SOC PRWriters

Burma Recruits Child Soliders - Violating International Law

2007-12-06T07:24:00.000-08:00

There are “grave violations” toward Burmese children such as recruiting them for military service, says a recent report issued by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.

International law forbids children from being recruited as soldiers. Evidence shows that the Burmese army falsifies documents even if children are underage.

Today, the UN Security Council’s working group on children and armed conflict will meet to discuss these “grave violations” as cited in the new report.

In an age where you would think governments have a moral sense of duty, it is difficult to hear that the Burma government is committing such human rights abuses. These children, clearly underage, are being used to serve as soldiers and to fight against ethnic armed opposition groups. They are even being used for human rights abuses toward civilians.

This is not the first time that the UN has detected human rights abuses by the Burma government. Since 2002, the UN has cited five times that Burma has violated international law by recruiting children as soldiers. How many more violations can the UN take?

It’s time to step up to the task and stop Burma from all its human rights abuses. Human rights organizations such as Human Rights Watch (HRW) should push for UN sanctions on Burma. To this day, Burma buys military weapons by other countries such as Russia and China. The UN ought to ban arms sales to Burma. Not only are these human rights abuses “grave,” but they are terrible to mankind. The UN should take action immediately, and not wait for another round of violations to occur.

-Denise

International Human Rights

INT'L HUMAN RTS: Abused and Killed - Children Deemed as "Witches"

2007-11-14T19:47:00.000-08:00

The New York Times today published a disturbing article. I got lost into reading it as if it were fiction. It was so - unreal. In Angola, the Congo and the Congo Republic, it is becoming a common practice that children are abused and even killed after they are accused as witches. In the Bantu culture of Angola, a predominant belief is that witches can communicate with the dead and inflict illness, bad luck and death on the living. Countless numbers of children have been shunned from homes, beaten and even killed by their own relatives.

Children who have gone through the ordeal deny they are witches, and say that they are forced to confess to witchcraft while being abused.

Two recent cases were absolutely horrifying. One case involved a mother who poured bleach into her daughter’s eyes to blind her and rid her of evil visions. Another case involved a father who infused his son’s stomach with battery acid.

Angola’s government is campaigning to stop the abuses but results are not coming easily.

“We cannot change the belief that witches exist…Even the professional workers believe that witches exist,” says Ms. Silva, a child protection agent in Angola.

Although provincial officials and Save the Children have helped to rescue hundreds of children, many are constantly being abandoned and abused. Churches have been set up to house children who have escaped or shunned from their homes, but the churches are so small in size that many children are turned away.

It is great that the New York Times has made this a cover story. But we need to continue to get the word out that there are numerous children at stake and may be abandoned, abused or killed soon. Children should never be abused.

-Denise

International Human Rights

HEALTH: Curvy means Smart

2007-11-13T06:16:00.000-08:00

So just as I was sinking into the ever-depressing winter weight increase I came across the following article:

Curvy Women Live Longer, Give Birth to Smarter Children

Researchers from the University of Pittsburgh and the University of California – Santa Barbara, examined 16,000 women and girls. Based on their body measurements and their scores on cognitive tests they came to the following conclusion: curvy women are living longer and giving birth to more intelligent people.

Their definition of curvy, however, might not fit into my high hopes for my growing waist.

In the study, curvy women are those whose waist is smaller than their hips. This varies from the straighter variety of women – those who have either an equal waist and hip ration, or a rounder belly.

The causal effects assumed by the study make sense: the fat around fuller hips and thighs holds higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for the growth of the brain during pregnancy. Fat around the waist, on the other hand, may have higher levels of omega-6 fatty acids, which are less suited to brain growth, the researchers said.

The reason that the “curvy” women live longer is also logical: waist fat can contribute to diabetes and heart disease.

However, what this study doesn’t seem to do is encourage the right kind of psychological reaction. It emphasizes that those who are born blessedly curvy will do better but there is always a second best: being thinner or linear-shaped. These women lack both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids around their waists and hips, which would be likely to boost longevity, but have little effect on intelligence.

Can we say anorexia?

There needs to be further studies to show HOW to become healthier and to reach these beneficial perfect shapes – not just evidence that points people further and further away from their current shape without any guidance.

Click here for the full study.

-Erika Eckstrom, Issues of Health

Freedom of Expression??

2007-11-09T20:20:00.000-08:00

Freedom of Expression at its most Extreme
Imagine this:

Last week, in Luxembourg City, a Belgian woman of Congolese descent came to the Cercle Municipal, soaked herself in petrol and set herself on fire.

Let that soak in your mind for a minute. Then ask yourself why. What would possibly prompt such a self-inflicted act? Her answer: Systemic Racism.

The mother of three, Maggy Delveau-Mufu, alerted news authorities about her plans the day before the incident, which, puts a different perspective on, the tenets of freedoms in this country. I would assume it’s an entirely different ballgame in Luxembourg City. Mufu apparently was protesting bureaucratic racism that she had experienced since she and her husband acquired a Citroën garage.

I don’t know about the racial makeup of Luxembourg city but I would assume its not much different from prejudice everywhere. It’s the same. It’s the same vicious cycle, with the dominant team discriminating against the others. All I know is this: it takes one person to make a difference. However I don’t know what Mufu’s act was supposed to serve. The act was to shock, and incite action but on the part of whom?

It boggles the mind!

On Freedom, Racism - Jasmine

EDUCATION: Progress Reports, This Time for Schools

2007-11-08T10:47:00.000-08:00

On Nov. 6th, it was the schools that got graded. And most parents weren't happy about it.

In New York City, Mayor Bloomberg and the Schools Chancellor Joel Klein have developed a report card system for the city's public schools in which institutions are graded on an A-F scale. According to the New York Times Bloomberg and Klein "have praised the grades as an accurate measure of school quality that will help parents gauge how well schools are serving their children. They, and their supporters, say the new rating system gives credit to unsung schools that work wonders with struggling students while shining a spotlight on weaknesses at celebrated schools."

The grading process is based on a complicated calculation which gives the most weight to how individual students improved in a year’s time on standardized state tests. The system also compares schools with similar populations as judged by demographics and incoming students’ test scores.

So why aren't parents happy? Well, some parents whose children attend celebrated schools in well-to-do neighborhoods, were surprised and skeptical when their school received a B or C. This grading system also affects real estate agency executives, who say schools play a significant role in where people chose to buy homes.

What many people are failing to consider, however, is that getting an A may not be such a good thing. Since such a large part of the grading rests on students' performance on standardized tests, getting an A this year means that even more emphasis will be placed on testing so the school can keep that grade. But what about the children? Shouldn't we be measuring more than just test scores over time? What about the learning they do that isn't tested? I think the system is a good idea, but doesn't provide a fully-accurate picture.

-Lisa

Recall Highlights

2007-11-05T16:59:00.000-08:00

This weekend seemed to be quite full of well publicized recalls. Here is a summary of the top three recalls around the nation.

Another Nationwide Recall of Ground Beef Ordered

Yet again, Cargill Inc. is recalling more than 1 million pounds of ground beef because of possible E. coli.

In a previous recall in early October, more than 800,000 pounds of ground beef was recalled from Sam’s Clubs across the nation there were at least four cases of E. coli poisoning confirmed.

Cargill is doing a great job with their recall efforts. John Keating, president of Cargill Regional Beef, made public announcements on Saturday, disclosing many needed facts

when: Oct. 8 to Oct. 11
where: the company’s plant in Wyalusing, Pa.
who: retailers nationwide including Giant, Shop Rite, Stop & Shop, Wegman's and Weis)
current status: no illnesses but U.S. Department of Agriculture inspection on Oct. 8 sample found possible contamination

Furthermore, Cargill established a phone number for people with questions or those who want to report illness: 877-455-1034.

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FDA Orders Recall of Unregulated Erectile Dysfunction Products

Due to the harmful effects for men with diabetes, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has asked a California distribution company to recall pills and capsules advertised as "all natural" products to correct erectile dysfunction.

The pills, True Man Sexual Energy Nutrient Capsules and Energy Max Energy Supplement Men's Formula Capsules are potentially harmful and could cause dangerously low blood pressure.

FDA has taken a proactive stance and created a website for a voluntary reporting program: http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/report.htm.

