Prohibition, the truth and bootlegging.
In the 1920 the 18th amendment was made to the U.S. constitution. The amendment gave rise to what was dubbed the prohibition era (1920 - 1933) in American history. The US government had a nationwide ban on the production, transportation, importation and sale of all alcoholic beverages. During this time many Acts and policies where put in place to enforce the 18th amendment, yet policing and implementation proved difficult. President Herbert Hoover, believed in the religious revivalism of the 1900s and called Prohibition "the great social and economic experiment, noble in motive and far reaching in purpose." Although most of the country did not agree. The prohibition amendment was support by various non-state and women's movements of the time. Alcohol was seen as an evil, a destructive force, that broke down family life, 'the great American dream'. Even with strict laws, harsh punishment, federal and local governments struggled to enforce the prohibition and Volstead Acts. During the prohibition era, illegal production (bootlegging) of alcohol and spirits continued. The manufacturers or producers where called bootleggers. 'Moonshine' or 'Bathtub Gin' was the most common names used for the spirits made. The bootlegging gave rise illicit markets and underground networks and obviously gave rise to crime and criminal organisations. In times of prohibition, it is common for individuals to capitalise on gap created. When alcohol is band, illegal manufacturing and sales increase, when there is a ban tobacco products the same occurs. This is evident in the illegal industry that surrounds drugs. With recent events in South African politics and legislation, the concern of truth haggling and false media becomes a fact. The publishing of the state capture report; the media censorship of violent protest on service delivery; the restrictions on state information by PAIA and the state Secrecy bill; even the rise of 'dark' politics, one can expect a rise in 'bootleggers' of the truth. Although this 'bootlegging' does not involve illicit dealing perse, it can be expected that the 'truth' will become a 'homemade' commodity to sell. The argument is that is censorship, restrictions and altercation are made - even in the minutest details the truth is no longer "rock-solid". The truth can easily be bought and sold, manufactured and produced. Globalisation of information and social media, has made it possible to manufacture 'homemade' news. Social media has changed our world, it has reshaped and redefined the limits of information and how we communicate. Traditional sources of media we assume a certain level of authenticity and legitimacy, an dit is implied - but should it be assumed. In our ignorance we do. Social media has become a platform on which 'truth-leggers' trade. Every individual a willing buyer, every post a trade off, a possible sale of the news (or false news). In each era of crisis, prohibition, or moral dilemma there will be entrepreneurs. Individual who seek to benefit from the gap created - by any means legal or illegal. Just in the case of 'moonshine' the proof can only be assumed. It is only after consumption of these 'alcoholic beverages' that the 'legitimacy or quality' could be discerned. In respects to online media and social media news the legitimacy and quality of the facts cannot be discerned on face value. It is with in the 'new' age of global villages that we must seek the truth, the factual truth, with greater earnest. 'Alternative facts' and 'fake news' can easily alter and sway your opinion. If information, the news and the media is not seen through a critical lens, our world will not just be altered but construed to fit a political agenda of a benefactor. Hannes Koekemoer
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February 2018
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