Change #Ukraine

I cannot express the happiness I feel when I hear that our government is taking action. Our population has called attention to the crisis in Ukraine and we are being answered,

READ: http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/ukraine-crisis-stephen-harper-blames-russian-provocateurs-for-escalation-1.2609504

Russia's a bully #ukraine

It appears the Russia is trying to pro Ukrainian block social media... then claiming that it's because they are organizing terrorist attacks? Yeah right Russia we all see right through you

Read: http://mashable.com/2014/03/03/russia-ukraine-internet/

I just got tweeted back by Vladimir Putin...#ukraine

So as I have been involving myself on the twittersphere, I happened to tweet at the official Vladimir Putin account and as well @Darthputinkgb, which is the infamous joke account. Low and behold I have been responded to by the joke account:

I think its safe to say that I appreciate my answer.

Orthodox Easter #ukraine

I myself am of Ukrainian heritage as both of my grandparents emigrated from Ukraine. Next weekend is Ukrainian Orthodox easter and I would like to take a moment to recognize the importance religion has in the Ukrainian culture. 50% of the Ukrainian population is orthodox and in a time so focused on the many horrors of a revolution, I hope they have the ability to take a break from the fighting and take time to focus on their faith. I will be thinking and praying of situation in Ukraine and hope that they may find peace, if only momentarily.

#ukraine @DathPutinKGB

Although the crisis currently occurring in Ukraine is nothing to laugh about.... I think it's important to check out the more humorous side of things,

check out: https://twitter.com/DarthPutinKGB

#ukraine #euromaiden #ukrainolution

The ignorance that we all posses appears insurmountable. How is it possible that I just met someone today who had no idea of the events occurring in Ukraine? No idea that the country is in shambles, no idea that they have been invaded by former Soviet leader Vladimir Putin? You are only as ignorant as you allow ourself to be. The world isn't all about online quizzes from Huffington post and the new purple lipstick trend.

READ: http://goo.gl/kA5W58

Where does our sense of self lie? BR #10

Technology is a powerful tool. With the right codes and the the right knowledge, one has the ability to reach millions of people regardless of their physical location. This power however, has its limitations. Social media seems to be somewhat of a trap. Everyone on Facebook, everyone on Twitter and everyone on any form of digital media has an ability. They have the ability to learn and to inspire, but who really does this? Social media has caught us in the trap of comfortable living. It’s easy to scroll through Facebook and feel a sense of belonging in an online community. It’s easy to like a post of a small African child starving and hope that your pitiful excuse for action can make any sort of change in this world. My point being that the use of digital media has become so normalized into our lives that none questions this attachment that we have all formed with an inanimate object. I challenge that we question this. Question the reason we jump onto Facebook to alleviate our apparent boredom. Question the time wasted reading meaningless phrases 140 characters or less. To what point is there to constantly updating people on you meals and how you’re now on a #veganclense?

Unfortunately this development in our communication styles seems to have formed such a strong bond within our lives, resistance appears futile. How then do we collectively use this precarious forum to actually make a difference. Is it even possible to make a difference? The action in itself of recognizing our attachment to this medium is a very necessary step. Acknowledging that we are so incredibly able to utilize our devices reminds us that we should.

Many organizations use ICTs in a way that is beneficial, the overall success dependant on the inclusion of external action. When thinking about the war in Ukraine right now, without social media the awareness would be dismal. So through the creation of awareness, the agenda of the masses become the agenda of the governing power. Had there not been an awareness our governments are less likely to take any sort of corrective action. 

Even with all of this possibility for awareness, those organizations or movements with the greatest knowledge of digital platforms are often most successful. This may in turn silence groups that may have a greater need for aid. The final presentations for this class alerted me to a plethora of causes and ethical dilemmas I had previously never been aware of. Which raises another concern, with the technology available, are we all bound by the law of due diligence?

I myself am questioning why I rely so heavily on the use of these ICTs. How can I justify being exposed to so many injustices without taking any corrective action. I consider myself a good person, but how can a good person allow such terrible things to occur worldwide without helping? My generation is so tightly wound around technologies finger that I fear we would lose our sense of self without it.