-----

Millions of Totino's and Jeno's Frozen Pizzas Recalled

General Mills is recalling five million Totino’s and Jeno’s frozen pepperoni pizzas that could be linked to an E. coli outbreak.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service outlined the facts of the recall in a news release:

when: July 20 to Oct. 10
where: the company’s plant in Wellston, Ohio
who: distributed across the united states
what: 414,000 pizzas containing pepperoni or a combination of pepperoni, sausage and other ingredients. Packages affected by the recall show "EST. 7750" inside the USDA mark of inspection, and include a "best if used by" date on or before "02 APR 08 WS
current status: 21 cases of E. coli in 1 states across the nation. Nine of the 21 said they’d eaten the pepperoni pizzas

General Mills has posted their own alert – easily found on their webpage, www.generalmills.com. They have also established a help line for consumers - (800) 949-9055.

-Erika Eckstrom, Issues of Health

More on Immigration

2007-11-05T11:25:00.000-08:00

The Immigration debate continues, especially since the voters believe they are not getting the answers they need. Senator Clinton was unable to provide a reporter with definite answers when asked about the provision of driver’s licenses for illegal aliens. The states, local authorities, and private citizens have therefore taken up the matter in their own hands in order to see justice done or something like that.

Take the Maricopa County Sheriff who provided a hotline for residents to report illegal activity. Or even coalitions such as “Minutemen” who monitor the border and report alien activity to authorities. The fact is these “well-intentioned” citizens are not necessarily equipped or even well informed to make summary judgments on individuals who appear foreign. Essentially, these developments will probably lead to profiling. Any dial-happy individual may call in any unfamiliar activity.

This has led to some Latino and faith-based groups to create their own hotline for so people to call in. There’s a circus in the works, and I’m afraid the cost of the ticket is too high.

I don’t know what the solutions are, I’m not even sure if there is a solution. The only thing I know is that people want direct, answers from those in charge, and until then… may the hotlines ring.

Jasmine - on Immigratioin

EDUCATION: Middle Schools Rising

2007-11-03T18:47:00.000-07:00

In 1999, W.T. Woodson high school terminated its International Baccalaureate classroom program because parents and teachers complained that it was too focused on international issues and downplayed American history. Their refusal of the program was so strong, in fact that many wondered if IB had a chance in any Washington-area schools. According to a Washington Post article published Nov. 4, however, the IB program is getting positive recognition again, this time in area middle schools.

The IB program and its middle school counterpart, the Middle Years Program were developed in Switzerland and are rigorous and committed to raising global awareness, knowledge of foreign language and writing skills.

Many parents aren't comfortable with the course requirements because they are so different from what they remember of their own middle schools days. Nonetheless, these naysayers seem to be losing the battle. At Langston Hughes Middle School in Fairfax County, for example, all students are enrolled in the MYP and it is translating into higher SAT scores in high school.

According to the Post, "the fact that all Langston Hughes students are in the MYP, and that the MYP emphasizes skills tested on the SAT, is enough for many parents. Lou Ann Armstrong, who has had two children go through Langston Hughes, says she loves how the program has enhanced her children's critical-thinking ability."

I think its important that, even though middle school grades don't count toward college, students get a jump start on their education. In fact, I'm willing to argue that an emphasis on writing and foreign language would be more beneficial in the long run for these students, especially in today's world of outsourcing and expanding global economies. Granted, I don't totally agree with a program that only focuses on preparing for the SATS, but the MYP seems strive for global awareness, too- and who can disagree with that?

-Lisa

Int’l Human Rts: Nicaragua's Abortion Ban

2007-10-29T18:51:00.000-07:00

Abortion is not a controversial issue known only to the U.S. In Managua, Nicaragua, a new law supposedly prevents doctors from being able to perform abortions even when the mother’s life is at risk. The law has made many pregnant women afraid of seeking medical help and even doctors are fearful of breaking the law. Government reports say that maternal mortality has increased significantly (by 100%) within the last year.

There are two schools of thoughts to this debate. One side contests that human rights are being violated because safe and legal abortion is restricted. Two Human Rights Watch activists say that “the government should not use religious doctrine as a pretext for violating women’s fundamental rights to life and health.”[1] The other side, of course, says that human life cannot be exterminated, even an egg.

As a proponent of human life, this issue has caught my attention. There is one condition when a fertilized egg is fixed outside the uterus and has a zero possibility of living. It is known as an ectopic pregnancy. So if the egg’s chance of survival is nothing, one could logically argue... shouldn’t the mother have a right to live?

Many Catholic churches around the world perform abortions in these cases. The controversy is apparent: if the egg is going to die, then perhaps the woman’s life should be saved if hers is in danger.

It is also disheartening that rich women can pay to obtain illegal abortions or fly to Miami to get abortions, while numerous poor women in Nicaragua do not have the same option.

Yes, life isn’t fair all the time.

Although human life should be treasured and preserved, there comes a time when controversy emerges. Perhaps there are exceptions to banning abortion, especially in ectopic pregnancies.

Life would be easier if things were always in black and white.

Until research finds a way of dislodging the egg from outside the uterus and ensuring its survival, one can’t help but wonder what to do in a situation like this.

Until there’s a miracle, only God knows what the right thing to do is.

-Denise
International Human Rights

[1] http://hrw.org/english/docs/2007/10/22/nicara17144.htm

HEALTH: The SCHIP War

2007-10-29T05:26:00.000-07:00

The widely publicized battle raging between Congress and President Bush on the topic of the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) is pretty much well known by this point. However, it is not known for the right reasons.

Perusing through articles from news outlets nationwide you only get one conclusion: people at this point are more concerned with the gaping chasm between the right and the left than the people who would be affected by the bill.

For instance, the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle reported on October 29: “the bill is yet another political statement in what has become an embarrassingly politicized fight.” This may be true, but who are those who are actually affected by this back-and-forth?

According to the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF), currently SCHIP combined with Medicare provides insurance coverage for more than 30 million low-income children. Of these kids, 91 percent were below 200 percent of the federal poverty line. This is great!

However, then you have to look at the number of uninsured children. KFF statistics show that 9.4 million children were without health insurance in 2006.

The trend is magnified when you look at the price of health insurance, which has basically doubled in the past three years.

Congress is arguing for an increase of $35 billion for the Bill. Remember that we are spending $200 million a day and the $12 billion we spend a month in Iraq. In order to pay for this expansion, there would be a hike in the cigarette tax, to $1 per pack – quite an increase from the current 39-cents. However, at the same time the new bill tightens the restrictions, closing the program to illegal immigrants and tightening the age and income limits of applicants.

After all is said and done, some 3.8 to 3.9 million uninsured people would be added, according to the Congressional Budget Office.

-Erika Eckstrom, Issues of Health

EDUCATION: The Green Schools Movement

2007-10-25T08:28:00.000-07:00

We all remember learning about Earth Day and recycling in grade school, but these days, there is much more going on than just preaching "reduce, reuse, recycle." According to a recent New York Times article, schools like Scarsdale Middle School in Westchester County, N.Y., are encouraging students to not only get involved in the green movement, but to encourage their parents to do the same.

For example, they have made their pick-up/drop-off area a "No-Idling Zone" where parents are discouraged from leaving their engines on while waiting for students. In California, schools in San Bernadino and Riverside counties created a light-bulb exchange program where students replaced 15,734 incandescent bulbs (and counting) in their homes with energy-efficient compact fluorescent versions.

But some educators belive classroom environmental initiatives are a waste of taxpayer money, especially when so many of our nation's schools are filled with students who aren't meeting the minimum standards on math and reading tests.

According to the New York Times, Jerry Cantrell, president of the New Jersey Taxpayers Association, called the environmental programs an unnecessary expense, particularly for public schools facing budget cutbacks. “The ‘ed biz’ is known for faddish endeavors,” he said. “They pick up on some new philosophy, and it seems cool and popular, and I would throw being green in with that."

I personally believe schools have a responsibility to teach students about protecting and replenishing their environment. Not only will it create a generation of environmentally-aware individuals, but there is a high chance that these kids will also impact the way their parents act. Its also a little disconcerting that so many educators don't believe little changes will help. I think we should all HOPE that the green movement takes hold in schools.

-Lisa

INT'L HUMAN RTS - Yahoo Misleads Congress with Information

2007-10-23T07:46:00.000-07:00

Last week, it was discovered that Yahoo gave a false testimony to Congress. Yahoo misled Congress on info given to Chinese authorities. The info was about Shi Tao, a Chinese journalist in Beijing. The ordeal sentenced him to 10 years in prison.

Democratic Republican Tom Lantos - a California representative and chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee - has asked Yahoo officials to testify in court on November 6.

