During the first month or so of this semester, my Digital Media 1 students were asked to listen to and reflect on each week’s podcast of This American Life as an example of excellent storytelling. We happened to have these assignments during the time when one of their most popular stories was released, Mr. Daisey and the Apple Factory. Some aspects of the story told that week about how electronics are manufactured in China seemed pretty incredible, and led to having a lively class discussion about the price we pay for living in the digital age.
As it turns out, the story was incredible, because large parts of it was untrue, as revealed in this week’s retraction aired by This American Life.
My students are on spring break this week, but we will be sure to listen and discuss upon our return next week. It will be interesting to get their perspective on this story.
I have a few predictions, although I could be mistaken. If you read the literature about the millennial generation, there is evidence to suggest that they are quick to forgive when an apology is made. I’m still processing the story, but it seems that the radio program, but not the creator of the story Mike Daisey are apologetic at this point. I don’t know how this will play out with my students.
Another point I hope to drive home is that in a digital world, whatever you put out there is permanent. These accusations against Apple and the other companies whose products are made in China will remain forever. There has been a media firestorm since this story was originally aired, it will be interesting to see how this all plays out.
A final point I hope to make is how “digital media technologies are biased towards the truth”. (Rushkoff, 2011). While everyone likes a good story, with the immediacy of information access, and the ability to quickly fact-check, it is counter-productive to fabricate a story and hope that it sticks in the digital age. It is always best to behave in a way that can withstand the strongest scrutiny, because that is what you will always get in our connected world.
Reference
Rushkoff, D. (2011). Program or Be Programmed. Ten Commands for a Digital Age. Berkely, Soft Skull Press.