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4.34 AVERAGE
4.34 AVERAGE
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
fast-paced
The 2016 US Election is and always will be a sliver buried under my skin that throbs once in a while. I could never forget how devastated I was watching it all go down. I would imagine that there are a lot of Filipinos as well who felt the same way about Robredo in their most recent presidential elections. Because I have seen the excitement online in the sea of pink shirts and banners. But like me, they probably didn't imagine the nightmare scenario that played out on election night.
How could we forget the lawlessness of what happened during the Marcos regime? How could we bastardize history in a blink of an eye? Well, much like what happened in the US elections, the troll farm of Facebook and other social media made it happened. It was easy enough when you have a country who ranks second in Facebook consumption. Manipulate the data, the news, and use the flawed algorithm, and voila! The Marcos name smelled like roses again. As if the stolen wealth wasn't stolen or the lives of political rivals weren't lost during the years of the regime.
Maria Ressa is a decorated journalist. A Filipino-American who made her name as a CNN correspondent. When Duterte was elected on a promise to rid of the country of government corruption and drugs, Ressa stood back and watch it all play out. She even nabbed a sit-down interview with him. But when her independent news site started digging into the human rights violations his administration was committing, she made an enemy of the autocrat wannabe. Duterte was a powerful official. He was not afraid to speak his mind and have admitted to murdering drug addicts and pushers. What he does to political opponents is a different matter altogether. First, he tarnished their reputation using his social media army. Then, he used the courts and officials to produce made up accusations of wrong doings.
Unfortunately for Maria and Rappler, they were the enemy.
What I don't understand is why after all the court battles and not-so-subtle overuse of power by the Duterte government do his sympathizers still consider Maria Ressa as public enemy number 1? The courts charged Rappler with a number of ridiculous allegations including tax evasions and cyber libel. If found guilty, Maria Ressa could be facing decades of imprisonment. Up to this day, travelling outside the country requires Ressa to jump through hoops.
This book made me angry, helpless and powerless. But it also inspire me. Because if a 5'2" woman can keep fighting even if some days, she might feel like harnessing the waves in the ocean, why can't I? She simply will not accept the things that she can't change, because for her, as long as she's breathing, she will keep fighting.
How could we forget the lawlessness of what happened during the Marcos regime? How could we bastardize history in a blink of an eye? Well, much like what happened in the US elections, the troll farm of Facebook and other social media made it happened. It was easy enough when you have a country who ranks second in Facebook consumption. Manipulate the data, the news, and use the flawed algorithm, and voila! The Marcos name smelled like roses again. As if the stolen wealth wasn't stolen or the lives of political rivals weren't lost during the years of the regime.
Maria Ressa is a decorated journalist. A Filipino-American who made her name as a CNN correspondent. When Duterte was elected on a promise to rid of the country of government corruption and drugs, Ressa stood back and watch it all play out. She even nabbed a sit-down interview with him. But when her independent news site started digging into the human rights violations his administration was committing, she made an enemy of the autocrat wannabe. Duterte was a powerful official. He was not afraid to speak his mind and have admitted to murdering drug addicts and pushers. What he does to political opponents is a different matter altogether. First, he tarnished their reputation using his social media army. Then, he used the courts and officials to produce made up accusations of wrong doings.
Unfortunately for Maria and Rappler, they were the enemy.
What I don't understand is why after all the court battles and not-so-subtle overuse of power by the Duterte government do his sympathizers still consider Maria Ressa as public enemy number 1? The courts charged Rappler with a number of ridiculous allegations including tax evasions and cyber libel. If found guilty, Maria Ressa could be facing decades of imprisonment. Up to this day, travelling outside the country requires Ressa to jump through hoops.
This book made me angry, helpless and powerless. But it also inspire me. Because if a 5'2" woman can keep fighting even if some days, she might feel like harnessing the waves in the ocean, why can't I? She simply will not accept the things that she can't change, because for her, as long as she's breathing, she will keep fighting.
DNF. It’s good but too long and a little too self-aggrandizing. And not really what I was hoping for.
I didn't realize how relevant Maria Ressa's experiences are to the entire world's information environment. This is one I will come back to because there are actions individuals and groups can take to make a difference, although the big players in social media have the most power to make change, positive or negative. It's an essential read for anyone who is interested in media and spreading information.
hopeful
informative
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
Wow! What a powerful book! This exciting story is so packed full of interesting history, valuable information, thoughtful insight, practical application, and especially universal wisdom.
The facts, history, and explanations thoroughly cover the relevant background for a reader (such as myself) who may not already have strong knowledge of the Philippines' political landscape, but also include references for a reader more intimately familiar with the culture and regions.
For me, these informational sections felt a bit dry and I found myself skimming through some of the denser bits; but, it wasn't too overwhelming overall, and I definitely learned a lot. The very beginning took some getting into as well, but I'm so glad I stuck with it.
In contrast, the author's life, challenges, and bravery are singularly incredible and exciting! I felt at times like I was reading a thriller and couldn't put the book down - too excited to learn what happens next!
A major theme in this book includes social media's impact on our lives, beliefs, behaviors, and even the very foundation of modern societies. If you're someone who's on Facebook a lot, you absolutely must read this book to learn more about how that affects your priorities and world-view including those close to you.
My favorite aspect of this book includes the passages of powerful wisdom, and the inspiration I feel from them! I'd love to extract some of my favorite quotes and print them out to inspire myself and stay always motivated.
I highly recommend this book to others: whether you're interested in improving your global/cultural awareness, intellect, gaining inspiration from the potential of the indomitable human spirit, and/or just reading a compelling true story; definitely check this book out!
The facts, history, and explanations thoroughly cover the relevant background for a reader (such as myself) who may not already have strong knowledge of the Philippines' political landscape, but also include references for a reader more intimately familiar with the culture and regions.
For me, these informational sections felt a bit dry and I found myself skimming through some of the denser bits; but, it wasn't too overwhelming overall, and I definitely learned a lot. The very beginning took some getting into as well, but I'm so glad I stuck with it.
In contrast, the author's life, challenges, and bravery are singularly incredible and exciting! I felt at times like I was reading a thriller and couldn't put the book down - too excited to learn what happens next!
A major theme in this book includes social media's impact on our lives, beliefs, behaviors, and even the very foundation of modern societies. If you're someone who's on Facebook a lot, you absolutely must read this book to learn more about how that affects your priorities and world-view including those close to you.
My favorite aspect of this book includes the passages of powerful wisdom, and the inspiration I feel from them! I'd love to extract some of my favorite quotes and print them out to inspire myself and stay always motivated.
I highly recommend this book to others: whether you're interested in improving your global/cultural awareness, intellect, gaining inspiration from the potential of the indomitable human spirit, and/or just reading a compelling true story; definitely check this book out!
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
It's kind of a memoir/self-help but for advocacy book. It doesn't fully step into either sphere which is dissatisfying. Maria's work and story are very commendable, though.
informative
inspiring
medium-paced