The journalist, Shi Tao, had written on an overseas Web site called "Democracy Forum" about the Chinese government’s crackdown on democracy activists and the media. Yahoo gave the computer information to Chinese authorities. Shi was soon arrested in his home in Beijing.

Evidently, Yahoo told Congress that it did not know that the information it provided was part of a Chinese government crackdown.

Interestingly, it was discovered recently that police in China had communicated with Yahoo that “they were seeking evidence about Shi for illegally "providing state secrets to foreign entities," a charge frequently levied against political dissidents in China.”[1]

Here's the nitty-gritty to it all:

Even if it is true that Yahoo did not know of the government crackdown in this case, the statement the police made was quite obvious in alluding to cracking down on political dissidents. The good thing that has come out of this is that Yahoo will finally create a unified global code of conduct for its branches around the world.

Also, shouldn’t Yahoo, an-American based company, protect the rights of its users? It would be interesting to conduct further research into Yahoo’s privacy rights to consumers.

It is shocking to me that Yahoo gave its consumer's private information to the public, especially when it received such clear evidence that there was an underlying purpose to the info request.

After all, if Yahoo can give away information about its consumers so easily and ignorantly - I’m not so sure how many people will still be Yahoo fans, or much less ... users.

-Denise
Posted Tues. 10/23/07
*Updated 10/24/07

[1] http://edition.cnn.com/2007/US/10/16/yahoo.congress/index.html

GLBTQ: House to Vote on ENDA Tomorrow

2007-10-23T05:54:00.001-07:00

The House of Representatives will formally consider the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) on Wednesday. Last week, the House Education and Labor Committee, on a 27-21 vote, sent the bill to the House without a transgender provision, Gay City News reports.

If passed, ENDA would provide protection from discrimination in the workplace for gays, lesbians and bisexuals - but not transgendered employees.

For many gay rights groups in the country, the committee passage was a better sweet victory. While many in the gay community are ecstatic at the historical piece of legislation the House will soon consider, they are disappointed a portion of their "community" will be left behind.

In response to the committee's action, the House Democratic Leadership granted Rep. Tammy Baldwin, D-Wisc., the only openly lesbian member of Congress, permission to introduce an amendment adding the transgender or gender identity provision back into the bill. If the amendment fails, however, many gay rights organizations have claimed they will not support ENDA, possibly even actively opposing its passage.

As posted earlier, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nations largest gay rights organization, has taken some heat from the gay community because it has long supported ENDA with or without the gender identity provision, sparking some protests at its recent National Dinner.

Speaker Pelosi has argued in the past that passing this bill is instrumental in taking the small steps necessary to ensure equal protections for everyone in the gay community.

HRC, however, is mobilizing efforts to urge Congress to pass the bill WITH the transgender amendment via a website dedicated to the issue.

Insiders on Capitol Hill report the transgender amendment will most likely fail, but ENDA will probably pass. It remains unclear if the President will veto or sign the legislation.

Speaker Pelosi makes an excellent argument for passing ENDA with or without the transgender provision. If we only accepted "all-or-nothing" protections in the past, we'd probably still be debating civil rights for women or African-Americans today far more intensely than we already are. We must win this battle and live to continue to fight the war.

Fear and Loathing in Prince William County

2007-10-22T12:54:00.000-07:00

As Prince William County decides the fate of dozens of illegal immigrants, there arises a sense of uncertainty and paranoia in the area. Many Latinos are fleeing to other states because they feel unwanted in PW County. This gets me thinking about motivation. What motivates people to come to these United States? Looking beyond the usual reasons for a better life, and “the American Dream”, the one question I have is “Why do they stay amid all the uncertainty? I don’t even believe that the animosity is necessarily aimed at illegal immigrants but it fills our need to have a sense of importance, or superiority if you will. Forty years ago, there was similar sentiment against the integration of Whites and Blacks. Different circumstances, sure, but same sentiments expressed. African Americans felt unwanted, they had no rights, no voices, and had an “annoying” habit of not going away. Throughout history, there has always been a tug-of-war between a dominant group and a not-so-dominant group. The races and sub-groups change but the dynamic stays the same. Is modern society predicated on this rhythmless dance filled with fear and loathing? This really gives meaning to the expression: those who cannot learn from history are bound to repeat it.

Jasmine - On Immigration

EDUCATION: Katrina offers second chances

2007-10-17T10:40:00.000-07:00

Despite the tragedy of Hurricane Katrina, many of New Orleans' schools (which were some of the country's worst) have been offered a fresh start. According to the New York Times, officials chose to turn over 40 of the 80 salvaged schools to state-charted and state-financed groups to provide oversight above and beyond that of common school leaders. It is proving to be a successful conversion process that is backed by the Bush administration and $24 million.

In the first few months after Katrina, James Huger, a real-estate investor, and his organization the Choice Foundation, applied for a charter for Lafayette Academy, a grade school in New Orleans. Choice then hired Mosaica Education, a for-profit chartering enterprise that promised “a tuition-free classical education worthy of the finest private schools,” to help them with management. But Mosaica failed to help and the school remained dirty and lacked technology and transportation for students and Choice did not renew their contract with them this spring.

Instead, Choice hired a new principal who actively recruited teachers, janitors and bus drivers and even sought out proper textbooks and gym equipment. And even though it took a little while, the school has now returned to normal. Considering the problems Katrina caused in the months and years after she hit New Orleans, its nice to see a little hope and to know that not everything that happened was bad.

-Lisa

GLBTQ: Georgetown Gays in Trouble

2007-10-16T09:04:00.001-07:00

This is a friend's (who is a Georgetown student) recount of the trouble the gay community is facing at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. Also, queerty.com has a good posting on the ordeal.

On Sept. 9th, a Georgetown student was the victim of a hate crime by another Georgetown student. The victim had to be hospitalized. The university failed to alert the Georgetown community of the crime until a month after it happened and only after GU Pride demanded that the university make a statement.

The university’s response to this incident was completely inadequate, so GU Pride formulated a list of demands, one of which is the creation of an GLBT resource center. We asked GU President DeGoia to attend an open forum on Wednesday to discuss this plan, but he refused to participate.

Yesterday, GU Pride held a press conference on campus and tried to deliver a petition to the President’s office. Because it was Coming Out Day, members of GU Pride were wearing yellow t-shirts that said “I am” on them. Upon arriving at Healy Hall, where the President's office is located, people wearing these yellow t-shirts were barred entry to the building while other students were allowed in, who were not wearing the t-shirts. Fifteen campus security guards were present and formed a human wall to block GU Pride members from entering the building.

Here is some press coverage of the ongoing problem at Georgetown:

Article: "Gay Georgetown Students Rally" by WUSA.

Video: "Georgetown Students Protest in Response to Alleged Hate Crime" by WRC.

INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RTS: Building a Democratic Russia

2007-10-14T21:08:00.000-07:00

Last week, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice stated that the Russian government has accumulated too much power, which is blocking protection of the Russian people’s rights. Russia is in a transition to democracy under President Vladimir Putin.

"I think there is too much concentration of power in the Kremlin," said Rice.

In the U.S. State Department’s most recent human rights report on Russia, it describes the rising authoritarianism in the Kremlin, in addition to “a compliant legislature, political pressure on the judiciary, intolerance of ethnic minorities, corruption and selectivity in enforcement of the law, and media restrictions and self-censorship.”[1]

Thus, Rice has spoken with human rights activists in Russia to build institutions of democracy to offset rising arbitrary state power. Democratic elections are coming up in December and March, which she hopes will not be affected by democratic backsliding.

“How these two elections are carried out will have an effect on whether Russia is making the next step on toward democracy," said Rice.

Rice has made an important point that Russia should protect the rights of its people. The U.S. is making a wise move by remaining active in Russia’s transition to democracy. For one thing, Russia is still in the process of joining the World Trade Organization (WTO). Ensuring that its government maintains a smooth transition to democracy in future years, especially the next few, will be vitally essential. It must be guaranteed that Russia has a stable government that protects its people’s rights.

Freedom of speech and communication is another point worth mentioning. Electronic media restrictions have cast doubt on the freedom of speech. If the Kremlin is already amassing so much power to limit the media’s independence, one must wonder if it will ever become a “true democracy” in the future. The Russia media should have its free voice in a democracy.

Russia must build a strong foundation in the beginning, and the U.S. is right in being committed to helping it do so.

