give and when that takes place the people are none too happy. For there is no faithfulness in their mouth; their inward part is very wickedness; their throat is an open sepulcher; they flatter with their tongue. I don’t expect President Obama to buckle under the pressure as Boyle did, the qualifications to be the President of the United States are much higher than that of the person chosen in England’s Got Talent; however the desire to be liked by many is the same in all man (and woman to.)