WEEK 5
TOPIC 1
FIRST AMENDMENT, COPYRIGHTANDFREEDOM OF EXPRESSION
I found it surprising on how many people were prosecuted for downloading music. I remember the days of Napster. I was one of many that downloaded music—using old school dial-up internet. My dad used to become infuriated with me when he found out I was downloading music. He watched the news a lot more than me in those days. He was more aware of the severe financial situation the fines were causing families. I was convinced that everyone was downloading music, so it was very unlikely I would ever get in trouble. Well, I was never fined, but could have been prosecuted.
I don’t recall what internet provider that we used at the time, but they used some type of software that tracked the usage. My mother received an email, and certified letter stating that we had a set amount of time to permanently remove files and program from our computer—this is the first time I understood what an IPS address was. If we did not remove them the internet provider would discontinue out service and turn us into the authority. The program was Napster, and it listed 4-5 songs to remove. I remember one was a Lonestar song and the Ying Yang Twins. Needless to say—my dad flipped out and I lost my computer for a summer. I was more upset and concerned about what the fact that they knew what files were on my computer! So, when watching this documentary and learning the history of the situation during that time—I understand why my dad was so upset. He was frightened we could become part of the mass crack down on piracy.
I also thought it was alarming the information the documentary gave about Disney. I did not know that they had their hands in so many different entertainment industries. Also, that is was after Walt Disney died that the company pushed for different change in the laws.
I find that it is ridiculous that the different music companies are asking for royalties for songs in once they are reused in movies or another song. Now I completely understand downloading a copy of a song or movie without paying for it. However, once you have purchased that piece of art you should have the right to do whatever your will is with it. Does a person have to pay some type of royalty for cutting out letters and images out of books or magazines to create a collage or dream board? Why should someone have to fear getting in trouble in creating new art out of old art? If a person purchases the original songs then they should be able to create whatever they can with it. Mash ups are one of my favorite types of music to listen to. The largest concern is money is robbing people the opportunity to express themselves freely. Art is dying as it is—so, there should be an encouragement in getting new generations involved in art. There is no such thing as too much art.
Westboro Baptist Church happens to be one of the first groups that comes to mind when I think of free speech gone too far. They are known for their extreme view on abortion, homosexuality, and the soldiers fighting in the wars. They have had a case go to supreme court after they picketed at a Marine soldier’s—by the name of Matthew A. Snyder memorial service. WBC made absurd claims that the parents "raised [Matthew] for the devil" and taught him "to defy his Creator, to divorce, and to commit adultery". WBC cite and information link.
The cited link can give you all the details on the case. They were ordered to pay the family of the fallen war hero a settlement for damages. The WBC has been banned from Canada and the UK—for good reason. This group takes free speech way past the line of protection because they are spreading violence and hate speech. Which should not be okay, and thankfully the Supreme Court agrees.
Above is my husband rocking his free speech!
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