What Is Wrong With the Copyright Law
With the advent of information society, the importance of knowledge is being emphasized. As retaining information is regarded as competitiveness, copyright issue is surfaced. It means that if someone reproduce or perform a piece of writing or music without their permission, that person will be treated as a thief. Many authors insist it is legitimate to strengthen the protection of copyright however it raises a lot of problems in fact; due to the copyright law is in collision with characteristics of knowledge, its restriction is unreasonable, and it has become a tool for huge media enterprises to monopolize profits.
Firstly, the concept of copyright law is against to a feature of knowledge. Unlike material resources, knowledge doesn't diminish. As more people use information, its value climbs and different kinds of knowledge and culture spin off from sharing it. But the copyright law encourages exclusive possession and poses a threat to this great point. Knowledge is being commercialized and capitalism is invading information market. As a result, the development of knowledge and progress of mankind seems to be blockaded.
Second, the law restricts reproduction of information too excessively, so that it is arousing a big controversy. The copyright law protects all the kind of "original and creative work and author". But it is difficult to define which work should be sorted as a "creative work". And if the meaning is interpreted too widely, the law will be applied arbitrarily. Furthermore, the "individual use" that the law is banning even includes educational and non-commercial use.
At last, monopolistic companies abuse the copyright law to accumulate wealth. Media industry all around the world is running by several monopolies. So the profits generated under the current law only go to the strong in the market and they threaten even the livelihood of young rising authors. A claim that makers should be rewarded seems fair, but they need more direct funds supply, such as support funding and steady income, not the ineffective copyright policies.
In conclusion, there is a certain necessity to protect artists in our society however the copyright law is not the answer for it. The development of affluent knowledge society is being hindered by the impractical law which does not reflect reality at all and sides with a few giant corporations. We should aim at free and creative media environment with actual respect and thanks to creators.
Gayoung Kim
ReplyDeleteI am a Born Lawyer (final draft)
Law is what makes this society. Law organizes country and maintains order. Its purpose is to defend justice and protects the weak. Also people can trust each other thanks to law. For these reasons, I've always wanted to be a lawyer. And I believe that I'm suitable for the job. Because I have a strong sense of justice, I have tried to help weak people, and I am good at speech or argument.
First, my sense of justice would be helpful to work as a lawyer. In fact, this is my strongest ability among others I have. I observe laws thoroughly. To put it concretely, I have never thrown trash on streets or jaywalked since I realize these are illegal. Once, it was 3 in the morning and there were no cars on the road. I had to wait for another minute until traffic light turns to green. No one was watching but I stood still in place without hesitation and waited to the light goes green.
Second, I do not turn my face from weak people and sympathize with them. For example, I fought with a waitress in a café for a foreign student. She was from Brazil and her Korean was not very good. The woman went into this café and ordered a cup of tea. And she asked WIFI password to a waitress. But the waitress said "Only Korean can use café's WIFI". I was furious of that unreasonable discrimination and made a strong protest, so that the student could get hers.
Lastly, I am specialized in giving a speech or having an argument. When I speak or argue in front of others, I feel full of confidence. I first experienced this during my first presentation at university. I was nervous to at first but as soon as I started it, my calm and assured voice flew in the lecture room. Also, I made most of the classmates concentrate to the end of the presentation. Furthermore, I could think out answers on the spot for a hard question that my professor asked after the performance.
In conclusion, I think I am qualified for a lawyer. Not only I have dreamed of defending justice, protecting the weak, and speaking in front of people, but also I have practiced these through my whole life. Most of all, I can hear the voice deep inside of me that tells me I can help many people as a lawyer.