LXC 7 Fave Blog

The Post Secret blog has been my favorite for a long time. The way the post secret works is that anonymous people send in postcards with their secrets on them and then they are scanned and put on the blog. This blog just fascinates me... while reading it I come across a sea of emotion because people have funny secrets, others have very sad secrets, and others are just plain creepy. The fact of the matter is that these are all secrets that people decide to share because they will remain secrets. I have always wanted to share a secret with Post Secret but have never had the courage. Its a little intimidating because even if its anonymous, seeing my secret on a blog will be too surreal. For now I will keep reading and enjoying others secrets.


Post Secret, . "Post Secret." Post Secret. www.blogspot.com, Web. 20 Apr 2011. .

LXC5/6

After watching the documentary “La Revolucion No Sera Transmitida” I became very interested on the citizen journalism that was presented by the supporters of President Chavez. The documentary shows the events leading up to the removal of President of Venezuela Hugo Chavez in April 2002. What caught my attention most was the way that media was involved throughout this time. The privately owned media was basically the only media available for citizens of Venezuela and all that was available were things that went against Chavez. After violence began to work out those privately owned media stations blamed those things directly on Chavez and his supporters, by only showing the supporters initiating violence. It is interesting to view the way that these Chavez followers so passionately demanded his return. They protested in front of the Presidential palace, cut off electricity, and also threatened the Carmona administration (who was assigned after Chavez) to stop any water or food from going in to the palace. After much protest from the citizens of Venezuela, who supported Chavez, he was able to come back into finish his presidency.



In Colombia, the access to the Internet has increased dramatically, and according to Comisión de Regulación de Comunicaciones (CRC) in Colombia 99.3% of the country now has access to La Red. In 2010 Internet through the computer and also mobile has increased to one million. According to María del Rosario Guerra as the number of subscribers to the Internet increases, the CRC becomes closer to their goal of three million subscribers. It is believed that the reasons why Colombians are beginning to access the Internet is because of offers through commercials in the Internet, and also government’s own access to the Internet.



Elespectador.com, . "Aumenta el acceso a Internet en Colombia." www.elespectador.com n. pag. Web. 20 Apr 2011. .

"NWO Rule By The Media - A Venezuelan Story V ." www.youtube.com. Web. 20 Apr 2011. .

LxC task: Favorite blog and Medium of Cyber Journalism.

www.tumblr.com

Tumblr is a blogging website which is rapidly growing in popularity in the social networking world. This site allows people to create public or private blogs, add personal information or keep it hidden. You can re-blog what others have blogged, which automatically lists them as a source, and keeps track of all who have re-blogged and commented.

My favorite blog at the moment is one that was created by a friend on the Tumblr blogging site, and it is called "Descending Fire". Here is the description on the blog: "this tumblr will be dedicated to the lord and his word. for anyone who has any questions or who needs any advice when it comes to getting closer to god, feel free to ask. i'm more than happy to help anyone who may feel lost. also, feel free to send me your stories, ways that you came to worship and believe in our father..."

Despite being a Christian myself, I think of it as a spirituality-based blog, as opposed to a religious blog. But opinions differ from other Tumblr followers in regards to its content, and what it stands for.

http://descendingfire.tumblr.com/

www.Youtube.com

The mode of cyber journalism which I find most effective, and efficient in my life (therefore, making it my favorite) is Youtube.com. The site allows people to search, find, comment, and post videos from cell phones, computers, or other technological mediums. A recent video that I came across, was an account of a mother whose daughter disappeared in Juarez, Mexico. Griselda Morua, a young Mexican woman, has been missing for a year and a half. Her mother, Consuelo (last name undisclosed), was interviewed (without reveal her face). She spoke of the corruption in the police department of Juarez, and how despite the clues, and leads of her daughter's whereabouts, nothing has been done, and people who have been helpful in her search, have been found murdered. Her narrative is compelling, not just because of her first hand account, but because their isn't a face behind her voice, due to existing threat of the ongoing situation in Juarez. Their are not too many primary accounts of the feminicidios and disappearances in Juarez, Mexico, and the freedom that Youtube offers the victims of these murders (survivors, families, and supporters) is something that they can not attain from the press. Cyber journalism in this case, proves to be the most secure, and certain way of publishing a very

serious, and compelling narrative.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jHDj3m9qIIc

Feminicidio, Cd. Juárez, Testimonio Madre De Griselda Morua. Youtube/Feminicidio, Cd. Juárez, Testimonio Madre De Griselda Morua. Google, 1 Dec. 2010. Web. 18 Apr. 2011. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jHDj3m9qIIc.

LXC 5/6 Japan Tsunami and Earthquake: Citizen Journalism under the Crisis

Just like here in the U.S., people in Japan have easy access to the Internet either from their home, library, or place called Internet Café. The difference between the U.S. and Japan in terms of the access to the Internet would be the fact that Japanese cell phone has strong 3G network and many young people have access to the Internet through their cell phone. 

Since everyone has the access to the Internet, citizen journalism seems quite active in Japan. After earthquake and tsunami hit northern part of Japan, the role of social network websites under crisis has gotten more attention than ever before. Indeed, while telephone network was down because of the disaster, the Internet was the most strong and stable network to transmit information. [1]

 

Although it was almost proven that the Internet and social network website have become one of the most important inflations, the Internet does still have problems because of its ability to transmit any information. Nikkei News tells that there was a lot of false information transmitted on twitter under the panic. [2] Even though some of false information causes panic, it seems that most of false information was transmitted by people’s virtue and hope to help out people. 

Traditional media made use of new tools such as twitter and video sharing websites as well. In fact, tweets by accounts of raditional media such as NHK (Japanese national TV channel) were highly valued among the flood of information whose authenticity is unclear. Moreover, video sharing website called “Nikoniko Doga” stream several TV channel for people who do not have access to TV but can use the Internet. [3]  Therefore, it seems that citizen journalism is still weaker compared with traditional media in terms of the authenticity of information, though citizen journalism did play a big role to convey personal information such as missing people and their actual experience.

