Blog topic #6

http://web.ebscohost.com/ehost/detail?sid=edc1d819-59b0-4092-90ca-daedc5ed1962%40sessionmgr11&vid=4&hid=19&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#db=aph&AN=19865286

The article looked into the formation of the wall and some examples of the problems that it has caused small business owners that are trying to use the internet to start their businesses. The two stories that caught my eye in the article were about these two women who are still going strong on the internet in China despite the government disliking them.  A woman by the name of Shi Hengxia began writing under the surname Hibiscus Sister about herself and how amazing and attractive she is.  Then she started putting pictures of herself in 'sexy' poses albeit fully clothed.  Her popularity exploded and she began to be mentioned in T.V. and basically became an overnight celebrity.  The second story is similar story about a woman writing under the name Mu Zimei.  In both cases the Chinese government doesn't like what is going on but at the same time doesn't want to shut it down unless they have to because of the women's vast popularity.  It seems as if the 'cracks in the surface' of the Great Firewall are starting to appear.  I think that China's determination to control the internet is a testament to the influence that the internet can have on culture and the way things are.  I also think China's giving in to these women and therefore their people's desire is a testament to the power that people can possess even in a Communist or other more controlling kinds of government.