Week 5

 1. RIP! A Remix Manifesto showed how copyright legislation can occasionally limit free expression, especially for remix artists such as Girl Talk that sample music to produce new creations. I was amazed at how companies such as Disney lobbied to keep creations such as Mickey Mouse from passing into the public domain. It made me think a great deal about how challenging it is to be creative without violating regulations, even when you are not looking to steal.

2. I worry that strict copyright laws discourage young artists from experimenting with music, video, or artwork. If someone transforms material into something new, then it doesn't feel right that they could still be sued. There needs to be more clear protection for creative and non-commercial use. 3. Westboro Baptist Church protesting funerals is a case of free speech gone wrong. It's legal but causes real emotional harm to grieving families. That's an abuse of the First Amendment. 4. There should be limits on where and when people can protest if it causes needless destruction, like at funerals. For copyright, I think laws should be updated to allow for fair use more clearly. The documentary helped me understand how both speech and creativity need to have a greater balance with responsibility.