[4] 

[1] Eitaro, Saito. “迅速な情報拡散にソーシャルネットが活躍 発揮された「集合知」と露呈した「集合愚」(Social Network plays a big role to spread the information: revealed “gathered knowledge” and “gathered stupidity” ).” Nikkei News. 13. April. 2011. <http://itpro.nikkeibp.co.jp/article/COLUMN /20110407/ 359234/?ST=network&P=2>. 13. April. 2011. Web.

[2] Ibid.

[3] Web address of Nikoniko Doga: http://live.nicovideo.jp/

[4] Example of tweets. Mazinal, a highschool student who evacuated from her hometown, describes how terrible her town got damaged. More than 17,000 people follow her.

LxC Tasks 5+6: Internet in Latin America

The Latin American people have only recently begun to adopt a full fledge internet service throughout the continent. Only recently, with the dawn of newer, cheaper, and easier technology has the 3rd world begun to start teaching technology in schools and in communities. The problem in Latin America is that while it is easy to buy a computer, acquiring internet access is a very difficult. There are countless challenges with the internet in South America - it is expensive and very slow. Most Americans are used to internet services that deliver speeds in excess of 1mB/s (one megabyte per second, 1000kB per second). However, the Latin American population is still reliant on slow 56K connections that deliver under 56kB/s of data, approximately 5% of the speed that we receive here in the states. World Internet Usage Statistics [1] shows that the internet using population in Latin America increased by 1,038.2% between the period of 2000 and 2010, while only 34.5% of the population has access to the internet. Of the world population that has internet access, the Latin American population only accounts for a mere 10.8%.

In addition, services such as Facebook, Skype, and other social media tools have only recently expanded to South America.[2] The reason is that laws that govern privacy and personal information in countries other than the US require a separate entity of a company to run the appropriate software and hardware that does not disobey local laws.

The majority of people in 3rd world countries, especially those in Chile, Brazil, Mexico, Peru, and Columbia access the internet at so called "internet cafes". Here, they pay a few pesos per hour of using the internet - albeit the internet is till slow and not consistent. However, this is the best and cheapest way to access internet in the 3rd world. Internet cafes have become the hub of internet dispersion in the Latin American world.

Searching through the internet, I could not exactly find any sources on citizen journalism in the Latin American countries. This is mostly due to the fact that the internet there is used mostly for chatting, playing games, and listening to music. Most Latin American news outlets are controlled in one way or another by the government, thereby citizen journalism becomes very hard to disperse due to the conservatives and corruption in the government. Most people in the Latin American countries are scared of their government and it's power - they do not attempt citizen journalism because if their articles are not liked by the government, they could be jailed or killed.


[1] World Internet Usage Statistics - http://www.internetworldstats.com/stats.html
[2]Fosk, Alejandro. "Situación De Internet En Latinoamérica June 2010

LxC Tasks 5+6: The Digital Divide and Facebook in Russia

Cyber technology has been growing worldwide and Russia is not an exception. However, this spread of cyber technology has also created evident digital divides. Norris explains that the digital divide creates “disparities in access found among low-income American households.”[1] Such disparities are not unique to America.

In fact, Russian citizens have been protesting against the high prices of internet accessibility. As shown by the Cnews article, basic, relatively slow internet access of 512 Kbit/sec costs ~$20 USD.[2] Such a price for internet can be considered normal in the United States where the GDP per capita is $47,400.[3] However, according the CIA factbook, in Russia, the GDP per capita is less than a third with $15,900. Thus, the same “reasonable” price creates a great economical barrier for Russians that would like to use the internet. This same barrier is the cause for a large digital divide that results in only one in three Russian families having access to the internet.[4]

Cyber technology in Russia has been affecting the privileged in a very similar way as it has in the Western developed countries. A knockoff of Facebook is widely popular: vkontakte.ru has almost a third of their users visiting daily.[5] With all the ongoing persecutions of journalists that go against the Kremlin, an outlet for free discussions prevails on the internet and in particular on the social networking site. There is a group with over 7000 members that would like the Prime Minister Vladimir Putin ousted.[6] This group is able to create discussions and allow the free discussion of politics. A major event that the group promotes is a petition to oust Putin. Even though it is extremely unlikely that such a petition would succeed, it signifies the evolution of citizen journalism within Russia and empowers the people with a greater freedom of speech.

[1]Norris, Pippa. Digital Divide: Civic Engagement, Information Poverty, and the Internet Worldwide. Cambridge: Cambridge UP, 2001. Print.
[2]Легезо, Денис. Дорогой интернет: россияне бастуют и пишут жалобу Медведеву. Cnews.ru. Published Sept. 14, 2009. http://www.cnews.ru/news/top/index.shtml?2009/09/14/361763 Accessed April 10, 2011. Internet.
This is the Russian news site that published an article that talked about the cost of internet use in Russia and how widespread it is.
[3]CIA Factbook: GDP Per Capita. CIA. Published July 1,2010. https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/rankorder/2004rank.html Accessed April 10, 2011.
[4]Asmolov, Gregory. Russia: Authorities to Eliminate “Digital Divide” in 2010. GlobalVoices. Published March 7, 2010. http://globalvoicesonline.org/2010/03/07/russia-divide/ Accessed April 10, 2011. Internet.
[5]Elena. Most Popular Social Networking Sites in Russia. RussianizeThis. Published June 14,2010.
http://russianizethis.com/2010/06/most-popular-social-networking-sites-in-russia/ Accessed April 10, 2011. Internet.
[6]Болдырев, Александр. Путин должен уйти! Сбор подписей. Vkontakte.ru. Published April 10, 2011. http://vkontakte.ru/club16166867 Accessed April 10, 2011. Internet.
This is the Russian knockoff of Facebook. The specific link directs the reader to the anti-Putin group which allows free discussion threads, news, and pictures involving the Prime Minister.

LxC Task 6: Citizen Journalism during UPR strike raises awareness to brutalities.

