NDM: Marxism, Pluralism and Hegemony

1. Research the Ian Tomlinson case. What would the traditional, hegemonic view of the police be in a case like this? How did new and digital media create a different story? What does the police officer's subsequent acquittal suggest about the power of new and digital media?

The police would be viewed as criminals with badges giving them authority to abuse their power. These views would certainly be reinforced through the death of Ian Tomlinson because he was struck by a police officer without a justifiable reason and fortunately for the people the event was captured on video camera. This provided us with a real perspective of the 'murder' because its actual footage of Ian getting hit by Simon Harwood (officer). It also challenged what the police had original told the news because police were definitely involved with the manslaughter. The fact that the someone had recorded it meant that the verdict of the police officer committing manslaughter is more justifiable.

2.What does the author argue regarding whether hegemony is being challenged by Web 2.0? 

They argue that because the internet does offer a diversity of viewpoints, both amateur and professional, it is much more difficult for establishment discourses to structure how meaning is created and so it is less hegemonic.

3.   In your opinion, does new and digital media reinforce dominant hegemonic views or give the audience a platform to challenge them?

I believe that digital media has weakened hegemonic views that the media portray. This is because audiences are able to access any type of news which gives them control of what they want to view. Despite this I believe when audiences decide to read or watch news through particular institutions, they will still only see stories being told from one perspective. The rise in digital media has only meant that these institutions can't exaggerate news stories like they once could because audiences are able to do more research into these stories.

4. Do recent world events such as Brexit or Donald Trump's election in the US suggest dominant hegemonic ideologies are being challenged or reinforced? There are arguments for both sides here - explain your opinion and why.

With the decision of Britain to leave the European Union I believe hegemonic ideologies were reinforced because Nigel Farage promised the nation that they will 'make Britain great again'. This would appeal to the majority and it definitely influenced a lot of the nation into voting out. For example, people were questioned on why they approved of brexit and their answers were very discriminative against ethnic minority. In contrast with the US election, it seems Donald Trump used similar tactics to Nigel Farage in trying to convince the majority and it has worked. Overall, I believe dominant hegemonic views were strategically used by both candidates in their campaigns and the audience still weren't able to use digital media to enhance their decision making.