Issue Overview and Spatial Significant (What is there? Why there?): This issue is taking place in the United States at the Standing Rock Reservation in North Dakota. This is the proposed site for the Dakota Access Pipeline, but without the approval of the First Nations, this would be a massive infringement of their land rights. The author is highlighting not only the protests, but the failure of major corporate media outlets to cover one of the largest political, social, and cultural movements of its time. In addition, the author is questioning the ethics of the Democratic Party whose leaders fail to speak out on account being influenced by their source of donations: big corporations. At its heart, the author is protesting the dominance of corporations in politics and news.
Patterns and Trends (Part of a larger pattern or trend in the region? Or is it isolated?):: Geographic Perspectives and interrelationships (SPEEC, connections to studies in class): This is arguably part of a larger trend of corporate influence in the USA and the world. One can see the economic and political implications when comparing this incident to other case studies of globalization. Politicians around the world are heavily influenced by corporate donations and lobbying, and as a result will often make decisions in favor of corporations. One only has to look as far as Canada, where Trudeau is hosting “pay to play” fundraisers, where Chinese businessmen donate thousands of dollars to be part of an event with Trudeau.
Key Stakeholders (Who are the key stakeholders?): Democratic Party: While they may personally find issues affronting and serious, they are worried that speaking out will threaten the flow of donations they need to campaign. General Public: They want to stay informed and want accurate reporting and news. It is disturbing to know that many media outlets may not be reporting the full story.
Oil Corporations: There is a lot of money, business, and jobs at stake here. You don’t want other people to know too much about Standing Rock as it will damage your reputation.
North Dakota Protestors: The conditions at the protest are horrifying and a violation of human rights. You want to raise awareness about the issue and ensure the message is spread across the world.
Issue Implications - Why Care (SPEEC Impacts)? One must realize that the failure of the Democratic Party to speak up and corporate media to provide accurate reporting illustrate a disturbing trend in a globalized world. Corporations are lobbying to influence the underlying principles of democracy. Elected representatives should represent the people, and citizens have the right to be accurately informed. The corporation (economic) are starting to influence the political system and are affecting social structures such as media in order to twist them to their own needs.