Citizen Journalism can be considered an increasingly popular medium of mass media today, that usually communicates narratives that institutions, governments, or corporations prefer go untold. The University of Puerto Rico's two-month long strike (the longest-lasting strike organized by students in history) against drastic increases in tuition, and cuts in financial aid, was not particularly received in a kind manner by the authorities. Thousands of University students who took it upon themselves to commit civil disobedience, also had the initiative to record many of the struggles that they encountered on their two-month long journey. Students who captured the police brutalizing, and using excessive force on unarmed people, shed awareness to the low-tolerance the governor and his administration have on civil disobedience, protesting, and the citizens of Puerto Rico voicing out their opinions against federal institutions, and their policies. [1]

Even though, the public over the past few decades has lost confidence in media, (i.e fake Georgian war), the public can confide in itself more often to report was it really happening. The students of the University of Puerto Rico had a lot of support from the public; many bystanders dropped off food and water for the students, despite police orders and force not to do so.

In the end, the students of the University of Puerto Rico received most of what they demanded from the UPR's administration, and the accounts of their trials and journey were available for all to see. Hardt states in Myths for the Masses: an Essay on Mass Communication:

"As a result, the mass production of information... supported by an authoritative, economic interest in public responses to commercial or political appeals... has steadily eroded the give and take of participatory communication. Indeed, the past century is marked by an increasingly complex and desperate struggle between individuals and institutions over social, political and economic forms of existence on the territory of communication." [2] Their recorded narratives showed the world what tends to happen when people, particularly students, stand up against an issue in a historic manner."

Participating in mass media as a citizen, usually with lack of protection, and support from major news corporations, or without prominent social or economic status, citizen journalists often times find themselves in a bit of pickle, fearing the response of those in power, or the antagonist in the narratives that they expose. Indeed the past century has shown citizens all over the world communicating happenings through any of the available mediums of communication that are present to the, and showing the world things that possibly would be censored otherwise.

Abuso Policiaco En Arresto a Desobediente Civil - Huelga UPR. Perf. UPR Students, Supporters, and Police Officers. Youtube/Abuso Policiaco En Arresto a Desobediente Civil - Huelga UPR. SubVERSIONES, 19 Jan. 2011. Web. 11 Apr. 2011. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aH_CAdgDtU8&feature=related. [1]

Hardt, Hanno. Myths for the Masses: an Essay on Mass Communication. Malden, MA: Blackwell Pub., 2004. Print. [2]

LxC Task 5: The role of the cyber in Latin America.

The role of cyber technology within the Latin American region is becoming more important as time goes on. Despite having been known for it's lack of modernization, and information poverty, Latin American countries are becoming a force to be reckoned with on the cyber. Latin America, as a whole, has become home to 8% of the world's internet audience, and showed a 23% increase in 2009, becoming the fastest growing internet-using region.(Fosk 8) [1] Even so, it is still mainly the economically prosperous regions of countries that get to play an active role in the global cyber community, like in Mexico, where most of the interest users come from the thriving cities, Guadalajara and Monterrey. [2] Prosperity in the end is not only what seems to allow the internet to reach a region, but also comes with its presence. Pipa Norris states:

"...the Internet could broaden and enhance access to information and communication in developing nations because it offers a relatively cheap and efficient service. Small businesses in South Africa and Mexico can sell their products directly to customers in New York, irrespective of the traditional barriers of distance, the costs of advertising, and the intermediate distribution chains."[3]

What Norris stated in Information Poverty and the Wired World, is currently taking place with the creation of Latin American corporations, and their expansion overseas, in particular to the US, (i.e Fn Box, Banorte Banks, Embraer S.A, Cemex, etc.) [4] The success, and possibilities for economic boom caused by the internet, is only one of the ways the cyber is impacting Latin America, the others are much more simple yet are the main reasons why people in Latin America go online. According to Comscore's 2010 research, most Latin Americans who can use the cyber, go on it mainly for searching, social networking, and emailing. (Fosk 14) [5] In the end, whether it's just to browse the web, or to create enterprises, and allow them to flourish across Latin American borders, the digital divide is slowly but surely becoming a thing of the past, and the ability to access and participate in the global cyber community in Latin America is beginning to be the usual for millions of people Latin America.

Fosk, Alejandro. "Situación De Internet En Latinoamérica (State of Internet – SOI LatAm)." Chart.Comscore. Comscore Inc., June 2010. Web. 11 Apr. 2011. [1] [2] [5]

Norris, Pippa. “Information Poverty and the Wired World”. The Harvard International Journal of Press/Politics. 5 (2000): 1-6. Print. [3]

Krauss, Clifford. "Latin American Companies Make Big U.S. Gains." The New York Times. The New York Times Company, 02 May 2007. Web. 08 May 2011. http://www.nytimes.com/2007/05/02/business/worldbusiness/02latin.html. [4]

LxC Week 8 & 11: Citizen Journalism/Cyber Technology

Week 8
Skyrock.com social networking website that provides a personal web space to its users. On this website it is possible to make a blog, add a profile, and exchange messages with other registered users. The site also allows you create blogs dedicated to the musical compositions of members and a specific space dedicated to these creations.1

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1 Accessed: 04/11/11 http://www.skyrock.com/blog/

[ O h L e M o n d e ™] is a blog dedicated to traveling, and popular tourist attractions. This blog provides suggestions for places to see and things to do while visiting a foreign nation. If you wish to travel the world without moving an inch, read this blog!1

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1 Accessed: 04/11/11 http://ohlemonde.skyrock.com/1.html

Week 11

The Statistical Office of the European communities, Eurostat publishes the results of a survey conducted in the first quarter of 2008 across the European Union. Households were asked about Internet access at home by a member of the household, and individuals (16 to 74 years) on their online activities during the three months preceding the survey (Internet activities at home or work). According to the survey, 60% (below EU average of 75%) of households had Internet access, 48% had broadband connection. The activities conducted on the internet for private purposes are as follows: travel services and accommodation 38%, online banking 40%, contact with the government 43%, finding information about health 39%, reading news-newspapers or magazines online 22%, ordering products or services 28%, job search & sending applications 17%.1

As Pippa Norris mentions in his editorial Information Poverty and the Wired World, the United Nations Development Report warns that the gains in productivity resulting from new technology may widen differences in economic growth between the most affluent nations and those that lack the skills, resources, and infrastructure to invest in the information society.2 This affects France in two aspects; one-its own citizens who are not apart of the 60% who have access to the Internet are unable to keep up with the informational society may be continually unable to bridge the gap because of the economic opportunities lost due to not having access to the Internet. Secondly, the entire nation of France itself may fall even more behind other industrialized nations considering that on average, 60% of its population has access to the Internet compared to the EU average of 75%. Investing in the infrastructure needed to have a 21^st century nation is vital to remain being a superpower.