- Denise

International Human Rights

[1] http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/europe/10/13/rice.russia.ap/index.html

Killadelphia - The city of brotherly love?

2007-10-13T18:51:00.000-07:00

The Streets of Killadelphia

http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/us/2007/10/11/mattingly.killadelphia.cnn

You still think Philadelphia is the city of brother love? Shaunta McDuffie wouldn’t agree with you. She lost her 14-year-old son to a violent, senseless killing this year. He was riding his bike with a couple of his pals, when the driver of the car behind him honked his horn, then shot and killed him. Cnn.com covered a report about the disturbing turn of events in Philadelphia. News reports show at least a homicide a day, with at least 300 people dead and counting during 2006. Living in perpetual fear, residents say that people get shot for something as mundane as a parking spot.

“Twenty years ago, people had disputes, and fights but they settled it with fists, now they use bullets”, says Mark Lamont Hill, an anti-violence expert. The problems are less about gangs and violence and more about individuals living frustrated unrewarded lives. Its more about frustrated individuals with guns.

Lawmakers believe that the revitalization of the city and economy would go far in curtailing the reports since, it would give people jobs and economic freedom. It would lessen the burdens people are under. People are so frustrated with their lives, the smallest issue could spark killing sprees in traffic, supermarkets, and neighborhood parks.

The educational system leave much to be desired - Philadelphia ranked 92nd in the a study of the number of adults with college degrees, according to a study by the Brookings Institution's Center on Urban and Metropolitan Policy.

Thoughts? The media and lawmakers are quick to point to gun proliferation as the chief cause of city violence. Hardly any thought is given to how the problem could go deeper than simply a knack for violence in trigger-happy gangs.

To me? Part of the problem, is the fact that people are obsessed with the need for speed : the need to get the most in the fastest possible way. Everybody is in a hurry to get nowhere fast, and nobody is immune from the onslaught, even a 14 year old kid.

Jasmine - On Philadelphia

Health: Healthy Worldwide Children

2007-10-13T13:55:00.000-07:00

Thanks to the recent assignments I have been receiving on the topic of childhood obesity, I’ve been inspired to write a couple words on the topic of childhood health – and this time I truly do mean a couple words.

Going through the news this past week there were a number of articles that touched on the pressing dangers of unhealthy childhood. An article in the Canadian newspaper, The Globe, based out of Toronto, touches on the topic of “wheat-washing” – the marketing of food as whole wheat products to give the illusion of health. Another newspaper, The Independent Online, based in Cape Town, South Africa, discusses new statistical proof on how alcohol abuse is “frying the brains” of South African youths. A newspaper in Melbourne, Australia, The Sunday Herald Sun, documents an increase of childhood obesity, diabetes and depression.

These may all be different issues, but they happen everywhere. They also evidence the growing worldwide concern for youth and their health. The decline in teenage and childhood wellbeing is a worldwide problem and something that is in desperate need of a solution.

Friday, Oct. 13, I had the privilege of meeting Secretary-General of the United Nations Ban Ki-Moon and listening to his address at the United States Peace Corps Headquarters. While he was there he talked about the nature of global issues saying: “Global problems have global impacts and they need global solutions.”

I think that he is right. These issues are a result of a worldwide shift. Based on the globalization of our planet, we cannot control these issues on a local scale. I’m not arguing that localized programs are a problem, but they are lacking the coordination that a worldwide program could have – and as a result they also lack the worldwide sharing of successful tactics.

I’m still debating if this is an issue for a multinational organization, such as the United Nations, of if it could be sustained by a non-governmental organization. However, I think it is self-evident that we need a worldwide sustainable solution.

Let California Ring

2007-10-11T11:38:00.001-07:00

As Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, R-Calif., prepares to veto a gay marriage law passed by the state legislature for the second time, a coalition of 40 groups, including the Equality California Institute, launched an ad campaign as a part of its Let California Ring initiative.

The legislature passed the bill on Sept. 7 and Gov. Schwarzenegger has until Oct. 14 to sign or veto the measure. Since insiders say his most likely argument for a veto will be he's "following the will of the people," the California Institute is attempting to sway public opinion in favor of marriage equality, currently at 43%.

Unusually, the :60 second spot doesn't feature a single gay or lesbian person. It features a bride trying to reach her groom at the alter but is unable to do so because of various obstacles (people grabbing her dress, items blocking the aisle, and etc.).

EDUCATION: Do Thank-Yous Work?

2007-10-11T11:19:00.000-07:00

Apparently, high school students are worried that a high GPA, good SAT scores and extracurricular activities aren’t enough to get them in to college these days. According to a New York Times article published on October 9, more and more college applicants are sending thank-you notes to admissions officers and interviewers, thanking them for their time and consideration. Patrick J. O’Connor, director of college counseling at the private Roeper School in Birmingham, Mich says that “it seems like a small thing, but I tell my students that every contact with the college contributes to their perception of you.”

But Woody O’Cain, the admissions director at Furman University in South Carolina says he realizes many of them are strategic. And schools like NYU, Johns Hopkins and MIT simply throw the notes out without even reading them. According to the New York Times, Barbara F. Hall, associate provost for enrollment management at N.Y.U., said writing a note was “a very polite thing to do.” But, she added, the university does not keep the notes, because “with our reading files twice, we don’t need extraneous material, and that is extraneous.”

At some schools, however, the notes are placed in students filed. “Is it necessary to write a thank-you note?” said Janet L. Rapelye, dean of admissions at Princeton. “No. But I’m still in favor of them. Expressing gratitude is a lovely quality.”

Whether or not thank-you notes are kept or remembered is obviously up for debate, but I think the idea is an interesting one- especially from a PR standpoint. Students feel like sending the notes adds to their character and builds a positive image that colleges will respond to. But I can’t help but wonder if it actually works or if just makes them seem desperate. Shouldn’t their application say enough?

-Lisa Rassenti

Immigration and Gang Related Activities

2007-10-09T17:39:00.000-07:00

(2006) ( 2, 294) (3,974) (7,655) (700) (2005)
These seemingly random numbers describe increasingly disturbing statistics and facts;

Since 2006, the arrests of the U.S Immigration and Customs Enforcement have increased from 2, 294 to 3,974. They have also have arrested 7, 655 people from 700 gangs since 2005.

The Federal lawmakers have arrested and deported people involved in gang-related activities, thereby enforcing immigration law across the U.S.
A recent three month crackdown across the U.S resulted revealed that the nationwide implications of this goes beyond a few arrests. The arrests recorded in the five cities below came after the ICE targeted specific gangsters and they associated gangs or organizations.

New York – 205 arrests
Dallas – 121 arrests
Miami – 160 arrests
Fort Smith, Ark – 42 arrests
Boston - 59 arrests
Interestingly, opponents of these crackdowns take issue not with the crackdown themselves but with the seemingly “end-justify-the-means” implications of these operations.

This begs the questions: are the raids justified in the pursuit of law and order? And is the immigration issue separate from criminal and gang enforcement. Are they related?
Case in point, and with an interesting choice in words, Sgt. Kelly O'Rourke of the Metropolitan Gang Strike Force in Minneapolis-St. Paul, describes the immigration charges as a “helpful tool” in their bid to control the growth of gangs and gang wars. Her words imply that in a bid to ensure peace and tranquility amid the evolving gang influence, the immigration issue could become a “control” yardstick.
Not all raids have resulted in “legal” immigration-related arrests, however. The department of Homeland security has been accused of misconduct and malfeasance for crossing the line by Nassau County Executive Thomas Suozzi.
Another question arises: Do Sanctuary laws, contribute to crime? Media reports of deported illegal immigrants who return to the United States, and continue to commit crimes, make these questions sufficiently viable.

Opponents suggest that sanctuary law undermines policing and hampers the campaign against crime. To arrest an American citizen when they commit a crime all that is required is a warrant as opposed to when an illegal alien commits a crime.

Jasmine on Immigration Issues

Immigration and Gang-Related Statistics

2007-10-09T17:36:00.000-07:00

Immigration and Gangs

GLBTQ: String of Hate Crimes Sweeps Nation's Capital

2007-10-09T08:02:00.000-07:00

There has been a disturbing trend in the District of Columbia over the past month. The Washington Post reports there have been a series of anti-gay hate crimes in a relatively small amount of time.

****

Sept. 25, 2007

Three persons on bicycles follow a man leaving a nightclub at 9^th & O Streets NW, taunt him with anti-gay remarks and then hit him with an unidentified object.

