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The decision by the BBC and Sky News to reject the Disasters Emergency Committee’s (DEC) Gaza appeal has been falsely framed around the guise of impartiality. Both networks have made a political decision by not showing the appeal for humanitarian relief in Gaza, which can only be interpreted as an action made in favour of Israel’s denial of the humanitarian situation, as expressed by Israeli foreign minister Tzipi Livni, contrary to UN statements.
The 3 minute petition produced by such respected charities as OXFAM, Save the Children, and the Red Cross is intended to help civilians caught in the crossfire of the conflict, both in Gaza and southern Israel. The BBC argued that the DEC “indicated that the situation in Israel was unlikely to need the help of the appeal and in practice the request was only for Gaza.” Yet this reasoning only serves to clarify the deep-seated distortion apparent in the BBC’s understanding of impartiality. Impartiality is intended to ensure that the public is presented with the truth.
The war in Gaza was exactly that: a war in Gaza. Hence, as any rational individual might conclude, the overwhelming bulk of the damage was inflicted on Gaza. To deny airing this truth on the basis that it might favour the Palestinian side is beyond absurd, it is worrying. Under this logic, the media should only address humanitarian disasters in which both parties to the conflict are suffering equally. Suffice to say, there is little basis in reality for this requirement in the last hundred years. Julian March, executive producer of the Sky News website, explained that the Gaza appeal was denied because unlike the Asian tsunami or the Darfur genocide, the humanitarian crisis was fuelled by a political issue.
For the purpose of debate, the ‘political neutrality’ of Darfur will escape scrutiny. Yet even accepting this inaccuracy, the argument itself suggests that victims’ rights to help will only be awarded to those lucky enough to face politically neutral disasters. If only Gazans were fortunate enough to face a flood or famine following Israeli bombardment, they just might be worthy of our sympathies!
Posted January 26, 2009 at 4:18 pm. Add a comment
The government-funded volunteer program Platform2 that sends UK youths to developing countries, has been wildly successful says the head of the programme Mark Vyner.
“We planned to take on small numbers in the first few months, but we’re rapidly growing the numbers through marketing the scheme,” he said. Platform 2 began in the summer of 2008, with projects in Ghana and South Africa. Today volunteers can also visit Peru, India or Malawi as the programme rapidly expands its outreach.
Elizabeth Adebayo, 23, from London, applied to Platform2 to take advantage of the unique opportunity offered by the programme: “I didn’t want to wake up when I’m 35 and think I didn’t get to do what I’ve always wanted to do.”
Platform2 was developed through the coordinated efforts of Christian Aid, Islamic Relief and British Universities North America Club, while the Department for International Development covers the financial costs.
The project ties into a number of crucial Government targets, such as raising development awareness, and expanding the opportunities of ethnic minorities in the UK. The Government encourages “people to come back and put something back into the communities that they live and work in, primarily by raising development awareness amongst their peers,” says Mr. Vyner.
The intention of Platform2 is to make volunteering in developing countries more accessible to less advantaged youths in our own country. Young adults aged 18 to 25 that cannot afford to travel outside the UK are encouraged to apply to any of the 10-week long projects, which enable young people to improve their understanding of different cultures in India, Africa and South America. Volunteers have the option of working on a range of community-based projects, such as constructing eco centres and community buildings, teaching children, and assisting in HIV clinics.
Laura Brumsitt, 18, from Liverpool, went to South Africa where she worked as a teaching assistant on a nature reserve in Cape Town. “Before I went I was worried about missing home a lot, but everyone was really friendly there,” she said. “It actually went quite quickly.”
Ms. Brumsitt told how the most exciting aspect of the trip was “interacting with the people” and getting used to the exotic wildlife. “The first day we got there we found ostriches pecking at the windows and frogs in the toilet! But by the end of it, you get used to it,” said Brumsitt.
Over the three-year programme, two and a half thousand youths from the UK will be given the chance to volunteer with all expenses covered by Platform2. Successful applicants are placed on projects based on their skills, preferences and suitability to the roles on offer. Volunteers are sent out in groups of fifteen, and many of them stay with host families, or in dormitories. Upon return, volunteers are encouraged to express their experience through blogs, rap, videos, or even dramas with the help of the Platform2 staff.
“When they come back we help them adjust, and help them to tell their story,” said Mr. Vyner.
Posted January 21, 2009 at 9:15 am. Add a comment
Residents of the culturally diverse Tottenham community came out today to celebrate the inauguration of US president Barack Obama at the Bernie Grant Art Centre, established by the UK’s own black activist and MP Bernie Grant.
Lola Young, the chief executive of the Bernie Grant Art Centre says, “I think this is very significant for everyone in Tottenham. Tottenham is an incredibly diverse community, and there is a huge mix of people here, all of whom can draw something from what’s happening today.”
Sharon Grant, the widow of the late MP, organized the celebration “Dare to Dream: Yes You Can” in remembrance of the work her husband did in promoting a more equal and diverse society in the UK. She says,
“It was clear that there was this huge tide of emotion in this country over the election of Obama and there was a need for people to have their own celebration in this country. It seemed appropriate that this would be the place to do it, the place that was the brainchild of our own black hero from the historical past.”
