Spurred on by Matthew Ingram’s post on blogs affecting politics (and society), I’m wondering to what extent local (Northern Irish) bloggers can challenge traditional preconceptions in our wider society.
That was a long sentence! What I mean is, can blogs like Slugger encourage a wider variety of debate than what we’re exposed to when it’s just one-way propaganda from the party press office?
I specifically mention Slugger O’Toole, because Mick Fealty and the team have done a fantastic job of creating an open forum for debate. In fact, a few people (who don’t know about my double life as Levee) have recommended Slugger to me. They’re always enthusiastic. Many can see from the comments how regressive the ‘old’ attitudes are, and biggoted commentary exposes the futility of the traditional stances (my opinion).
There are other sites which impress me due to their seeming desire to explore new avenues. For instance, Big Ulsterman regularly challenges traditional ideologies by putting forward an alternative viewpoint and trying to reconcile ‘his’ culture and background with Nationalism and (to a lesser degree) Catholicism. He too, appears tired of politics here running around in circles with nothing ever being resolved and rarely ends a post without suggesting something Big that his subject might undertake.
Can Northern Irish Bloggers Make A Difference?
Over to you. Can those of us who blog on politics here make a difference? Is our audience wide enough to make a dent in the old school? What was your motivation for starting a blog in the first place (assuming you have one)?
Update: Slugger has recently run a more detailed commentary on this subject. Worth a read.
I do think blogs can make a difference.
I think if enough members of the blogging community create enough fuss, we can get Peter Robinson’s bust on public display so we can all give it a good polish.
No idea. I’m apolitical for the most part. I may be more inclined to take interest should the squabbling fools that hold this country in limbo be replaced by something more efficient.
I didn’t notice Peter Robinson’s bust. He must wear one of those minimising bras… .. .
There must be an obsession with breasts in the DUP, because Ian Paisley Junior’s a right t*t!
well i think your all a pile of pansys and that the countrys ugly.
even though i have just seen pictures.from a coulourful book my mum bought me.
fight amongst yourselves you dopey asses cause everyones laughing at how pathetic half of you`s can be! you all need to get a life.
or just move country.
yay.
or you could chop the border seperating the north and south,
then kick all the catholics of the north and build a big fence
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