Things We're NOT Thankful For
It’s December ... so let the end-of-year madness begin!
There’s a whole lot to be thankful for this year, but the list of things we could do without is just as long. (Maybe even longer.)
So in honor of all the things that drive us nuts — but also inspire us to work on these issues every day at Free Press — we present to you our “top-seven things we are NOT thankful for” list.
1. We have no idea who might be watching you read this post!
Wheeeeeee! The NSA! Verizon! AT&T! Obama! Think you have privacy online? Think again.
2. Of course, the real criminals are the journalists covering the NSA surveillance scandal.
We trust that you can read our sarcastic tone here ...1
3. We’re still paying more for slower and crappier Internet in the U.S.
While that website you’re trying to view is busy “sloading,” just bear in mind that most people in Europe and Asia are paying way less for much faster Internet.
4. But we can always count on Verizon and friends to continue their quest to destroy the Internet!
We could get into all the ways these companies are trying to break the Internet, but since we’ve been doing that all year long you should probably just look at this GIF.
5. Sexism, racism and homophobia are as rampant in our media as ever.
It’s basic math: Fewer people controlling our media = fewer authentic voices = way too many stereotypes.
6. Abundant coverage of Kimye, Miley and sexiest man alive Adam Levine edging out local news stories.
So far this year, 223 local TV stations have changed hands, and the number of companies controlling our media has shrunk. This is the biggest wave of consolidation ever.
7. And then there’s radio — where we can catch the same Auto-Tuned song over and over and over and over and over and over again. (And again.)
OK — that was a pretty big laundry list. But rest assured, Free Press is on the case. We’ve been fighting for your rights to connect and communicate for more than a decade. And with your help, we can flip the balance of power and put people over profits.
If you believe in a world where we have the information and opportunities to tell our own stories, hold our leaders accountable and participate in our democracy, then please donate today.
And make no mistake about this: We are truly thankful to have you by our side!
1. "Free Press Tells Holder to Stop Harassing Journalists," Free Press, Oct. 11, 2013: freepress.net/blog/2013/10/11/free-press-tells-holder-stop-harassing-journalists
2. Image sources: Spying; Journalists; Sloading; Evil; Stereotypes; Celebrity; Radio
Original image by Flickr user Renee Schwietzke