The U.S. Market + Greek Protests + Arab Spring

The poor performance of the U.S. market and mass riots in Greece has the news in a huge craze debating, theorizing and projecting what is going on in the world. All this dishevelment has me thinking and attempting to make sense of this chaos. I’m asking myself, where do the foundations of these problems lie? An important point to take note is whereas politics once led the game and dictated the direction of economy, roles have reversed and the latter is leading the way. Do you think we can attribute these problems to a growing rift between economics and politics?

These political and economic incongruences are getting larger and larger and visible not only in America but in various parts of the world, namely and most relevantly, Greece. Since integration into the supranational power of the European Union, Greece has been a bigger economic thorn than ever expected. Many countries, especially Germany, are attempting to cover the debt of their southern neighbor but all the energy towards putting order into Greece culminated today in mass riots and protests because of possible new austerity measures.

From a global perspective, are we at a crossroads in the development of economics and politics? If we are, that would answer some questions as to why both realms are constantly at odds with each other. Perhaps this points to a different question, what has become more important?

With the development of the internet, the blogosphere and dissemination of information through diverse communication tools, IT may very well be the most significant innovation to alter the ways in which government systems (i.e. politics) and economies work. The Arab Spring, for example, could not have happened without the use of social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter. Case in point, Wael Ghonim, an Egyptian and Google employee, used a Facebook fan page to promote democracy and organize protests in Cairo, Egypt. Wael is now listed as Time’s Top 100 Most Influential People.

At the moment we have rapidly growing IT development, ailing government structures and foreboding economies. With these pieces of the puzzle, what is our answer? Are present structures, such as government, too antiquated and in need of renovation? And how do we move in to a globalized world that works for everyone?

OSAMA BIN LADEN... DEAD!

Yesterday's news on the successful death of Osama Bin Laden has left America and myself breathing a huge sigh of relief and sense of justice for those who died on 9/11, U.S. soldiers, international soldiers, and for our government. Now I wonder, what does his death mean to the international community? How will it affect other countries, its people, and their viewpoints of America?

Many countries have been instrumental in supporting and aiding the success of this war. Not only was May 1 a colossal success for Americans, but for the nations who have been instrumental in this victory. The picture below depicts allies involved in major operations.

How will Osama's death determine the direction of the "War on Terror"? What might the political climate be like? What will we see on a global scale?

It is a momentous day for America, President Obama, and our troops!

Please, send me your input -

News Media & the Worlds Response

Surfing the internet’s international news sources is proving to be a very entertaining venture – not only am I thoroughly fascinated by how people around the world voice their opinions on current events, but the means in which some issues are brought to light are a work of art - literally. Photography, cartoons, art, film, radio, print and TV news media seem to be the most often used mediums to express history and/or current events.

I’ve noticed, however, that here in the U.S. we are not nearly as expressive with how we feel about our country, politics and international issues as let’s say Middle Easterners.

http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/meast/04/07/web.videos.dictators/index.html

Also, media in other parts of the world is a more tangible channel of communication the public can have their hands in... People like and want to be part of what’s going on. What’s the difference between here in America and “out there”? Is life here so unadulterated and secure that we express ourselves only through our work, school and athletics? This leads me to think two things: 1) sure we may have solid (or more solid than most) lives, but 2) we might be lacking in creative self-expression to some extent.

I'd like to know what people’s impressions are on how we relate to our sources of information media (news, newspaper, radio). Do we relate to what we see on TV? Are we happy how it is? Are our viewpoints expressed? Has TV become too ordinary, too narrow?

Let me know what you think – look at my examples and share some of your own. I want to like to hear your input and thoughts!

ABOUT

OCULAR. Unifying Art + News. is the onset of a journey to learn about the fusion & impact of current events & artistic expression around the world. “Conscious art” looks to observe how news media content & delivery varies internationally & largely shapes our perceptions of ourselves and others. Consisting of two entities (without particular order), the first looks at how perspectives & opinions are largely shaped by philosophies & politics with the second observing how the former manifests itself in art & culture. Dive into conscious art!