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Radio

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Radio

In retrospect, radio is deemed to be one of the most influential devices to be invented. It

was invented in 1877 by Guglielmo Marconi. Radio is the technology of using radio waves to

carry information, such as sound, by systematically modulating the properties of electromagnetic

energy waves transmitted through space, such as their amplitude, frequency, phase, or pulse

width. Over the years, radio has undergone various modifications and additional features. It has

therefore become a more convenient, versatile, and portable device that one can use to access

information from almost everywhere. To make it more interesting, radio can be accessed through

the internet and is also inbuilt into cars, all for convenience. As such, radio has impacted the US

in many phases including in the aspects of equality and social justice.

Ensuring that each person has an equal chance to maximize their potential is what

equality is all about. It is also the idea that no one should have worse life opportunities due to

their birth circumstances, place of origin, religious beliefs, or physical or mental limitations

(Understanding Equality | Equality and Human Rights Commission, n.d.). The radio has

contributed immensely towards increasing equality in the United States of America. It has helped

open people’s minds to new ideas and perspectives, for instance, it has allowed people to hear

different points of view and to learn about new topics (Perks & Turner, 2019). The radio has also

helped to connect people with diverse backgrounds from across America. It has made it possible

for people to share their culture, learn about other cultures, and make sense of why people do

certain things. As a result, it has contributed to equality indirectly by spreading diversity.

The technology has also gone over and above that by giving a voice to the voiceless and

promoting social and political change. This has been made possible by allowing democratic
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participation. By conveying information, it has helped create a more informed and engaged

citizenry. Moreover, by providing a platform for discussion and debate, the radio has helped

promote critical thinking and to foster a more democratic society. Lastly, the radio has helped

create equality in America by connecting people from all walks of life and creating a sense of

community.

Radio has also impacted equality negatively in the United States of America. It has not

only been used to disseminate information and propaganda that favored the wealthy and the

powerful, but also served as a tool for advertisers to sell their products (Lukmantoro & Nugroho,

2019). This has had a profound impact on American culture and values and has helped create an

unequal society. In addition, the radio has played a role in reinforcing stereotypes and prejudices

which contributed to the inequality that existed in society. As of such, the Radio has helped

create a more divided and unequal United States of America. Accordingly, it should be regarded

as one of the key factors behind the development of inequality in this country.

The aspiration that every person, regardless of their circumstances, can have a fulfilling

and dignified life lies at the core of the majority of social justice concerns. Equal pay for women,

civil rights based on race, and marriage equality for same-sex couples have all been significant

social justice issues. Most individuals have the same ideal of seeing everyone exercising all of

their legal, cultural, and interpersonal rights, yet this is still not the case (Staff, 2022). In a

country like the United States of America where there is a large population and a diverse range

of opinions, radio can be a powerful tool for those looking to increase social justice. For

example, if a radio station were to broadcast racist or sexist messages, it would reach a large

number of people instantaneously and could have a negative impact on their view of the world.

Moreover, radio can amplify messages that are already circulating in society – for example, if
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someone is advocating for a pro-discrimination stance, they may be more likely to be heard by

listeners if they are airing their views on a popular radio station. Therefore, radio has had a

fundamental contribution in both undermining and increasing social justice in the United States.

Invention of the radio has also played a crucial role in increasing social justice in the

United States of America by increasing awareness of social issues and by providing a platform

for voices that are often marginalized (Jamil & Muschert, 2020). Arguably, these messages have

been spread wide and large throughout American society which has boosted social justice.

Furthermore, radio has also helped build the community and connect people working for social

change. By amplifying the voices of those working for social justice, the radio can help make the

voices of vulnerable people more heard and encouraged. In a nutshell, by providing a space for

people to share their stories, radio has helped create a more understanding and compassionate

society. This has given Americans a platform to provoke any ideas that undermine social justice.

In conclusion, technology (such as radio) is often conceived as a tool, something that is

used and developed by people to accomplish their goals. It helps people solve problems they

would have otherwise been incapable of tackling (Sandler, 2014). Using Radio technology, we

have impacted equality and social justice in the United States both negatively and positively. For

instance, radio has been used as a tool to promote equality and social justice by providing a

platform for marginalized voices and communities to be heard. However, radio has also been

used to perpetuate discrimination and bigotry by broadcasting hate speech and promoting

stereotypes. The overall impact of radio on equality and social justice is complex, but it has

undoubtedly had a significant impact on American society. As technology continues to evolve,

so too will the impact that radio has on equality and social justice. In the meantime, it is essential
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to remember that radio is just one tool that can be used to promote equality and social justice and

should not be taken as the only source of information or inspiration.

References

Jamil, S., & Muschert, G. W. (2020). Risks to Journalists’ Safety and the Vulnerability of Media

Freedom in the US. In Agenda For Social Justice (pp. 135-142). Policy Press.

Lukmantoro, T., & Nugroho, H. (2019). Propaganda model in the age of social media. KnE

Social Sciences, 419-437.

Perks, L. G., & Turner, J. S. (2019). Podcasts and productivity: A qualitative uses and

gratifications study. Mass Communication and Society, 22(1), 96-116.

Sandler, R. L. (2014). Introduction: technology and ethics. In Ethics and emerging technologies (pp. 1-

23). Palgrave Macmillan, London.

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Staff, F. (2022, February 2). 5 Current Social Justice Issues and How You Can Help | FFAC.

Factory Farming Awareness Coalition. Retrieved September 23, 2022, from

https://ffacoalition.org/articles/5-current-social-justice-issues-and-how-you-can-help/