Brett Hogan
Bio
The Texas Connection is a blog collection by Brett Hogan, a Canadian born Libertarian with a penchant for (and noteworthy following) in San Antonio Texas.Stories (5/0)
Three Theories of Publics
Three Theories of Publics What society considers public is a delicate and evolving set of social conventions that people seek to profit from and redefine (Dash, 2014). To best understand the workings of this complex balance, it is important to consider the theories that have defined and challenged the understanding of what constitutes the public. Edward Bernays is considered the first to develop the idea of professional public relations council, drawing data from social scientists to respond to and shape public perceptions in his monograph Propaganda, which was published in 1928. To frame Bernays’ theories in a broader context, it is important to compare them to those of French criminologist/sociologist Gabriel Tarde, and feminist philosopher Nancy Fraser.
By Brett Hogan5 years ago in The Swamp
#RESIST and the Splintering of Political Culture
Introduction Donald Trump’s populist rhetoric has spurred a counter movement: the #resist movement. This response is unique in that it is outright aided by major media outlets internationally, as opposed to a grassroots movement localized within the United States. To understand the #resist movement, it is critical to first introduce Trump and provide a brief history of his election. The #resist movement's success originated with corporate activism and private enterprises which, with aid from oppositional media outlets, celebrities, and brands contributed to future polarizing the political atmosphere. These events have led to further radicalization not just on the left within the #resist movement, but also on the right. Lastly, this essay will discuss how the heated and divisive nature of politics may create an environment conducive to second term for Trump by splintering and weakening the liberal vote.
By Brett Hogan5 years ago in The Swamp
Censorship and Alternative Media
Censorship and Alternative Media: How harsher regulations inspire resistance Introduction “According to Freedom House (2015), about 86% of the world’s population resides in partially or fully censored mass media environments, making citizen political communication in censored media systems the global norm” (Behrouzian, Nisbet, Dal, & Çarkoğlu, 2016, p. 1). A great deal of communication research focuses on relatively open environments; therefore, it is important to find out how motivated resistance and alternate communication methods allow new ideas to enter societies experiencing restrictions. Journalists are often subjected to sanctions, intimidation, and other forms of punishment by governments around the world. However, in the eyes of viewers, perception of availability is more important than the supply or institutional views on said media content. It is important to study the effects of censorship and the alternatives for motivated citizens (Nisbet & Stoycheff, 2013). A study titled “Resisting Censorship: How Citizens Navigate Closed Media Environments,” summarized in this assignment, explored how individuals reacted to media censorship. This area of study is relevant given big tech’s recent crackdown on various alternative media pundits in the U.S.A. It may be wise for citizens in the west to prepare themselves for navigating a restricted system.
By Brett Hogan5 years ago in The Swamp
Broken Record Part 2
In the previous article, I talked about how a lack of choice in music was as big of a problem as piracy. The lack of consumer confidence is palpable. People used to love music and be extremely passionate, now people often complain they “hate all the new music they hear”. It wasn’t uncommon to hear seniors talk that way about their grand children's music, but these days the seniors with these opinions are high school seniors.
By Brett Hogan7 years ago in Beat
Broken Record Part 1
As you know, album sales for the mainstream music industry peaked in 1995-1999. The decline since has been epic. This has been largely blamed on piracy and a transition to digital media, but is this decline more about a lack of consumer confidence? The music industry has set the bar in heavy-handed marketing, corporate oligarchies, and cheaping out every time they get the chance. Record companies are a caricature of overreaching big business. The public's perception of this industry was always poor; it could be considered sleazy at best. Now it’s completely isolated, soulless and outrightly despised across the board. Millennials are consumed by music and media yet at the same time not buying it. What’s different? One of the biggest barriers may be the lack of real choices.
By Brett Hogan7 years ago in Beat