Sept. 13, 2007

A transgendered person is thrown through a plate-glass window in the 800 block of 7^th Street NW.

Sept. 9, 2007

Two men attack a 19-year-old Georgetown student in the 1400 block of 36th Street NW. The attackers yell homophobic epithets during the attack and leave the victim with cuts and bruises to the face and a broken thumb.

Aug. 5, 2007

Now, authorities are saying the Aug. 5, 2007, execution-style murders in a New Jersey school yard were possibly anti-gay motivated and are considering declaring it a hate crime. According to a Washington Blade article, the students killed were planning to attend a gay pride rally that day. Unfortunately, the students never made it there.

****

As advocated in an earlier blog posting, this only reiterates the need for a nationwide hate crimes bill that includes sexual orientation AND gender identity. Though, it appears the President is still planning to veto the Matthew Shepard Act and Congress still may not have the votes to override his decision.

INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS: A Government Blacklisting Peacemakers?

2007-10-08T19:25:00.000-07:00

Apparently, the Philippines government blacklisted 504 people related to the “Al-Qaeda/Taliban Link” in July and August. These people are banned from entering the country. It is not known whether or not this blacklist is still in effect. According to Human Rights Watch, which recently uncovered the document, the blacklist contains names of people from over 50 countries, including “individuals from U.S.-based organizations such as Church World Service, the Methodist Church General Board of Church and Society, the National Lawyers Guild, and the Center for Constitutional Rights.” [1]

Certainly does not sound like people tied to Al Qaeda or the Taliban to me.

What’s astonishing is that some of the Americans targeted in the list are nothing more than peacekeepers who visited the Philippines. Ramsey Clark, a former U.S. attorney general, had visited the Philippines to help human rights victims of the armed forces. The Philippines government has been under intense scrutiny for extrajudicial killings of government critics and activists, by which Philippines President Gloria Arroyo has shrewdly welcomed international assistance in examining unsolved killings.

Clearly, the blacklist is a form of suppression of freedom and speech in the Philippines. The discovery of blacklists also does not help build a better reputation for the Philippines, much less President Arroyo’s open international invitation to investigate the cases.

What is the irony of the situation? The Philippines is a nation that “prides itself on being a democracy that values free speech.”[1] The authors of the blacklists should see that they are doing a disservice to their country’s “open policy” of investigations into the killings. Rather than promoting justice, the blacklists only appear to suppress speech and peacemaking in the Philippines. The world will think, “If they can blacklist non-violent people, wouldn't it be possible for them be held responsible for unsolved killings?” The president’s message to the world would be of no value – and the image of the nation would do nothing but crumble.

-Denise
International Human Rights

[1] http://hrw.org/english/docs/2007/09/28/philip16961.htm

HEALTH: Celebrating the Diversity of Ability Through National Disability Employment Awareness Month

2007-10-05T08:03:00.000-07:00

So, as many people probably do not know, October is National Disability Employment Month.

I’m not a very big fan of this “National Month” process. First of all, I think it embeds organizational discrimination because it continues to remind people of our differences and not our sameness. Secondly, it implies that all the other 11 months of the year are not for specific groups of people. And lastly, there just aren’t enough months to cover everyone out there. For instance, National Disability Employment Month (October 1 to October 31) overlaps with National Hispanic Month (September 15 to October 14).

HOWEVER, having said this, I REALLY like National Disability Employment Month. It’s an opportunity to show the fortitude of people that not only have to combat stereotypes and discrimination, but also have real, tangible, and every day limitations and obstacles. I do not think this can be said for any other group of people and it truly emphasizes the resilience and determination of this unique population.

Keeping on topic, my motivation for this blog came while I was writing the press release for the Peace Corps for our “celebration of National Disability Employment Month” (click here to see the release). This month gave me the great opportunity to get in touch with Peace Corps Volunteers (and employees!) around the world who are either have limited abilities or are working with disabled host country nationals.

What is so striking about Peace Corps Volunteers in particular, at least to me, is that the not only transgress stereotypes in the U.S., but also abroad. Furthermore, people do not seem to understand that because someone has certain limitations it doesn’t mean that they are incapable of, say, going halfway around the world to help others. These Volunteers are not only able to fulfill the mission of the Peace Corps, but they bring very valuable and specialized lessons to their work and help debunk stereotypes worldwide.

I was able to communicate with four Peace corps Volunteers that truly inspired me:

Brooke James is a legally blind Peace Corps Volunteer who is breaking stereotypes through her Service in Cameroon. James has the juvenile form of macular degeneration called Stargardt’s disease and has been legally blind since the age of 13. However, despite this limitation, she has followed her dreams and joined Peace Corps and has not been disappointed: “I'm here and loving every minute of it,” said James. “However, I have faced some serious visual obstacles.”

Another label breaker is Allison Rice, a Deaf Peace Corps Volunteer who works with the Deaf Education Program teaching literacy and HIV/AIDS awareness. According to Rice, many Kenyans correlate disabilities to ineptitude and are also surprised to discover that Deaf Americans, such as herself, exist.

“There are Deaf people in Kenya and all over the world,” wrote Rice in an email. “At the moment, the only thing I love is being able to deflate the ongoing stereotypes and villagers' limited view on Deaf people in the world.”

Something that I also found very interesting was the immense worth of limited Peace Corps Volunteers, especially in the Deaf Education Program in Kenya. Here, as in other places world wide, limited Peace Corps Volunteers placed in areas where their specific skill-sets are needed not only to provide an example of their capability, but to help teach others who may not understand their perspective. It is the perfect twisting of ‘disabled’ to the, now cliché, ‘differently abled.’

“I have good relationships with all fellow volunteers, which is based on interdependency and being helpful,” wrote Frank Lester, who is also a Deaf Volunteer in Kenya. “I would help them with their sign language skill, as well as educate them on deaf issues. They would assist me with communication access. We all have different strengths we use to contribute to our joint projects.”

As I noted before, there are also abled Peace Corps Volunteers that work to help disabled host country nationals find better ways to contribute their strengths, find employment and help themselves. Megan Monroe, an abled Peace Corps Volunteer in Ecuador, has been working with a blind organization in her host community.

“This group has incredible manual abilities,” said Monroe who continues to be inspired by her counterparts. “The group of the blind is self organized and formed with the intention to better their lives and reach out and provide developmental opportunities for those living with a visual disability.”

The work of Peace Corps Volunteers is just the best example that I have to show the how the disabled are not only abled, but uniquely valuable. And this value is transnational, cross-cultural, imperative, and crucial. My only hope is that people continue to respect, enable, and initiate opportunities for this group of Americans.

-Erika Eckstrom, Issues of Health

EDUCATION: Vulgarity vs. Free Speech

2007-10-03T10:15:00.000-07:00

On Sept. 21, Colorado State University's student newspaper The Rocky Mountain Collegian ran an editorial with the message "Taser this...F*** Bush" in the space where a 600-word editorial should have been. The newspaper's editors wrote the message in response to the Sept. 18 incident at the Univ. of Florida where a student was tasered by police at a forum featuring Sen. John Kerry. According to the New York Times, the campus paper "ran a news article on its front page that discussed free speech regulations on college campuses, as well as the disputed attack."

The paper's editor-in-chief, J. David McSwane, has vowed that he will not resign, but school supervisors are meeting this week to decide whether he should be fired for agreeing to publish the message. According to the New York Times, "the board plans to consider whether the language violated the newspaper’s code of ethics, specifically the provision that 'profane and vulgar words are not acceptable for opinion writing.'"

In a letter to the public in defense of his decision, McSwane wrote: “We feel this statement, albeit unpopular, was necessary in communicating our opinion that it’s time college students challenge the current political climate and speak out."

Since the editorial was published, advertisers have pulled $30,000 worth of ads, student pay has been cut and the paper’s reputation has suffered. The message was obviously meant to be an expression of free speech, but was it worth it?

I believe college student newspaper writers and editors, like every other American, have the right to free speech. But in this case, there are a million other ways the editors could have expressed their opinions without putting the university's reputation and newspaper's integrity on the line. The four-word message wasn't accompanied by an written explanation and I believe they could have gotten their point across much more effectively by way of a traditional editorial. The bold, unnecessarily vulgar headline likely left readers confused and annoyed rather than impressed and, in my opinion, simply gives the newspaper a lack of credibility.

For college newspapers, I believe there are better ways to champion free speech without putting the university’s reputation, fellow staff members’ jobs and the newspaper’s integrity on the line.

