NDM: Marxism, Pluralism and Hegemony

1) In regards to the Ian Tomlinson case, the traditional hegemonic view of the police would be that they have manipulated the values system of their roles as protectors of the population. New and digital media interpreted this case in several different manners, with the main being that the police were in the wrong for abusing their authority, The police officers subsequent acquittal suggests that new and digital media does have some significance in bringing justice, and that more and more people including traditional media outlets are depending on ordinary citizens to creating news.

2) The author argues that hegemony is being challenged by web 2.0 to an extent. In terms of the political aspects, the internet has given the people a potentially powerful tool to communicate with each other, and so to challenge their rulers. This was not possible a couple of decades ago. However, as governments can exert a large degree of control over the internet, the 'we media' concept on its own is not established to the degree where it can allow ‘people power’ to succeed. The internet has loosened official control, but not eradicated it.It has instead shifted the balance of power between Web 2.0 and the producers.

3) I believe that new and digital media in some form does reinforce dominant hegemonic views, but that there now more opportunities for the audience to challenge them through social media platforms such as Twitter and come in contact with alternative views. The majority of traditional forms of media reinforce the views of the dominant higher class, as they are owned by large conglomerates that are run by the elite. Therefore, it could be argued that the population are under hegemonic rule, and that the news maintains status quo.

4) Recent world events such as Brexit and Donald Trumps election do suggest that dominant hegemonic ideologies are slightly being challenged. Social media has allowed the oppressed to voice their opinions on Donald Trump, and the discontent at his election, which wouldn't have been possible at an election taking place in the 40's or 50's. Yet on the other hand, events such as Brexit suggest that hegemonic values are still continuing to be reinforced. A portion of those who have voted to leave the EU regretted their choice after the votes came in, feeling as if they have been mislead by the ruling class with false promises. This demonstrates the existence of hegemony within our society, as what we perceive to be as "common sense" may not always be right choice, we just think it is.