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1 Access Date 04/11/11 http://bit.ly/gidTXw

2 Norris, Pippa. Information Poverty and the Wired World pp. 2. Print

Rastapresident, a YouTube vlogger (video-blogger) utilizes YouTube.com as his medium to not only spread the news of the recently enacted (April 11^th, 2011) burqa ban throughout all of France, but also as a conversation starter amongst the people of France, and around the world.

To summarize the video, Rastapresident states that France is a nation that respects all religions, however that, that alone is not enough. He goes on to say that if every nation around the world began teaching their children religion as a discipline starting around the age of ten, that there would not be any disputes regarding religion. What we currently refer to as terrorists and enemies would be fictitious if everyone was well educated on each religion. In Islam it’s prescribed that women cover their faces, so who is President Sarkozy or any republic to decide how one should dress, especially when it’s apart of your religion? Rastapresident claims that Sarkozy is trying to control people he knows nothing about, and is an advocate for enlightenment to create a more tolerant society.1

The subject covered in this video is one that provides a platform for serious debate and communication amongst people around the world. Rastapresdient’s vlog is one of many that address the burqa ban, and due to its controversy has created awareness about issue.

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1 Access date: 04/11/11 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pdLaw8rQZqw

Research Topic

Question: Has basketball reached enough globalization that it can be comparable to soccer?

For my research project I'll be using specific examples of each sport: NBA and the European Leagues for basketball and FIFA World Cup and MLS for soccer. I will research how much impact each sport has had on the global level. Finally, I will also incorporate the global sports narrative and the 1938 film Olympia as references

Research

Topic: How love is transformed in the cyber to the point of loosing its aura.

Question:"Does Cyber Love destroy the Aura": The Internet has become a medium in the realm of love but has dating, love, and courting lost its aura through the cyber?

Japan's "Nuclear Fallout"

The question I wish to explore is how will the aftermath of the Japanese tsunami, particularly the nuclear radiation problems they are experiencing, effect future nuclear energy projects globally? I have seen many articles where people now are much more aware of the potential dangers of nuclear power. How will this effect global oil prices / reliance? What about investment / government subsidies in other renewable energy sectors such as wind and solar?

In relation to the global media, how does increased governmental transparency, in the form of more access to government proceedings via cybernarratives (internet) / TV programs dedicated to federal legislative proceedings increase overall awareness and effectiveness of renewable energy policy

Research Topic = The Kashmir Conflict: Genocide and mass graves yet a region unknown

Basically when I was growing up, I would hear alot about an on-going genocide within the Kashmir region and how mass graves were apparently found on a daily basis; yet totally neglected by the global media. However, it is quite possible I might go with another topic due to severe lack of information. People would tell tales of their friends being forced to run over mines at gun point and what not. Women being raped by soldiers, thousands and thousands of males missing. Anyways, I will edit and complete this post once I talk to Miss Annemarie Fischer on Tuesday. There was a movie made on it called Mission Kashmir. Also a video on dailymotion related to the issue is linked below.

Click here for video.

by

Shahnawaz Syed

Research Question/Topic.

Topic: Feminicidios in Juarez, Mexico: The negative effects of information poverty in the Juarez region, and how the cyber is counter-attacking .


Question: My research will be on the issue of Feminicidios in Juarez, Mexico and will show not only how information poverty is a detrimental factor in that region, but also, how the cyber is being used for turning its local un-narratability, into global appeal.

LxC Task3/4: Japanese Textbook Controversy

History is up to who the narrator is as Gerald Prince mentions in his article The Disnarrated that decoding of narratives are always based on its given context. [1] Japan has always been criticized in East Asia for Japanese war crimes during Pacific war and territorial disputes, which Japanese government, institutions, and media had made unnarratable. Controversy over how Japan “narrate” those historical events is always a big issue when Japan deals with countries such as China, South Korea, Taiwan, as well as Russia.

Some of those arguments are based on the description of those war crimes and territorial dispute in Japanese history textbook used in middle school as well as high school. At this moment, both Chinese and South Korean government made statement to ask Japanese government to change the description on which country islands such as Liancourt Rocks and Senkaku islands belong to. [2]

This controversy gets a lot of attention every year when history textbooks are edited and revised. However, from the perspective of Chinese and South Korean government in this case, it might be accurate to say that Japan has not covered the issue in a way both countries narrate in their contexts. There surely is problem lying on the policy of Japanese government. Nevertheless, it is important to note that this kind of phenomenon seems very universal, as narratives always include decoding process regardless of nation, society and culture.

[1]Prince, Gerald. “The Disnarrated”. Style,Vol. 22(Spring 1998), p.2.Print.

[2] “教科書検定：中学校教科書、竹島問題を全社が記述「固有の領土」を明記 (Textbook Censorship: all middle school history textbooks mentions clearly that Liancourt Rocks as our territory belonging to Japan)”. Mainichi News. 31 March 2011. <http://mainichi.jp/select/world/news/20110331ddm012100143000c.html>. 5 April 2011.Web.

LXC3/4: Haitian Massacre

If we go back to the Trujillo Era in the Dominican Republic it is evident that what happened during that time is completely un-narratable. Yes, there are many accounts of what happened but the ones who suffered first hands did not share the stories. Even though so many years have passed Dominican society does not openly admit to the terrible things that went on during this era, specifically The Haitian Massacre of 1937. This massacre happened at the border of both countries when Dictator Trujillo gave the order for all people who were not able to pronounce perejil correctly will be murdered because that proves that they were in actuality Haitians. Amidst of all the terror many Dominicans themselves were killed since the difference between Haitians and Dominicans is not completely visible. This event is un-narratable for many reasons including the fact that people do not admit that it happened. If the massacre was openly talked about it would automatically bring upon more hostility between Dominicans and Haitians.