-Lisa

HEALTH: New York Smoking Ban Connected to Decrease in Heart Attacks

2007-10-02T07:27:00.000-07:00

This week I came across an article in the Ithaca Journal, my hometown newspaper in Ithaca, N.Y., about the purported link between a decrease in heart attacks and the New York State law banning smoking in all workplaces, including bars, taverns and restaurants.

New York, which was passed the Clean Indoor Air Act on March 26, 2003, was the first of at least 22 states and the District of Columbia to enact measures to eliminate smoking in workplaces. The law was created to protect people from unwanted second-hand smoke.

According to a report issued by the state Health Department on September 27, hospitals admitted 3,813 fewer patients for heart attacks in the year following the enactment of the law. This, in monetary terms, resulted in a $56 million savings for the state in the year of 2004.

A related article on the website for WBZ-TV, a station in Boston, Mass. , contrasted the views of Harlan Juster, who led the study and works for the state Health Department, and Michael Seigel, a professor at Boston University’s Social and Behavioral Sciences Department.

Harlan argued that the study was unbiased. “Clearly, I’m a researcher, but I’m also probably a tobacco control advocate,” he said. “But I’m a researcher first. If the [clean air] law was not effective I would be reporting that, but the law is effective.”

Seigel, who I agree with, countered that, “You can’t conclude that the decline was due to the smoking ban. Because it’s possible that decline was happening everywhere, and without assessing data from every state, there’s no way to know.”

Both have valid points, but on the whole – the entire report leaves me with what question: how can you prove that the two are directly connected. Just because trends coincide, it does not mean that they are causal. This does not mean that I do not think that the law does not advocate better health – I’m just saying that there doesn’t seem to be a direct connection to a decrease in heart attacks.

The Ithaca Journal, however took a different slant and looked at the effect that the law has had on the bar and restaurant industry. For instance, they took a statement from the Empire State Restaurant and Tavern Association on how the group has accepted the band but has been hurt in the long run. “A lot of people stopped coming into bars when they couldn’t have a cigarette,” he said.

Juster countered these notions, however, by saying that the law was created to protect New York citizens, not to hurt the restaurant and bar industry.

This different perspective was extended into the comments that were posted on the Ithaca Journal’s website. Now, I’ll be the first to admit that Ithaca is not the typical audience – I’d probably best describe the inhabitants as those who got lost on their way back from a Woodstock concert in the ‘60s and ‘70s – however they do have some interesting comments that show that the ban has created a sticky situation when it comes to civil liberties and the freedom to do business.

One person commented:

“I am so glad that New York State is here to protect me and everybody else.”

This comment was followed with a frowning/scared smiley face, evidencing the writers sarcasm.

Another person wrote:

“A couple of years ago I went to America on my vacation. I drove through 4 states on 5 interstates and NEVER paid a toll. Gasoline was a quarter of a gallon cheaper. When I went to a restaurant they asked me if I wanted smoking or non. I was shocked. I rarely ever sit in the smoking section of restaurants because I prefer not to be around it while I’m eating. BUT I had the choice, and I saw people on both sides enjoying their freedom.”

These comments only can lead me towards my final conclusion. The smoking ban, though great for people like me who hate smoke and despise coming home reeking of cigarettes, has yet to be proven as a measure worthy of denying people their civil liberties. Further, the lack of evidence that this law is directly linked to an improvement in people’s health is trounced by the substantial data showing the negative impact that this law has had on local, small-scale business.

-Erika Eckstrom, Issues of Health

INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS: Birth Pains of a New Burma

2007-10-01T21:07:00.000-07:00

Last week, the Bush administration urged China to curb severe violence in Burma (also known as Myanmar), the largest geographical country in Southeast Asia, which is currently transitioning into a new government. Earlier this year, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) convened during its annual summit. ASEAN foreign ministers insisted that Burma speed up its transition to democracy and national reconciliation. Yet since then, the country’s progress has been hampered by human rights abuses, especially anti-government protests since August. According to the Washington Post, just last week the U.S. Treasury Dept. incurred financial sanctions on 14 Burmese officials accused of human rights abuses.

The Bush administration has continued to call upon countries with influence near Burma to support the Burmese people’s goals for democracy.

A critical problem is that authorities in Burma have increasingly cut communication to the outside world by shutting down the Internet and other methods of contact. As a result, U.S. officials have limited information about human rights abuses in Burma, such as the exact death toll. Although the U.S. has a mission in Burma, it has recently been difficult for diplomats to testify about events.

Lack of communication is hampering the world from learning about Burma. Even the technologically advanced U.S., does not know how serious human rights abuses are in Burma.

Hopefully the ASEAN nations will team up and help Burma get out of the mess it is currently in.

Lack of media, internet and phone communication also makes us realize how often we take communication for granted. The world relies on communication vehicles such as the internet, TV, phone and other forms of media to share information globally. National governments especially need the communication tools to negotiate and work with one another to foster peace and understanding.

Even if ASEAN does not come to Burma’s rescue soon, one would like to anticipate that the Burmese authorities will shortly reopen to the doors to communication.

-Denise

Have something to say about Burma? Post your comment!

Chess: The Jealous Mistress

2007-10-01T12:54:00.000-07:00

Take the red line train to Dupont Circle, and take a walk towards the “University campus”. There, you may run into its president, king and bishop- Tom Murphy. Wells Tower profiled the chess maven in the September 30th, 2007 edition of the Washington Post. The campus consists of little more than ten rudimentary table-and-chair sets lining the sidewalk between New Hampshire Avenue and P Street NW. The article describes a world of intellectuals who rule the chess circuit in Dupont Circle. Murphy, a 49-year old artist, unencumbered by the regular rigmarole of society, holds court, navigating life with street smarts and an intellect belied by his disheveled appearance. Murphy started out with great success and potential. In school he excelled in math and played the viola. Once he discovered chess, he became adept at it and competed in many championships. Once he began playing speed chess for money however, there was no going back. Chess became his one and all, taking the place of gainful employment, meaningful relationships and security. Beyond the “halls” of Dupont Circle, Murphy is well known in both the professional chess world as well as the underground world. This other group, reveal two sides to the ancient game of strategy and intellect: the bookish, learned side, as well as the street-smart world of hustlers and grifters. All in all, they all bring to chess, an intellect defying understanding. Murphy holds lessens for passersby alike and admirers. He artfully engages his student’s pockets, often without even trying. He is described as someone adept at teaching the art form, and he has hopes of making a profession out of it. Interestingly, he is adept at blitz chess also known as fast chess. “What drives my obsession is the search of the next painting on the chessboard. It might take a painter a week, or a month to crate his masterpiece. In blitz, you do it in five minutes”, says Murphy. On the surface, it’s easy to disregard Murphy as wasting his life but upon further reflection, one comes back with the realization that there may be method to his madness. Say the game is a plan for his own life, and then Murphy plays it well. Making strategic fast-thinking decisions, living life as it comes, and does just enough to survive. There is a quiet dignity about him. He earns money by “hustling” or offering tutorials where he can. He seeks not handouts but doesn’t go beyond his comfort zone either. Walls’ article aptly describes Chess University, a bohemian village just overlooking the bureaucratic castle of the nation’s decision-makers. For more information, see The Days and Knights of Tom Murphy
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/09/25/AR2007092501981_Comments.html?referrer=emaillink

Jasmine

EDUCATION: The Arabic-English Curriculum Debate

2007-09-29T10:31:00.000-07:00

In this week's Newsweek, there is an article titled "Speech Impediment" in the periscope section that discusses how, despite the fact that Arab-language programs are on the rise in the U.S., many public schools are facing criticism for including the language in their curriculum. Author Larraine Ali focuses her analysis on the controversy over the nation's first bilingual Arab-English public school, the Khalil Gibran International Academy in Brooklyn, N.Y. and the criticism it is facing from an organization called the Madrassa Coalition.

The Madrassa Coalition claims that its mission is to halt radical Islamist agendas in curricula and believe that a tactic of our Islamic enemies is to use "education and the inculcation of children." In fact, Newsweek notes that their campaign attracted worldwide media coverage and was even able to pressure the school's Arab-American principal to step down. This was an interesting tactic on the part of the coalition because not only were they able to have major influence on one school, but they have also put fear in to the hearts and minds of every principal interested in starting Arabic-languages at their school.

An interesting thing to note, however, is that even despite such controversy, the "National Capital Language Resource center in D.C. estimates that the number of public schools offering full-time Arabic instruction for K-12 students has quadrupled from less than 10 in 2001 to more than 40 today." This goes to show that no matter how influential an organization like the Madrassa Coalition may seem, it is ultimately the public who will decide what and how they want to learn.

