Looking back at an event like Prohibition makes me realize just how different it would be for something like it to take place in today’s world. News is easily spread throughout the world through social media, providing people with information within minutes and a space where people can share their ideas with one another.
Rewind a decade…
The ratification of the Eighteenth Amendment to the constitution on January 29, 1919, resulted in Prohibition, banning the manufacture, transportation and sale of intoxicating liquors. Following the United States’ entrance into World War I, President Woodrow Wilson instituted a temporary ban in hope of saving grain for the production of food, however it became a more long term ordeal. Enforcing prohibition was difficult and many people took part in the illegal manufacture and sale of liquor, giving way to a significant amount of crime. By 1932, the country favored the end of prohibition to create more jobs in response to the Great Depression. President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who was running for president at the time, said he would appeal prohibition, and by 1933 after becoming president, a 21st Amendment was proposed to appeal the 18th Amendment.
Fast forward to now…
Twitter is the main platform for the Government to deliver messages to its citizens. The Presidents themselves connect with their constituents through their tweets that they update frequently. Citizens join through social media to speak out against prohibition and build a network of anti-prohibitionists in hope of ratifying the 18th Amendment to bring back the alcohol rights they feel they deserve. Through groups on facebook or being able to comment and like twitter posts, the country unites as one to show their stance on this issue. Additionally, citizens find alternative ways to protest against the ban, such as posting snapchat stories of them illegally consuming alcohol or starting live instagram videos of them at local speakeasies. The National Government contacts the different social media platforms, requesting blocks on certain accounts, and in return those blocked accounts sue it for breaching on their rights to freedom of speech.
Social media has become an incredibly important aspect to the political and social scene in today’s world. It is the home to endless groups that come together to discuss common beliefs and interests about certain issues. Unlike 100 years ago when it was physically impossible to know what was happening across the world or even the country, today we are able to inform ourselves of events at the time at which they are taking place, as well as connect with others who share the same interests in an event.
