Sociologists and pop culture maniacs claim our generation to be the Millenials, or the iPod generation, but I say nay to the cultured and the educated, nay. We are the Now generation. We have grown up with the Internet and instant messaging. Every scrap of information media and useless factoids is at our fingertips just itching to be absorbed.
Not only do we want everything now, but we want it free as well. The Internet has given everyone an infinite number of anonymous friends who are willing to share the latest CD, film or TV show. This is causing the international phenomenon which has been dubbed “piracy.” You’ve done it, I’ve done it, even your mother has probably downloaded a Celine Dion album or two.
This summer the RIAA won two lawsuits against regular “pirates” Jammie Thomas-Rasset and Joel Tenenbaum for $1.92 million and $675,000, respectively. Even students at our own university have been threatened for downloading content. While NU does not directly punish students for piracy, it has an e-mail notification system known as BAYU that detects and warns students who peer-to-peer file-share on the Northwestern network. The University is obligated to allow the RIAA and others to access personal information of specific pirates.
And yet, downloaders persevere and stand by their need for immediate satisfaction free of charge, which begs the question “Why?” I like to think there are principles that strive for freedom of art and entertainment, but this movement is instead driven by the opportunity and anonymity provided by the Internet. If users can get it, they will get it.
Ninety-five percent of all music is downloaded illegally, according to a likely-exaggerated 2009 report by the IFPI, a global recording industry organization. The piracy movement is growing and will continue to do so unless artists and entertainers can provide a cheap, quick and easy way to monetize the fruits of their labor.
If we steal what we desire, what is supposed to keep the makers of our affectations in business? Sure, the profits of blockbuster artists and motion pictures only lose a little due to piracy,
