Blog post 8: EOTO #2 What I learned

All of my classmates' presentations were engaging and informative. But the two that stood out to me the most were Reid's presentation on the Overton Window and Ella's presentation on Government Whistleblowing. 

Before this project, I knew nothing about the Overton Window, but Reid's presentation showed how this concept plays a crucial role in shaping public discourse and policy. The Overton Window refers to the range of ideas that are considered acceptable in public debate at any given time. What I found the most fascinating was how political leaders, activists, and even the media work to either expand or shift this window, influencing what society deems normal or radical. Reid gave the example of same-sex marriage or environmental regulations, which were once considered extreme but now have become widely accepted topics of discussion. This demonstrates how public perception evolves based on cultural and political influences.

I had heard of government whistleblowing before, but Ella's presentation helped me understand its historical significance and ethical implications. She explained how whistleblowers expose government misconduct, often at great personal risk. She discussed famous cases like Edward Snowden's revelations about mass surveillance and Daniel Ellsberg's release of the Pentagon Papers, both of which had major, major impacts on public perception and government accountability. What stood out to me the most was how the legal system responds to whistleblowers who are hailed as heroes while others face serious legal consequences under laws like the Espionage Act. Ellas' presentation made me think critically about the balance between national security and the public's right to know. 

Both presentations deepened my understanding of how ideas and information shape our society. The Overton Window helps explain how public opinion shifts over time, while whistleblowing plays a crucial role in holding those in power accountable. Learning about these concepts helped me to reflect on the forces that drive political and social change.