A Medium for Every Nation

                Different forms of media have existed for each generation of Americans today just as for any civilization in history. Some forms of knowledge are more suited to the nation’s size and structure than others in keeping the peace, establishing law and general management. Although multiple forms of media for knowledge exist in a society, the dominant media of that people affects the size and control of governmental power.

                Folk knowledge is the most rudimentary and traditional knowledge, where one with wisdom conveys a lesson to another through example and words. As talked about in the salon conversations, it was decided that this is the best medium of knowledge for small tribal communities where cultural norms are taught, relationships established and strong bonds forged. Whether through a tribal leader, a ‘wise-man’, sheriff or mayor, there is a local leadership that can be sought out for a final say. Folk knowledge however cannot support large societal structure and has a difficult time uniting multiple communities simply because of logistical difficulties. Other forms of knowledge are better suited for this.

                Oral knowledge brings to mind the lessons taught by the great speakers in time. It is the Greek play, the general’s speech to his men before battle, stories by a campfire and the ‘I have a dream’ speech at the national mall. Like Holland commented, it can develop a bond of trust between speaker and listener similar to what folk knowledge can establish, yet it also has the ability to reach larger audiences. As seen through the King Benjamin speech, oral knowledge can deliver a fiery message or a peaceful one. It is the preferred medium of any state power as well in uniting a nation and it is used in General Conference of the LDS church to connect leader and member. However, it is limited by how far the speaker’s voice can carry and it cannot record anything of importance without alterations.

                Written knowledge can fill some of these holes, although it has a few of its own as well. As a more organized and prepare-able medium, editing and revisions can occur before they reach an audience. Distances between communities in relaying knowledge are only limited by the abilities of the messenger or mail system. In this manner, a governmental official can more easily manage the affairs of a large nation, laws can be canonized and commerce is stronger. Historical records are kept in a well-suited storage medium and new ideas can be shared with distances between parties are no longer an issue. In sum, written knowledge is the logistical key to success in a larger nation.

                With the advent of print knowledge, written knowledge added an additional dimension to its utility: efficiency. As Kacee wrote, Printing allows for faster, more reliable and cheaper ways of producing and distributing knowledge within a nation. It started the newspaper industry allowing a nation to feel connected as it learned of happening of events across the country in a matter of days instead of weeks or months. Print accommodates brainstorming and thought experiments at a national level because ideas are spread between scholars and everyday citizens quickly and at lower costs However this is not to say it is better than oral knowledge which allows for body language and ease of communication when two parties are present. Print knowledge also does not necessarily develop a connection between author and reader the way oral knowledge has the power to. As Nephi the ancient prophet recorded, “Neither am I mighty in writing, like unto speaking; for when a man speaketh by the power of the Holy Ghost the power of the Holy Ghost carrieth it unto the hearts of the children of men”(2 Nephi 33:1).

                Each medium presents a new set of utilities to the table for a government to manage, however some fare better than others under different circumstances. Because of this, the size of a civilization and need to relay information are determining factors for the most appropriate medium. Small communities favor a folk knowledge or an oral knowledge where that is possible because of its ability to focus on needs and build connections. Written and print knowledge are most effective in larger states and favor law and commerce. These media are ultimately tools that each nation chooses, a choice which becomes the glue to either hold a successful nation together or cause it to topple.