John Muller Blog 3 Communicating in a Nation

In “Imagining Nations,” Anderson argues that print language laid the foundation for national consciousness. He states that print language created unified fields of exchange and communication as well as languages of power of a kind different from the older administrative vernaculars. I think this argument is emphasized by the Nazi propaganda video we watched in class last week. Anderson’s points are exemplified when we look at Nazi propaganda from the 30s. Whether it be video or written this form of media provides a form of mass communication that can form what Anderson calls administrative centralization.

Print changed the way people were able to communicate and the extent to which messages could be spread. Whether uniting a nation for good or evil, as seen with the Nazi propaganda, the ability to spread a message to the masses became possible. I would argue that we are currently in a similar communication boom with internet and videos going viral. Right now anybody is able to upload a video and have the message spread to millions instantly. This could similarly result in creating stronger nations or more divided ones depending on what message is spread. Recently North Korea released a video on youtube that went viral. In the video, a city that resembles New York is seen being burnt to the ground. This hate was spread to millions and the effects are yet to be seen whether it will divide or unite.

As Anderson pointed out new print technology opened up doors of communication impossible before its inception. Print was able to spread good such as the bible but also allowed for mass production of propaganda material used to spread communism and socialism. We are similarly going through a new technology boom that allows for videos and messages to go viral and reach millions. The question that remains to be seen is how will this new form of communication help to divide and unite us.