"Lista Bohio: BOHIO: La Masacre De Miles De Haitianos Fue Un Acto De Terror." FUNDACION REDES Y DESARROLLO. 28 Jan. 2007. Web. 05 Apr. 2011. .

Ajundar, Wanda. "Matanza De Haitianos De 1937 - Monografias.com." Monografias.com - Tesis, Documentos, Publicaciones Y Recursos Educativos. Web. 05 Apr. 2011. .

LxC Task 3+4

One of the largest problems in Spain now is underage drinking and illegal drug use amongst the young population of large cities. The problem is deliberately kept out of the media as a "un-narratable" event because it would create panic amongst the parents in the society. While most of the parents are aware of the problem, they do not seem to be aware of the degree to which the problem has escalated. The drinking age in most of Spanish speaking countries is 16, but most children start drinking even younger than that. What's even worst is that instead of drinking beer, many of the young kids become intoxicated by intaking hard liquor such as vodka and tequila.

Certain parts of Spain, especially in Mallorca, are home to constant 24/7 partying because of the amount of tourism they receive. Here, children go out at night just like the adults and drink at the "Botellon", or a designated drinking area for the younger crowd. Here they drink before going to the bars to avoid paying high drink prices. In essence, they overly intoxicate themselves so that they stay intoxicated all night at the bars without paying for drinks. Most parents are unaware of this problem because they are asleep when the children arrive home at 5 or 6AM, when the bars close.

While the underage drinking doesn't cause an excess in crime and results in little drunk driving incidents (driving age is 21 in Spain), young people's brains, brains that are still developing, are being subjected to abnormal amounts of alcohol in short periods of time.





[1]http://www.thesaraservice.com/propertynews/spanish-government-plans-to-combat-binge-drinking.html
[1]http://www.expatica.com/es/essentials_moving_to/country_facts/El-botell_n_-binge_drinking-Spanish-style_11517.html
[1]http://www.miperiodicodigital.com/edicion2010/articulo.php?id=6061

LxC Task 2: Plane Crash

Currently on the BBC Espanol Website's front page lies a picture of the tail end of Air France flight 447 that crashed on its way from Paris to Rio de Janiero two years ago. The flight mysteriously vanished and plummeted into the ocean killing all 227 people on board. Now, two years after the deadly crash, workers have uncovered the wreck site of the crash and are excavating bodies for burial. This is a large story in the Spanish culture because some of the people on the flight were of Spanish decent. The hardship comes in the fact that the Spanish believe in proper burials for their dead. They believe that one's soul can only rise to heaven after it is buried. However, their relatives and loved one's bodies have been unburied at the bottom of the sea for nearly 2 years.
What is even worst is that these people have no closure as to what has happened to their family. They do not even know how they died or if they suffered. This news definitely recieves special media attention because it speaks to the hearts of all people who have lost someone.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/mundo/noticias/2011/04/110405_francia_af447_accidente_familias_drama_pl.shtml

LxC Task 1: Futbol en Espana

Soccer is one of the most famous sports in the world, and nowhere is it more pronounced than in Spain. Having won the 2010 World Cup, Spain is one of the world's leaders in the soccer arena. Having been to Spain myself, I recall how important soccer was to their culture and their community. Soccer, being a very simple sport to play, and even cheaper to maintain, is appropriate for people who do not have much. Children learn how to play soccer from a very young age and spend most of their free time outside playing soccer. Families gather around the television to watch soccer games as Americans gather to watch baseball. Globally, it is generally known that Spain is the Mecca of soccer champions.

Spain plays soccer on a local and global level. They compete with individual teams that are assigned based on location in the country, and as a country team against other countries in international competitions. One of their lead players is quoted as saying "Esta es la competición más importante del mundo y no hay que buscar otras motivaciones exteriores" meaning this is the most important competition in the world, and there is no reason to look for other motivations.

Site: http://espanol.sports.yahoo.com/noticias/d-sport-mourinho-recordo-importancia-partido-tottenham-04042011-75.html

LxC Task's 3 and 4: The un-narratable in Juarez, Mexico.

Within the spanish-speaking cultural realm, a particular issue known as the “feminicidios” in Juarez, Mexico has become the epitome of un-narratable. Over the past decade, thousands of women have disappeared or have been found raped, and murdered through out the city of Juarez. Social activist, and director of “Nuestras Hijas de Regreso a Casa”, or “Return Our Daughters Home” organization, Marisela Ortiz, was forced to move out of her home in Juarez to an undisclosed location due to the intimidating threats to her life and her family’s. Ortiz's actions resemble that of Marisol Valles, the former director, as well as the members of the family of Reyes Salazar, and Maria Luis Garcia Andrades (whose sister had been murdered 10 years ago) all whom received threats that forced them to leave their homes, and to seek safety elsewhere. [1]

The reality of what’s going on in the city is deliberately kept from being narrated, and continually exposed. What Prince states in "The Disnarrated" can serve as explanation as to why the murder of thousands of women, such a vital issue, has become un-narratable; “..because it defiles the power of a particular narrator (or those of any narrator).”[2] In this case, exposing the feminicidios can be said to "defile" the people in power; the true authorities of Juarez. The power, influence, and control that the drug cartels have in Juarez, and the corruption within the police departments, are the forces that attempt to silence the voices, and narratives of the victims, their families, the citizens and their supporters. At the moment the only thing that those who support the disclosure and narrating of such horrible happenings can do is to continue to share their narratives of the feminicidios, and support the families of the victims.

