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Journalism of Courage
Only connect! Little did E.M. Forster know the power technology would give to those two words,and Shashi Tharoor is a testament to that power. The ministers tweet of a mere 64 characters absolutely,in cattle class out of solidarity with our holy cows has generated a controversy that has propelled him and Twitter into the spotlight.
Twitter,born in one of the most liberal cities of the world,San Francisco,is the creation of Evan Will-iams,Biz Stones and Jack Dorsey. Initially waved away as a gimmick for young iPhoners,its become a sensation with a following of 32 million users. With posts limited to 140 characters,it gives the user instant access to a world of information and networking. The idea is simple: it takes the best of text messaging,micro-blogging and social networking packaged in a neat,simple parcel. The latest addition,where each update is indexed and is accessible through real-time search,means that Twitter now serves as a discovery engine to the present,that is,to whats happening right now anywhere around the globe. Unlike other sites where access to information is akin to a VIP party,restricted to those who have the right friends,Twitter oversteps that culture: it is a Twitterers content rather than the person one chooses to access.
For those sceptical of the Twitter Revolution,simply look at Iran. The site served as the main channel of news following the media crackdown. Tweets flowed out of the country and presented to the world a picture of protest that Iranian authorities attempted to veil. In a world of increased connectivity Twitter has provided users with an outlet where anyone can have a voice,any time. And having got that,there is nowhere to hide a tweet.
