 The Fourth Estate and Virtual Politics
Back in 18th century France, there existed an assembly with four parts - or
"estates." These parts represented different groups within the society. But one
of them ruled all the others. There were no leather-bound chairs or people serving it’s
members drinks, yet it wielded the supreme power. The fourth estate was the small press
gallery. It was the common mans only source of information about what his representatives
were doing. The free press enabled him to know how his life was going to be affected by
the policy makers. But more importantly, it also gave him a tool to fight back. Why all
this history? It's because the fourth estate is still around, and you use it without even
knowing.
We, the people, have the power, my fellow schoolmates. If you think our voice doesn't
matter, think again! First and foremost, there is the student council that makes sure that
our rights are protected, and our voice is heard. Their work may not be overly visible,
and no record can be found about any action they have taken or resolutions they have
passed, but I assure you that they are there, somewhere. Well at least they organize
concerts and bring in some awesome pop stars we wouldn't otherwise be able to experience.
You see, these representative people are so busy fighting for your rights that you never
run into them after the elections. They don't even get paid, the poor souls. All they get
is a hefty line to put in their curriculum vitae. Really, I pity them.
When the most direct approach of consulting your representative fails, fear not, for there
are other ways! You can always set up a “Facebook” group, get a couple hundred people
in there, and before you know it, the problem will be so afraid that it'll burst inward
and effectively resolve itself. Studies on this matter show that chain-letters, forum
battles and comments posted on “YouTube” have a stronger impact on domestic and
international policies than the use of traditional methods - like demonstrations or carpet
bombing.
What about those who hate the system - those with the joyful spirit of youth that may want
to thrive in a graceful mix of hate and anger and smite all the conformists? Guess what!
That's also very possible! The fourth estate has a place for angry teenagers to express
their savage, yet righteous fury - as long as it stays within the boundaries of virtual
reality. We live in an age where even Presidents and Prime Ministers of countries have
email addresses. So, if you don't like the way things are on the planet, you can do
something. Think globally, act locally. Get out on the street and scream it out until your
throat bleeds! Political activism is a beautiful thing.
Onur Çelik (AMER/II)
o_celik@ug.bcc.bilkent.edu.tr
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