Constitution vs Reality

South Africa’s official languages are Sepedi, Sesotho, Setswana, siSwati, Tshivenda, Xitsonga, Afrikaans, English, isiNdebele, isiXhosa and isiZulu and our constitution commits to taking practical and positive measures to elevate the status and use of minority languages while recognizing the historically diminished use and status of them. Our constitution also commits to creating conditions for development and use of not only all official languages and languages commonly used by communities and for religious purposes in South Africa but also to the respect and promotion of Sign language. Is our government really keeping their promises though? With only one television programme aimed at a deaf audience, their commitment seems anything but reliant. On paper, therefore, the constitution serves the rights and protection of minority languages but with little action and planning, this does not say much.

Not only do we have the right to be taught in the language of our choice (where reasonably practicable) but everyone also has the right to a basic and further education as well. The state, through reasonable measures, must make available and accessible the resources needed for individuals to further their studies. This, however, is not being done for the most part. Many children are caught in the cycle of poverty and therefore cannot afford school or college fees. Poverty is not the only factor influencing the lack of schooling though. Other factors include disability, availability, accessibility and also motivation or rather lack thereof. Why can our government not make financial provision for schooling where needed? After all, our taxes should be able to cover at least some of the expenses basic schooling entails or is it all going to the payment of certain hotel expenses by some of our ministers, namely Nathi Mtetwa, or BMW expenses by some of our political figures, namely Trevor Manuel?

empowerment

"After ministering to women all over the world, I think I can safely say that countless women struggle with feelings of worthlessness and a lack of confidence. This was certainly true in my life. After enduring many years of abuse as a child, my confidence level was severely affected. But over time, the Lord taught me many principles that have helped me overcome my past and become the confident woman I am today." (Joyce meyer)

Many resources are needed to be implemented for a more positive societal change. Not only do individuals need to shift their mindset despite their living and other economic limitation but more resources need to be available to them such as the completion and/or continuation of schooling and tertiary education, and especially safe, adequate and suitable living conditions. Women need a college-going spirit and culture. They need to be educated and taught that their education may lead to their independence, stability and empowerment. Women also need intensive social support systems which are more often than not disregarded and unestablished. Women need to realise their potential and realise that they are blessed by just being on this earth. We should dream big and aim for the best because we deserve the best!

More Face time, less facebook

Facebook- a hobby or habbit? Facebook- a pandemic or epidemic? I by no means negatively acknowledge Facebook but are we really spending enough time with those we love or are we spending all our free time blogging, twitting, 'mxiting' or 'facebooking'? What are we prioritizing and what are we disregarding? Facebook has its advantages such as being a form of new media, keeping us to date with events and news stories that we may not see or hear about elsewhere. But if this is consuming our thoughts and our instinctive reactions (sitting in class, infront of the telly, wherever- OUT COMES THE PHONE AND ON GOES MXIT OR FACEBOOK) then we should clearly reprioritize... Time management also seems to be key at this point and who we are is also influenced by who we are with.... Let's look at what's important to us, what should be and what actually is...

“J-SCHOOLING”

The blog called “Let’s be honest about J-school” is written by Patrick Thornton. He informs people about why they should or should not attend journalism school. Although his piece is highly rated and it showcases both positive and negative aspects of attending a journalism school, he focuses most of the attention on the latter. Top-ranked J-schools are viewed as “horribly outdated” with “outdated curriculums”. Patrick firmly believes that if one attends a journalism program, one should be taught how to start one’s own projects, thus becoming entrepreneurial. The main realisation that should be made is that the present and future of journalism has made its mark on the (social) web. This obviously then leaves little room for admiration of journalists. Patrick even goes so far as to show how a top J-school has little or no impact on a graduate who admits to getting most of his meaningful and practical connections while working and not while studying.

Another negative notion about J-schooling that Patrick mentions is the idea that professors at most of these prestigious schools/institutions are ‘old-fashioned’ in a sense and not in tune with modern technology, journalism, the social web and web design. Another idea is that a postgraduate degree in journalism is not always the better or safer option. One has to firstly question the motives and long term goals of one’s foreseen career, thus making it easier to choose wisely and not ending up wasting time studying. Patrick also says that hoping to get connections or improving writing skills whilst doing a postgraduate degree, should not at all influence the choice of studying further. He feels, from experience, that most connections come from being active in the journalism/working community. Social networks such as Twitter and Wired journalists also help. Most of his connections were built online but Patrick feels that this is where journalism is going anyway.

Patrick not only mentions other options, besides J-schooling, but he also feels that writing skills are overrated. An important and perhaps most salient point in his blog is that reporting is the heart of journalism and not writing. He believes that great journalism has always been about great reporting. However, he still encourages those who already have training in writing and says that the best way to improve one’s writing is to do more of it.

A comment was made by King Kaufman who feels that journalism education can either be academic or it can be a trade school. He learned basic skills during his years of studying at a ‘grad J-school’ (UC-Berkeley) but made connections whilst working at the San Francisco Examiner. This then, in essence, nicely compliments Patrick’s thoughts on J-schooling.

