Censorship and the minds of bloggers
I’m currently writing an article on blogging in the Caribbean, with a focus on its relevance for business, and what has struck me is the fact that I’ve described it as an uncensored communication channel. However, I ask myself, are blogs really uncensored? For the most part you can say yes. Bloggers can write about issues without fear of the legal risks. They don’t have editors to consider. Isn’t that liberating, being the editor, sub-editor, and writer. It gives an omnipotence to writing.
However, bloggers are not immune to the agenda of traditional media. We are influenced by media reports, and sometimes even the biases that exist in their reporting. Our own personal agendas or concerns of what people may think affect our writing at times. Thus, we morph into our own censor metres, shaping our discourse in a way that is palatable for readers. However, this subconscious censorship does not always impact our writing, especially if what we’re writing about is not a sensitive topic or one that can land us in a professionally precarious position. For example, if you’ve applied to a particular company for a job, do you post negative reports - and perhaps rightfully so - about their not so praiseworthy activities? You never know if someone on the panel may come across your blog. Do you refrain from blogging about the shortcomings of a political party for fear of seeming to be politically aligned, even though you’re not?
Such a dilemma may not affect every blogger. It really depends on what they blog about, and who their audience is. But the main point is that while surely bloggers are independent thinkers, the reality is that their thought process and opinions are affected by mainstream media.
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