Second tier news.
Why have I not heard about this before today? Yes, London is important. But I can't help wondering: are these travesties in Africa and around the world swept under the rug simply because of economics? Rich nations seem to only care about other rich nations. Why should we decide the importance of human life based on nationality?
Here are a some other news stories that have been muffled in the wake of the London bombings:
...........
And a bit of good news- I just found out that I passed the certification exam I studied for all spring. Whew. Now only the writing piece remains. That will be cake in comparison my friends, cake.
posted by Erin 12:14 AM
14 Comments:
Erin! Congratulations! Hope the writing piece goes well. goes good. darn good. yeeha!
Incidentally, I actually did hear about the latter two of those news stories you mentioned, though not the first one. I don't watch TV though. I imagine the television coverage would definitely be slanted toward the London bombings, because it's easier to sensationalize, which leads to higher ratings. Sad but true.
Mmm... cake.
Good point. Higher ratings = higher profits. Money makes money.
Another reason to support alternative media, I suppose.
I agree. We should support alternative media with our ears, our mouths, and our pocketbooks. We need to support the people who are actually getting out the real news, not the pop sensationalism and polarized bickering that occurs on mainstream media outlets.
BTW, Skor, from where do you get your news?
doo doo doo de doo. heh heh heh... brisket for your brain. heat for your head. longhorns for your lunch. heh heh heh...
Dan, is that a Texas hex? What are they teaching you down there anyway? -wry smile-
Reporting news is a business and as such they run with the stories people want to hear about because if people don't want to hear about the daily problems in the Sudan or about the WNBA - they'll turn the channel and lose that news provider money.
Which is why no one heard about the Taliban before 9/11 (unless maybe they heard about Afghanistan's violence against women or the Buddha bombings in Bamiyan).
I think it has to do with how far out most people are able to extend their sense of community. First there's me, then my family, then ever-growing circles of larger groups I belong to, and the sense of care or identification gets diluted. I recognize it in myself, but I don't like it, and I think that's why I've been drawn to involve myself in the lives of so many different kinds of people. It gives me a greater sense of connection to other places in the world. I spent time in Haiti many years ago, but it's been on my radar ever since, you know? More than places I haven't been to, or places I've never been attached to anyone from. I know people from Sudan now - their news catches my eye first. I'd like to completely erase my sense of "other" and just infinitely expand my sense of "we," but nations/societies as a whole don't seem to share that inclination.
N and OMS, you are right. It is the *business* of information. Competetion doesn't necessarily breed excellence there.
Nancy, excellent points. Personal experience always defines our perspective and priorities. Do you think it is posssible to get rid of "otherness" within a person's view of the world?
I really identify with the point you made about relationships narrowing/sharpening our global focus. That has been my own experience, and it provides incentive to form new relationships with people and places.
>Do you think it is posssible to get rid of "otherness" >within a person's view of the world?
That would be an extraordinary person, wouldn't it? Having a self/other discrimination must also be part of our survival. Still, I strive for it!
Your posts are always so thoughtful and thought-provoking.
What is the certification for?
True, true. We can always aim high! Thanks for your insight.
My certification will be as a CVA (Certified Volunteer Administrator)through the AVA Intl. It is similar to an endorsement in Human Resources, but it is particularly useful in nonprofits. Since my current job involves managing a volunteer program, it is primarily for my personal professional development.
Thanks for asking.
Cool! Sounds like a great job.
Another sad example of what you speak of:
News stories about the London bombs (killed 50+, weeks ago): 57,200
News stories about the torrential rains in India (killed 500+, days ago/now): 2,260
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