Blogging and Bloggers

SITE 1
site belongs to- Mail & Guardian online
Writers- Various online journalists (such as David Saks and Llewellyn Kriel)
Blogger- Thought Leader

SITE 2
Site belongs to- Times Online
Writers- various journalists and columnists (with viewer comments)
blogger-

SITE 3
Site belongs to- "The Guardian" News house which belongs to "The Observer"
Blogger- The Sport Blog
Writers- Sport columnists with viewer comments

SITE 4
Site belongs to- SA World Cup Blog
Blogger- World Cup Blog (2010 SA)
Writers- Soccer fans who would like to share their views and opinions about their favourite teams

SITE 5
Site belongs to-Indie Blog Network
Blogger and writer- Anthony Kaufman

SITE 6
Site belongs to - Indie Film Blogger Road Trip
Blogger and Writer- Sujewa Ekanayake (with viewer comments)

PARAGRAPH ON INDIE BLOGGER ROAD TRIP
Sujewa Ekanayake is an independent filmmaker. He travelled to different U.S cities in 2008 as he discussed the world of Indie film journalism on the web and other related portals. This type of blogging keeps indie film fans connected and also keeps writers who do not live in major cities connected to the scene. This type of blog also plays a role in supporting work done by media production organizations, screening events, film festivals and many other media productions and organizations.

CENSORSHIP AND ITS INFLUENCES ON “FREEDOM OF SPEECH”

The institution of South Africa allows citizens to speak their minds freely, unthreatened by public scrutiny. People should also be able to publicize their opinions and viewpoints without fear of prosecution but how far are people willing to go and how do these free expressions influence and affect the next party? Freedom of speech therefore, has some limitation. We are free to speak our minds and express our opinions but cannot and should not be allowed to defame or offend another individual. This is where censorship plays its role. It silences people in a sense and therefore protects democratic rights.

This protection of democratic rights does not always apply to every state. Elections in Iran, for example, resulted in opposition to the new government but debate and voicing of opinions about this were left disallowed by state censorship. The objective of censorship attempts is to try to block and control what is said and heard. However, the focus of these attempts is the medium.

The bill of rights makes no attempt to distinguish between the author of a particular piece of information, the hosting provider or other parties involved in the diffusion of the material considered offensive. It does not distinguish between material originated in a specific state and makes it illegal to publish some material on the internet that are completely legal in all other types of media. In other words, individuals are free to say and show how they feel depending, of course, on what medium of expression they choose to use. The so-called map of the media world is a changing one. The bill of rights cannot constantly change its regulations. This would be insanely impossible.

Another limitation of state censorship with regards to state oppression in Iran is the fact that the ongoing stories and terrorist attacks of the state is constantly media bait. Iran always seems to be showcased in the media worldwide. It is therefore impossible for state censors to forbid free expressions as this issue is highly publicized. Religious and political leaders may try to control the flow of information but not only is this virtually impossible but individual rights may also be violated and useful information may be hidden. Democracies do not officially permit censorship, but many try to censor radical behaviour which is not always manageable. The reports on the intensified role of state censorship in Israeli media are, however, being examined.

The You Tube clip and report that was supposed to be viewed for this task, has raised the
question of what is really considered publishing. “Blogging” and “Tweeting” seem to portray
a conversation between friends in a public forum rather than an article published for the
public eye and comment.

New media enables protest and criticism in many ways. Ms. Bonnen, who was unhappy with
the Horizon apartment block, probably felt that she was not being heard and nothing was
being done about her situation. Her ‘tweet’ was a way for her to express her concerns and in
doing so she raised other opinions and criticisms. “Tweeting” and “blogging” reaches a
greater mass of people than newspapers and radio stations and is therefore able to raise much
more awareness. This does not, however, prove truth or legitimacy in any way. We are
faced with the different sides to a story or debate but no solid proof is offered. The Horizon
group management say they filed a lawsuit against Ms. Bonnen for defaming the company
but since the lawsuit Ms. Bonnen has been “unavailable” for comment. This still leaves us
with the initial question of “who is the victim?” In return, this results in even more debate and
concern.

Similarly, You Tube showcases Dave Carroll’s story about his guitar which somebody broke
whilst flying with United Airlines. Some say he should not have received any grievances as
he was negligent to begin with while some are firmly on his side. Again, there is more than
just one side to the story but one has to ask : “How do these defamed individuals and compa-
nies become resilient again and what resources do they have?” One resource is clearly
evident in the apartment scenario where the management filed a lawsuit to gain justice.
Another resource is making a public apology or making a public statement promising
reimbursements of any losses or damages. An interesting resource is evident in Dave
Carroll’s story where there were many comments and justifications to the story which lead to
Dave being seen as the culprit instead of the victim. Once again ‘New Media’ is useful and
resourceful and even though is seen as the culprit at times, can also be victimized and left
unjustified.

blogging as the new form of media

Research shows that reading and writing blogs online is rapidly increasing in popularity and thus is known as the new form of media. Seeing that media refers to the different instruments used to circulate news (as discussed in our critical media meeting in June), blogs become the popular medium for people to get their news. Traditional newspapers are still failing to recognize blogs as competition and as a result of this I believe they will slowly become less prevalent and less prestigious. Blogging gives people a platform to opinionate and rant their views and because blogging requires little accuracy and balance, it becomes easily accessible. Jody Raynsford says that “Web logging, or blogging, is the new kid on the media block, complete with its own, unique lexicon”. The person blogging becomes known as the blogger, the blogger follows other bloggers and in a sense they become part of a blogging community. Blogging keeps one informed about events and updated posts. It is extremely personalized and because one is interested in what other bloggers have to say about a particular aspect, it opens up minds and broadens opinions. Blogging can also provide information in a raw and exciting form which is what the media frequently tries to achieve. Another attraction of the blog phenomenon is the fact that people can comment and voice their opinion on other bloggers’ posts. In this way, ideas and attitudes are explored and media becomes broad and unlimited. Blogging also acts as an advertising mechanism as they lead people to other trusted and valued websites. They then not only provide companies with prospective clients but also the bloggers themselves with good and trustworthy links. In this sense blogging filters the news in a sense. Blogging, in other words, has not only become a new form of media but also has taken on a journalistic approach.