reasons to be cheerful
Fri, 2008-03-21 15:10 — Rob D
This is our chance to prove that we aren't the doom-mongers our name might imply. Contrary to how it may seem, we at EofJ are confident that there is a bright future for the media. We simply recognise that there will be turbulent times ahead before that future takes shape.
Here we will try to showcase examples of what we hope that future will hold. This will include hard-hitting, in-depth reporting, alongside more practical and factual information, such as changes to media law and useful resources for journalists.
We particularly welcome your contributions to this page and invite you to tell us about your reasons to be cheerful.
Comments
Beijing 2008 - A Reporters Without Borders special
RSF have a great page on the Beijing Olympics, with petitions, videos, articles and good links. The slogan 'China: The world's biggest prison for journalists and cyber-dissidents' is particularly apt, especially as we've seen Chinese security services manhandling British citizens in the streets of London.Have the same blue-clad thugs been at work along the rest of the torch relay? We'd be interested to hear from you.
Uzbekistan: Bloggers foster freedom of speech
Have a look at this piece on blogging in Uzbekistan.
http://www.globalvoicesonline.org/2008/04/03/uzbekistan-blogging-fosters-freedom-of-speech/
On the face of it there's nothing that remarkable about the article, but what interests me is the linguistic trickery Uzbeks need to use to express any sort of dissent against their government.
Look at some of the comments, couched in speculative language, mostly hypothetical in nature, never in direct criticism of Karimov and his band of thieves and thugs.
I suppose it isn't really a reason to be cheerful as such, but at least the web may provide a forum in which Uzbeks can subvert the ruthless and efficient methods of their security services, the SNB. It remains to be seen whether they have sufficient intelligence tools to police the web in the way China and Iran have been able to.
Judging by US support for Uzbekistan as an ally in the War on Terror, it's likely that they do.
But in blogging, are we seeing the roots of efficient covert dissent? Let us hope so.
In the meantime, for more information read Craig Murray's book on his time as UK ambassador to Uzbekistan, Murder in Samarkand.
I came across this on Open
I came across this on Open Democracy. I visited Riyadh two years ago and it seemed that Saudi Arabia is approaching a crossroads. While concessions towards liberalising society have been promised in recent years, not much of it has come about yet. With young Saudis increasingly beginning to struggle in the job market, i can imagine some serious social changes in the next 10 years or so. This piece is a great insight into the lives of young Saudis.
http://www.opendemocracy.net/article/middle_east/riyadh_city_of_women