-Lisa Rassenti

GLBTQ: Decades-Long Gay Hate Crime Battle Ends in Legislative Victory, Faces Presidential Veto

2007-09-28T10:38:00.000-07:00

On Thursday, the Senate passed the first expansion of hate crime legislation since the 1960s including acts of violence based on a victim’s sexual orientation, gender, disability or gender identity; currently, hate crimes law only covers religion, race, national origin and color. Since the House passed the bill earlier this year, hate crime legislation that includes GLBTQ violence will, for the first time, head to the President’s desk for approval. President Bush has said he intends to veto the legislation.

Senate Democrats, however, have employed a cunning strategy in an attempt to force the President to sign the bill. They attached the hate crimes expansion to a defense authorization bill, which, according to Sen. Ted Kennedy, D-Mass., no president has ever vetoed. If the President does, however, veto the bill, neither chamber has enough votes to override the veto.

Critics on the right argue social legislation has no role in a defense spending bill; but, it very much has a role. According to a LA Times article that recapped the debate of the bill, Sen. Gordon Smith, R-Ore., as he spoke in favor of the legislation, displayed a photo of a gay sailor who was killed in 1992 because he was gay. In fact, he was so badly beaten that his own mother could only identify him because of the tattoo on his arm.

The bill is nicknamed the Matthew Shepard Hate Crimes Bill after the Wyoming college student who was brutally beaten and murdered in 1998 because he was gay. The incident received international attention and brought to light the need for inclusion of sexual orientation in hate crime legislation. For those unfamiliar to the story, Wikipedia has very good summary of the attack.

The Human Rights Campaign reports that according to the FBI, 25 Americans each day are victims of hate crimes; that’s one hate crime ever hour. In fact, one in six of those crimes are motivated by the victim’s sexual orientation. So, surprisingly, the President’s veto threat is based on his feeling that the bill is “unnecessary.”

This is the President’s chance to really focus on his legacy – to leave a positive, lasting impact on our society and to stand up to injustice and bigotry. With approval ratings at Nixonian levels, can he really afford not to sign this bill?

EDUCATION: Will money solve problems or make more at Va. Tech?

2007-09-24T18:59:00.000-07:00

After the April 16 shootings at Virginia Tech, a memorial fund was created to help victims and the families of those killed. According to the Washington Post, it was created from an outpouring of 20,000 donations from across the country, ranging from $5 to as much as $1 million. All in all, $7.5 million was collected and is scheduled to be distributed within weeks.

In order to receive a portion of the fund, families or victims must have applied by September 15 and, according to the Post, all 78 of the eligible parties applied. Families of those killed will receive about $180,000 each and those injured will receive either $45,000 or $90,000 depending on how long they were in the hospital. They will also receive free tuition at Virginia Tech. Since the money is from private funders instead of the state, accepting money from the fund does not bar families from suing the university- an action many plan to take. A spokesman for many of the victim's families said "they feel that only through legal action will the truth unfold and accountability fall into place."

One controversy arising, however, is whether or not money from the fund will be taxable. In the Washington Post article, the fund administrator is quoted as saying: "Virginia Tech thinks the money is taxable. Other individual family members have consulted with their tax attorneys, and they say it isn't." I believe this comment reflects extremely negatively on Virginia Tech because it makes them seem as if they want the money to be taxed so they can at least get some of it from the state. Unfortunately, this article also reflects negatively on the families. Apparently the families were angry because originally the money was going to be used to fund scholarships for students, but they insisted they get it personally.

I just think it's sad that after such a terrible event, people are fighting over money. It surely won't reflect well on the university that so many families are suing, but it also makes you wonder what these families are really after. It will be interesting to see how the university handles any bad press.

-Lisa Rassenti

Anarchy in the CAR: Government Killing Civilians

2007-09-23T19:21:00.000-07:00

The “State of Anarchy: Rebellion and Abuses Against Civilians” report was released yesterday by Human Rights Watch regarding the brutal killings of hundreds of civilians in a counterinsurgency campaign to in the northern part of Central African Republic (CAR) since 2005. One must wonder what it takes for the world to actually respond to modern day human atrocities nowadays. Need we wait for thousands or millions more civilians to be killed?

Since 2005. This sounds just about as bad as the human rights crimes that were occurring in Iraq. Oh, and what’s the difference? There’s no oil involved in the CAR.

Since 2005, the government forces of CAR, rebel groups and zaraguinas, gangs who kidnap children for ransom, have been responsible for these brutal attacks. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs has counted that as much as 102,000 civilians have escaped their homes. The horrifying fact is that the government forces have been the main culprit of this. And get this, not a single soldier or officer has been accused of the CAR massacres.

Once again, these massacres have occurred since 2005. Two years of killings.

Human Rights Watch (HRW) has communicated its concerns to the United Nations and the European Union. “The European Union is considering deploying a civilian protection force to CAR and Chad, to ensure that the force has the mandate and the capacity to provide effective protection to civilians in CAR”, according to HRW. It has also requested CAR’s former colonial power, France, to take action by providing military assistance to the CAR.

What is utterly deplorable is that it has taken this long, since 2005, for world action. The news has been widely disseminated throughout the world, and only recently has the news obtained occasional media attention worldwide. The fact is, human massacres are still occurring, as we speak. It’s about time that international forces step in and quell these atrocities. What kind of government goes about and kills its own people? It is completely ridiculous. Let’s see if and how soon the United Nations, the European Union or France steps up to integrity. Human lives are at stake. Common sense tells me that the CAR absolutely cannot spare another two years of waiting.

-Denise

Coming of Age in Fort Hunt – The “Elderly” Neighborhood

2007-09-23T16:19:00.000-07:00

The Monday, September 17, 2007 edition of the Washington Post had an article about Fort Hunt, a neighborhood in Fairfax, VA. Apparently, more than 22 percent of Fort Hunt’s neighborhood is 62 or older, and the neighborhood accordingly reflects that.

Unlike small towns in many parts of American, a visit to Fort Hunt will give you a snapshot of what the future could hold for many of us. The seniors in Fort Hunt have built peer networks and solidified connections within their groups. The family-owned and operated gas station, owned by Ruth Ann-Harvey, 84 has been a landmark since 1960. Run by Harvey who, stays behind the register six days a week, their clientele is primarily the elderly who feel a sense of accomplishment in taking care of their vehicles.

The town also has the Hollin Hall Variety Store that probably has not changed its merchandise since the 1950s. They sell things like 50-cent cards to a community to whom letter writing never lost its appeal. They also have canning produce and tools for the elderly who amazingly do their own canning.

In a world of change and speed, its refreshing that the elderly can find a world to suit them. Many of the contents of the store would not resonate with youth of today but to the inhabitants of Fort Hunt, it speaks to a time when many of them were in their prime.

In a culture where old age sometime signifies the debility, it is refreshing to see a whole community determined to beat the odds. Campaigns to create “Mount Vernon at Home”, are underway. It is supposed to be a non profit organization, run by the elderly to suit their purposes. They want to solidify their own sense of worth and independence in their neighborhood.

Some of these elderly have lived exemplary lives that often belie their ages:

There are some like Myrtle “Mike” Niccolls, age 90 who keeps a daily schedule that many would find exhausting. A fundraiser for her Alma Mater Bryn Mawr College, her days are filled with teas with alumnae and recent graduates, her book club meetings and she even used to belong to a poker club.

Hanna Adams, age 103 lived there until 6 months ago, when she fell and had to move to an assisted living home.

With these lives, there is also a feeling of loss. A feeling felt almost everyday when they glance through the obituary pages. For “Mike”, aging has meant unrelenting loss. She glances through the paper and sees that her friend, 93 just passed. She feels an overpowering sense of loss over many things.

Unlike most parts of the world that have adopted the extended family concept, the American family concept is based on the nuclear family. Grandparents are a “separate” but beloved part of the family. What struck me with these stories about independence and loss and regret was there was no mention of their families. Although they were determined to live independent lives, there was also a great sense of loss with these individuals. Loss because they had lost many of their peers and friends, but what of their families?

In many parts of the world, it is almost unheard of for the grandparents to live apart from the family. The extended family is the norm, and thus it is interesting to discover the difference.