Bernie’s vision was a global one: that we are all interconnected in this world, and we have to look at the problems in places like Africa, Europe, and America as everyone’s problem. If Obama could even start to tackle this, I think Bernie would be smiling from above.”
In 1987 Bernie Grant became one of the first black MPs in the Commons, and he actively encouraged the inclusion of more black sections in the Labour party. He was also associated with the Socialist Campaign Group, and actively spoke out against police racism.
Chuka Umunna, a young black Parliamentary Candidate says there is a clear link between the election of Grant in 1987 and the election of Obama today. “One can’t underestimate the effect of the election of Bernie, the effect that that had in 1987. That was trailblazing, and what is happening today is even more trailblazing.”
During the celebration Sharon Grant and Labour MP Dawn Butler took the opportunity to launch Bernie’s List, a campaign that hopes to tackle the deficit of ethnic minorities in parliament by encouraging more Black and Asian people to enter politics. Ms. Butler, one of the few black women MPs, told the Independent, “this is not just Obama’s victory, it’s our victory.”
She adds, “As a black person you always remember the time when you walked into a room and felt invisible. When Obama walks into a room he will be one of the most powerful black men in that room. That image will be portrayed around the world, and that’s the image that we want our black kids to see.”
The celebration lasted all day, including a message from Tottenham MP David Lammy, and live entertainment from local band Ozmosis and soul food choir group NitroVox. At four, guests were invited to watch a live link to the inauguration in the US.
Sandra Kaiser from the US embassy says, “The event here today is fantastic. It is part of an international celebration of something that Americans used to think of as just their inauguration. Having lived here in London, I’ve realized that everyone is celebrating this day. It is a great moment for democracy.”
Posted January 20, 2009 at 6:15 pm. Add a comment
Americans studying abroad can finally heave a sigh of relief. With the inauguration of Barack Obama approaching, many of us look forward to the day we can stop pretending we’re Canadian.
As an American studying in the UK since 2004, I have had the character-building experience of being jeered at by much of the international community. From being quoted Bushisms in a local Irish pub in County Mayo (where there are more sheep than cars), to being ridiculed regularly by my partners’ Scottish father, one thing has become increasingly certain: people think Americans are stupid, and the Bush presidency made it worse.
To further point out that this is not just about my own maladjustment to the outside world, an American friend of mine from St. Andrews University faced evident discrimination when she was brusquely blanked after politely asking for directions in London. Ok fine, it is London. But nonetheless, from Austria to Bolivia, the subtle shift in people’s eyes from friendliness to annoyance upon hearing a pronounced US accent is undeniable.
During the last press conference held by our outgoing commander and chief, President Bush defiantly declared, “I disagree with this assessment that, you know, that people view America in a dim light.” Unfortunately, the people beg to differ. The latest shoe throwing incident by Iraqi journalist Muntazar al-Zaidi, in which not one, but two allegedly size 10 thick-soled shoes were angrily lobbed at Mr. Bush speaks volumes.
Mark Zane, a student at UCL has taken to pointing out his Hawaiian roots (where Obama studied) rather than telling Brits he’s American outright. “It has been embarrassing to be associated with a leader like Bush,” says Zane.
Prior to the election “being American wasn’t something you feel you’d brag about,” says Kevin McHugh, a business undergrad at City University. Likewise, American economics student Cynthia Park was advised by her sister living in Rome to tell people she was Canadian.
Undoubtedly, few tears will be shed when George W. saunters back, tail-between-legs, to Texas. Rather, all eyes will be firmly focused on the future as we await the change Obama has promised.
My own experience of the Obama effect began shortly after he was announced as the Democratic Party candidate. For the first time since I started my studies in the UK, students wanted to discuss US politics, and gasp! There was no trace of the overt-eye-rolling and piercing cynicism that usually accompanied such conversations. The morning after the election I was actually congratulated by my peers, though perhaps this doesn’t come as much surprise. In a survey conducted by the Daily Telegraph, Obama maintained a healthy lead over McCain in Europe during the early days of the campaign trail. Similarly, a Sunday Mirror poll taken a day before the election gave Obama 81 per cent of the British vote.
American philosophy student Hannah Gresty was surprised to find many of her fellow British students keenly following the election campaign. She said, “people were asking me whether I was going to vote for him [Obama], and they were horrified if I said no.”
Of course with an international economic crisis, global warming, and the colossal task of cleaning up Bush’s ‘war on terror’ it is only a matter of time before much of Obama’s icon status fades into disappointment. Yet for the time being, American students overseas can proudly proclaim that their president will be the first black candidate in history to enter the oval office. Not only that, he is a man loved by much of the world for his superb oratory skills, his alleged commitment to tackle climate change, and his publicly stated intention to open dialogue with America’s blacklisted counterparts. As one blogger from San Francisco, ThatOneGirl wrote soon after the election:
“For the first time in 8 years, I’ll go abroad with my head held high, unashamed of my American accent and demeanour; proud that we’re living up to our potential.”
Indeed, while some may be more sceptical (myself included) that ‘yes, we can’ overcome the limitations of politics as usual, at least for now life across the pond has become a little bit easier.
Posted January 19, 2009 at 12:00 pm. Add a comment