"Huye Otra Activista Por Amenazas." El Diario Local (12 Mar. 2011). Diario.com. Publicaciones E Impresos Paso Del Norte. Web. 5 Apr. 2011. . [1]

Prince, Gerald. "The Disnarrated." STYLE. Volume 21 (1988), Pages 1-6. [2]

LXC 2: Interest in Politics

In most Spanish speaking countries it is easy to see that politics continue to receive special media interest, this is due to the fact that it’s so interconnected and relevant amongst all Spanish speaking areas of the world. At a time when Haiti is trying to reinvent themselves, they hold the presidential elections. This past weekend it was announced that Michell Martelly was elected President of Haiti with 67,57% of the votes in his favor. His presidency is constantly being questioned since he is a performer. Martelly is a a singer in Haiti and has no political background what so ever, unlike his opponent Mantigat who has much political background since she once was first lady for Haiti. Another problem is the relationship that Haiti and the Dominican Republic hold. Unfortunately Haiti and Dr relations have been predominately off for a while and Martelly is proposing to change that. From the begining of the presidential elections Dominican politicians strongly favored Mantigat for president and now that Martelly has won there is a lot of curiosity as to what will happen between both countries. Many Dominicans are afraid of the outcome from Martellys victory as they believe that he is a puppet for the U.S and will lead Haiti and consequently Dominican Republic into another occupancy from the U.S.


"El Cantante Michel Martelly Es Elegido Presidente De Haití." El Nuevo Diario. 04 Apr. 2011. Web. 05 Apr. 2011. .

LXC 1: Ping Pong in The Dominican Republic

Playing Ping Pong in the Dominican Republic has not since lately been respected as an actual sport, but it is becoming much more recurrent in the Dominican media. This sport is being taken on mainly by women but there are also many male players. This past weekend at the “La Copa Banreservas” which is the Ping Pong competition in the Dominican Republic, Eva Brito scored the highest in all of her career surpassing many reigning champs like Johenny Valdez and David Vila who came close to winning again but were not successful. It is very interesting to see this sport arise as prominent within the Dominican culture since most sports are left alone for men to handle. The result of Ping Pong in the Dominican republic has been very positive since now women have something to practically dominate in.

"Eva Brito Gana Copa Tenis Banreservas - Hoy Digital." Hoy.com.do - Publicidad. 04 Apr. 2011. Web. 05 Apr. 2011. .

LxC Task 2 : Charity for Tohoku Earthquake and Tsunami

One of the most appealing narratives at this moment in global as well as local perspective would be the earthquake and Tsunami in Japan. Among those who were not severely affected by the disaster, charity and donation is one of the appealing news since many people seek to find the way that they can help out victims of the disaster.  

“節電(Setsuden, meaning “power saving” ) is one of the keyword that get attention of locals in Japan in terms of charity, though it is not the charity that people used to think of. [1]Since atomic power plants in Fukushima, the major source of electricity in Tokyo area, are not functioning anymore, people are trying to save electricity as much as possible. Local news tells people tips on saving electricity. A website called 節電広告(power saving advertisements) where amateur graphic designers post “posters” promoting power saving gets attention of local media as well. [2]

Traditional type charity also gets a lot of attention of both global and local media. At this moment, Sankei news says that the biggest issue on this type of charity is the fact that Japan Red Cross could not provide the donations to local government yet. [3]Since tsunami hit broad area in the north part of Japan, it is difficult to identify how bad each town is damaged. Also, at some towns local government office was washed out and thus some local governments do not function at all.

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[1]節電ポスターを貼って、みんなで節電！(Put Setsuden Poster and Save Power!). Net Venture News. 30 March 2011. <http://www.netventure-news.com/news_IpDXRClVw.html>. 1 April 2011. Web.

[2] The actual website address : http://pstr.jp/site/index

[3] 善意が届かない　義援金１０００億円超: 配分のめど立たず、いつ被災者の元へ？ (When is All Donation Sent to Victims?). Msn Sankei News. 5 April 2011. <http://sankei.jp.msn.com/affairs/news/110405/dst11040521000058-n3.htm>. 5 April 2011. Web.

“I’m Just not that into it: The dis-appeal and appeal of a narrative”

Narratives become appealing when the events that are being narrated are out of the norm. When events are unexpected they arise a curiosity from the viewers. As William Labov stated “... terrifying, dangerous, weird, wild, crazy, amusing; or amusing, hilarious, wonderful; more generally, that it was strange, uncommon, or unusual- that is worth reporting”[1] There is a certain attraction to narratives when what is being narrated happens rarely or if it is something over the top. A narrative looses its appeal when it becomes too common or overrated. If I were watching Television I would most likely stop at something suspenseful just because I am curious about it, since suspenseful events do not occur often in my life.
Narratives also gain appeal according to the level of relevance that it has to the certain person. According to Galtung and Ruge “the more the event can be seen in personal terms, as due to the action of specific individuals, the more probable that it will become a news item.” [2]The narrative suddenly becomes more relevant to a lot more people of different cultural backgrounds versus one individual. Thus the narrative becomes much more appealing and worth telling.


[1] Herman, Luc/ Vervaeck, Bart. Narrative Interest as Cultural Negotiation. Vol. 17. The Ohio State Universtiy, 2009. Print. p. 113

[2] Galtung, Johan/Ruge, Mari Holmboe: The Structure of Foreign News. The Presentation of the Congo, Cuba, and Cyprus Crises in Four Norwegian Newspapers. Journal of Peace Research, vol. 2 (1965) p. 68

LxC Task1: 2002 FIFA World Cup Japan/Korea

It was 2002 that FIFA World Cup was first held in Asia. Games took place in 20 cities in both Japan and South Korea. [1] It called attention of the global soccer fans since the way games took place was very different from the past games. FIFA world cup had been held only in Europe and America before that. Also, regarding the history of soccer, starting as elite’s sport in England, the 2002 World Cup proved that some sport can be global, as Barbara. J. Keys defines sport as something that “transcends class, race, and religion” in her article Globalizing Sport. [2]

It also had great impact from local perspectives. Many local towns, especially in country areas, were selected as the place for camp for various national teams. According to Tsuji Toshio, most of those towns still have connections with the country of the national team even after 5 years after the World Cup. [3] Thus in this case, sport works not only as a mean to show off the power but also as the opportunities to enhance communication between local towns and foreign countries. Moreover, both cooperation as well as dispute between Japan and Korea got attention of locals. Regarding the historical issues between Korea and Japan, it is natural that people in both countries were interested in what was happening between them during the World Cup, although most of them are in the category of rumors and were not really examined by scholars.

[1] Toshio, Tsuji. “2002 FIFA日韓ワールドカップに関する調査研究 (The Survey of 2002 FIFA World Cup Japan/Korea)”. Cosmica. Vol. 37 (2007), 21-41. Kyoto University of Foreign Studies. Print. 

[2]Keys, J. Barbara. “Globalizing Sport: National Rivalry and International Community in the 1930s”. Cambridge: Harvard University Press. 2006. Print.

[3] Toshio, Tsuji. “2002 FIFA日韓ワールドカップに関する調査研究 (The Survey of 2002 FIFA World Cup Japan/Korea)”. Cosmica. Vol. 37 (2007), 21-41. Kyoto University of Foreign Studies. Print.

LxC Tasks 3/4: Why is American football disappealing?

One of the most disappealing narratives in Russian media has to be American football. American football is rarely, if ever, shown on Russian television channels. There is a strong disconnect that exists between the American culture and Russian culture concerning American football. Events such as the super bowl do not make the news in Russia and therefore are widely considered disappealing.

In The Structure of News, Galtung states that “the more distant a nation is, the more will an event have to satisfy the frequency criterion.”[1] American football is a relatively constant event in America. Therefore, based on Galtung’s conclusion, it will not create a news presence across the ocean. Also in the article is the criteria for a news article to have demand. The demand is evidently not present for American football events and therefore it does not make headlines.

In Narrative Interest as Cultural Negotiation, Herman and Vervaeck state that in order “for narrative interest to arise, the circulation on offer must to some extent coincide with the reader’s disposition as it derives from his or her cultural embeddedness.”[2] American and Russian cultures are completely dissimilar when it comes to American football. In fact, when I tried to search for “super bowl” on the main Russian news channel, I did not receive any results.[3]

As with most European countries, when “football” is mentioned, soccer is thought of. The disappeal of American football in Russia can explained by the criteria in the preceding paragraphs. Based on Prince’s definition in The Disnarrated, American football can be considered “unnarratable,” or “falling below the so-called threshold of narratability (it is not sufficiently unusual or problematic).”[4]

[1]Galtung, Johan/Ruge, Mari Holmboe. "The Structure of Foreign News." The Presentation of the Congo, Cuba and Cyprus Crises in Four Norwegian Newspapers.Volume 2 (1965), Page 66.
[2]Herman, L., Vervaeck, B. "Narrative Interest as Cultural Negotiation." NARRATIVE. Volume 17 (2009), Page 112.
[3]Результаты поиска: "супербоул." Первыи Канал. http://www.1tv.ru/allsearch/?s=%F1%F3%EF%E5%F0%E1%EE%F3%EB Accessed April 4, 2011. Internet

This is the result page of my search for “superbowl” on the Russian news website.

[4]Prince, Gerald. "The Disnarrated." STYLE. Volume 21 (1988), Pages 1-3.

LxC Task2: Is it really news if it only talks about the President?

In The Structure of Foreign News, Galtung states that “the more the event concerns elite people, the more probable it will become a news item.”[1] On the main news channel in Russia, Первыи Канал, this is most certainly true. More specifically, it is true of the Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin and the President Medvedev. It is from personal experience growing up and my parents watching the news channel that I can attest that not a single day goes by without the channel mentioning the two heads of government. As “nikolay” points out on an online forum, “Знаете, я давно уже телевизор отказался смотреть. А то постоянно приходилось переключать с Путина на Медведева и наоборот!”[2] Translated, this means: “You know, I have stopped watching television a long time ago. I always had to switch channels from Putin to Medvedev and back again.” As shown, bloggers have been posting on forums to express their anger at the domination of the news by two people.


Galtung points out that “the actions of the elite are, at least usually and in short-term perspective, more consequential than the activities of others.”[3] Yes, the actions of the two head government officials matter. Therefore, they must make the news more often than “ordinary people.” However, how much is too much?

Furthermore, the continuity effect triggers the consistent flow of news about the two leaders. “Once an event has ‘made it’ the news channel will be more readily open for the follow-up events, at a lower threshold value.”[4] The question that begs to be asked for this scenario is: “how low can the threshold value get?” Also, when, if ever, does it become too much? These questions require further research that is beyond the scope of this blog post.


Last but not least, the government has the controlling share of the stocks in the news channel. This has to be considered when evaluating and researching the answers to the questions in the preceding paragraphs.

[1]Galtung, Johan/Ruge, Mari Holmboe. "The Structure of Foreign News." The Presentation of the Congo, Cuba and Cyprus Crises in Four Norwegian Newspapers.Volume 2 (1965), Page 69.
[2]Nikolay. ОРТ Первый канал. On-tv.ru. December 13, 2010. http://on-tv.ru/ort_pervyi_kanal/ Accessed April 4, 2011. Internet.

This is a forum that allows users to communicate with each other to discuss streaming of channels over the internet.

[3]Galtung, Johan/Ruge, Mari Holmboe. "The Structure of Foreign News." The Presentation of the Congo, Cuba and Cyprus Crises in Four Norwegian Newspapers.Volume 2 (1965), Page 83.
[4]Galtung, Johan/Ruge, Mari Holmboe. "The Structure of Foreign News." The Presentation of the Congo, Cuba and Cyprus Crises in Four Norwegian Newspapers.Volume 2 (1965), Page 82.

LxC task 2: Sports receiving special media attention in Spain, and spanish speaking nations.

In predominantly Spanish speaking nations generally the news that have to do with government, politics, the economy, natural disasters, celebrities or elite figures , and sports (just like in many other countries) can be said to receive special media attention. Within the past year however, thanks to the FIFA World Cup, in many Hispanic countries the euphoria about futbol (soccer), and other sports has been on the rise. [1] Sports have earned a crucial role through out societies. According to Spaniard politician and secretary of state for sports, Jamie Lissavetzky infers that sports are:
“key in areas [such as]: education, for.. values such as healthy competition, team play, solidarity, public health, both for its positive effects in the physical state of the individual as such by the diffusion practices and healthy lifestyles, integration and social cohesion, which is especially relevant in a world in which migration flows play an increasing role in the daily reality of our societies.”[2]

The factors that Lisssavetzky mentioned are also products of international tournaments like the FIFA World Cup tournament (which Spain won in 2010). Such competitions not only propose healthy competition (among the other things Lissavetzky listed) but also advocate for the nation and its people. The effects of sports are positive, regarding the economy and the well being of the citizens; it’s no wonder that sports narratives have become increasingly appealing in the Spanish speaking cultural realm.


Lissavetzky, Jaime. "QUÍMICA Y DEPORTE: LA LUCHA CONTRA EL DOPAJE EN EL HORIZONTE DEL SIGLO XXI." ARBOR Ciencia, Pensamiento Y Cultura (2011): 1-8. Arbor. 2011. Web. 4 Apr. 2011. .

EFE, Noticias. "Lissavetzky Vuelve Al Frente De Batalla Arropado Por éxitos Deporte Español." Diariovasco.com. Sociedad Vascongada De Publicaciones, S.A. Web. 4 Apr. 2011. .

LxC Task1: Creation of a sports complex in Moscow

Russian billionaire Mikhail Prokhorov is the co-owner of the New Jersey Nets, a team that plays in the National Basketball Association. His new venture is to help finance and build a sports center in Moscow’s International Business Center.[1] The whole MIBC is an ongoing project that seeks to create an area where people would be able to work, relax, and tour in western Moscow.


Prokhorov’s planned addition of a sports center helps create an entertainment outlet that would place MIBC on a slightly different approach than originally expected. While considered to be an area primarily for business, the complex would more focus on leisure time. On the local level, it would create an outlet for residents to get physically fit and also provide entertainment in the form of a movie theater for everyone.


As for a global impact, the center would increase tourism to the area. Not only would the people living in or near MIBC be able to experience it, the aesthetics of the area would welcome international crowds. It is unknown whether the Nets would be able to play a game at the complex but it is certainly not a farfetched idea. Looking at Prokhorov’s past and his international vision for the future of the Nets, he would certainly be able to put two and two together.


From the categories that Galtung presents in The Structure of Foreign News, this news article contains meaningfulness and cultural proximity.[2] Based on my previous blog post on the appeal of narratives, these two categories are also main parts that create an appealing narrative. Due to me being the reader, the article has cultural proximity due to connecting both my Russian heritage and my American upbringing. Furthermore, the meaningfulness of the article stems from the cultural proximity. Having been in Moscow allows me to appreciate what Prokhorov has planned for the region.

[1]Прохоров превратит «Москва-Сити» в спортивно-развлекательный центp. Equipnet.ru. Published April 4, 2011. http://www.equipnet.ru/news/power-industry/power-industry_19494.html Accessed April 4, 2011. Internet.

This is a news article that describes Prokhorov's plans for building the sports complex. It also incorporates the economic concerns of the project.

[2]Galtung, Johan/Ruge, Mari Holmboe. "The Structure of Foreign News." The Presentation of the Congo, Cuba and Cyprus Crises in Four Norwegian Newspapers. Volume 2 (1965), Pages 70.

LxC Task 1: The impact of Spain's 2010 FIFA World Cup win

Some of the world’s most anticipated, witnessed and experienced sports events consist of both the Summer/Winter Olympics, and of course, the FIFA World Cup. Both of these global sporting competitions take place every four years, with the Winter Olympics and the World Cup happening in the same year. These prestigious tournaments give the global community a chance to not only participate, but to express nationalistic pride at a phenomenal level, flaunt national strength, uphold foreign policy objectives, and also foster internationalism. [1]The winning team of any country that participates in these international athletic events obtains not just a victory, but also an estimated boost increase in their economy. For instance, the Prime Minister of Spain (whose team won the FIFA World Cup 2010), Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, said that the victory was good, and it would surely increase the peoples’ own self-esteem and confidence in the country despite the ongoing recession. The effect of the victory for Spain has been positive, in regards to the growing amount of tourism and the .7% estimated increase in its economy. [2] However, on a global scale, the Dutch Bank has noted that it would have been best for the Global economy if Germany’s team would’ve won the FIFA tournament. If the winner were to have been a major global economic power, the impact world wide would’ve been greater [3]. Nonetheless, the Spaniards continue to enjoy their 2010 FIFA World Cup victory, and the fruits of the result in their nation.


Keys, Barbara J. "Globalizing Sport: National Rivalry and International Community in the 1930s." History 93.310 (2008): 183-90. Print. [1]

Berenstein, Marcelo. "España: Ganar La Copa Del Mundo Serviría Para Salir De La Crisis." Emprendedores News. 11 July 2010. Web. 4 Apr. 2011. . [2][3]

Appeal as influenced by culture, unexpectedness, and negativity

The cultural meaningfulness of a worldwide narrative will decide its status as a narratable piece of news. The meaningfulness comes due to the familiarity of the cultures as stated by Harcup and O’Neill [1] “The culturally similar is likely to be selected because it fits into the news selector’s frame of reference…news from the United States would is seen as more relevant to the UK than is news from other countries that are less culturally familiar.”

However unexpectedness and reference to negative also are the big factors in deciding what is news worthy. [2] This makes the Tsunami in Japan a narrative that deal with these factors. On the one hand the destruction cause by the event will not be relatable to many Americans due to the cultural barriers. This is recognized by Edward Said’s definition of “The Other”[3] But because unexpected, combined with negative is so shocking it will still be relevant to people from all cultures long after it has happened. The earthquakes and Haiti and Indonesia, 9/11, and hurricane Katrina are all examples of negative unexpected events that will still be relevant to all cultures.

[1] “What is News? Galtung and Ruge Revisited”, Tony Harcup and Deirdre O’Neill, Journalism Studies Volume 2 Number 2, 2001, pg 263

[2] “What is News? Galtung and Ruge Revisited”, Tony Harcup and Deirdre O’Neill, Journalism Studies Volume 2 Number 2, 2001, pg 263-264

[3] “Orientalism” Edward Said, 1978