Jasmine -

HEALTH: Healthcare Costs and Inflation

2007-09-22T07:27:00.000-07:00

In the past four days there has been a number of articles posted relating to the cost of healthcare. Most notably are the Washington Post article on the regionalism of healthcare spending and the New York Times article on the slowing inflation of healthcare costs. These articles seem to be foils of each other – one emphasizing the exorbitant costs and the other the pseudo-stability of prices.

In sum:

The Washington Post cited Tuesday’s issue of the journal, Health Affairs in saying that the health maintenance costs in the United States, particularly in the Northeast, is a costly business. They noted that annual healthcare spending per person in the Northeast totaled $6,151 per person - with the highest being the District of Columbia ($8,295) and Massachusetts ($6,683). This is compared to the national average of $5,283 per person and the lowest, Utah, which came in with healthcare spending totaling only $3,972.

On the other hand, while the Washington Post reported this seemingly atrocious state of affairs in the Northeast, the New York Times was reporting that there is hope.

Stephanie Saul wrote that, “As overall health care costs continue to rise sharply, prescription drugs have emerged as a surprising exception.” The inflation of drug costs is at the lowest rate it has been at in the past three decades.

Economists are pointing to the increase of valid generic versions on the market to explain the leveling of inflation. Others point to the so-called “Wal-Mart $4 effect” as more companies are turning towards programs that supply generic drugs for minimal costs.

This however, does not mean that the market is at all stable – there has still been an 8.3 percent increase in prices since 2006 according to IMS Health. Furthermore, this increase is unlikely to end soon due to the strain that the aging baby-boomer population presents on the market.

My opinion:

Despite the decrease in pharmaceutical inflation the healthcare industry remains stable. Stable meaning that it is highly profitable and unattainable for a vast majority of the population. Looking at the cost of healthcare and even generic prescription costs, the per capita spending is still much above the financial abilities of many Americans - a fact that both articles seemed to neglect.

To be honest, that people in the Northeast pay the most does not disturb me – perhaps I have simply gotten adjusted to paying for medical care in Washington, D.C. I just don’t think that it should be surprising that the Northeast, the area with the highest personal income, the highest concentration of physicians and the lowest rates of uninsured, should pay the most for their healthcare per year. What would have disturbed me is if the Southwest and Rocky Mountain regions had the highest prices – these areas being more rural and often with lower income brackets.

Even more disturbing, according to the 2006 United States Census, the bottom 20 percent of this country’s households makes less than $23,202 (remember this is per household not per person). Using the national average of healthcare spending ($5,283) and the 2006 Census average household size (2.57 people per household), households in this segment of society spend $13,577.31, or 58.5 percent of their income, on healthcare spending.

Furthermore, 12.7 percent of U.S. households fall below the federal poverty threshold. Even more concerning this that, according to the Economic Policy Institute, 21.9 percent of United State children fall under this poverty threshold – the highest child poverty rate in the developing world.

So who is it, again, that can’t afford healthcare?

-Erika Eckstrom, Issues of Health

FEMINISM: Are Our Teenagers for Sale?

2007-09-17T20:04:00.000-07:00

Today, teens are facing a different and more powerful demand with regard to their appearance and popularity. Marketing campaigns have become more intense and messages involving image, health, and lifestyle, which are usually concerns of adults, are now fair-game for teens.

A book called Branded: The Buying and Selling of Teenagers by Alissa Quart dissects various marketing techniques of some of the biggest corporations and studies their impact on lifestyles of teenagers in recent American history. Quart believes "Marketers discovered, or invented, the American teen market during World War II and the early postwar era. They argued that teens would be spending their parent's money on movies, cosmetics, and records." She continues to discuss how marketing to children "kicked off" in the 1980's when movies geared towards children (such as Jaws and Star Wars) were released. Quart discusses how these films spurred a boom in memorabilia related products and how corporations jumped to sell items that were helped marketed by films. Perhaps the corporations felt they could transfer the special connection and feeling from the film to the product directly related to certain characters.

Something to ponder is the psychology and how corporations try to identify the ways in which people are predictable and harness it to sell a product. It's so fascinating to think about the process on how young teens are affected by these marketers. Quart states in her book "In 1945, Seventeen wrote memos to advertisers promising that teens were 'copy cats' who could be trusted to imitate one another by wearing the same clothes and eating the same food." What a powerful statement. Some might be offended by this. The magazine viewed women to be so gullible and lacking free will and originality. However, did they have a point?

Was the same notion was still present among similar publications? After some investigating, it was discovered that Teen published headlines such as “Learn how to get Popular” and a whole section dedicated to “New Body – New You” was seen on Teen Magazine's website (teenmag.com). It became clear that messages being sent to teen girls are not only about the exterior presentations, but also include suggestions on behavior and eating habits. This information is quite disturbing especially since the magazine markets to girls well before their teenage years. There are several 10-11 year old girls who might read Teen magazine and it seems like their parents would have little problem buying the it for them because they feel the “Teen” title will mean politically correct content. Do parents really know what their getting themselves into when they purchase a magazine for their 13 year old child? The material in these magazines is not something that 13 year old girls should be reading; the pressure put on these girls to worry about being popular or about weight at such a young age is not something they should be thinking about. What happened to running toward ice cream trucks and enjoying childhood for what it was; carefree.

Would you want your 13 year old girl to visit teenmag.com and see this in the “Why me?” section of the website where girls recant embarrassing situations?

"Me and my boyfriend have been going out for 7 months. I'm a cheerleader, and he's the head jock. So we are pretty popular. We were making-out behind the school, when all of a sudden I was getting really cold. It turns out that there was a loose nail, and it caught my shirt right around my chest. My boyfriend saw and never really paid attention, because it's not like he hasn't seen it before. We were making out. I have 3 older brothers (all popular) They videotaped it, and now to make sure they don't show my parents. Well, we were having sex. I have to do what ever they tell me to for the next 2 months. I was so embarrassed they showed the whole school for the talent show. I pretty much got suspended for a week. But hey my boyfriend enjoyed it!" (from teenmag.com August 3, 2007) Visit the Why Me Section: http://www.teenmag.com/seen-in-teen/why-me/

Any sociologist would have a field day with this girls need to mention popularity more than once. This is a pretty racy topic for a girl to be discussing so openly on a magazine that’s supposed to be dedicated to an age group between 13-18. Arguably, this website is a marketing tool. Teen magazine at the very least hopes that girls will visit the website and be more inclined to purchase the magazine. It is highly irresponsible for those who monitor the website’s content to allow such obscene material for young girls to see.

When thinking back to what Quart said about how marketers viewed teenagers in the 1940's, the same theory seems prevalent in today's society and marketers will take advantage if they can. But the real question is, can we blame them for merely doing their jobs? This gets into an ethical discussion, because we really should be asking what their limits are in how they affect the lives of young women in today's society. If they are just "doing their job", can they be blamed for influencing women's lifestyles? At the very least, it’s the parent’s responsibility to monitor what their children are consuming.

Today’s marketing campaigns, advertisements and their content, that are geared towards teens and seem to be forcing our children to grow up too quickly. If parents set good examples at home and begin to teach their children right from wrong at a young age, perhaps they can weaken the negative affects of these marketing campaigns and childhood can be carefree once again.

Cosima

INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS: Is The Chinese Government Staying True to Its Words?

2007-09-17T17:49:00.000-07:00

There are only 11 more months until the Olympics begin. How well has the Chinese government followed through on its promises to guarantee freedom of the press in exchange for hosting the 2008 Olympic Games?

In 2001, the government assured the International Olympic Committee (IOC) that it would loosen its rein on media control in its bid for hosting the 2008 Olympic Games.

Even last year, the Chinese government stated that it would allow accredited foreign journalists to “freely conduct interviews with any consenting Chinese organization or citizen,” according to Human Rights Watch.

Are Chinese officials actually “walking the walk” or just simply “talking the talk?”

Something seems to have gone terribly wrong. There has been international backlash at how the Chinese government is expressing its promises of media freedom. Just last month, police prohibited foreign journalists from visiting Yuan Weijing, the wife of imprisoned human rights advocate Chen Guangcheng, in Beijing. In another occurrence last month, Jiangsu court officials barred The New York Times and the South China Morning Post from attending the trial of Wu Lihong, an environmental activist.

If China is trying to appear as a nice country worthy of holding the 2008 Olympic Games, what message is it communicating to the world instead?

Truth be told: actions do speak louder than words.

If the Chinese government wishes to communicate a message of peace and harmony to the world, it certainly is not succeeding. After all, wouldn’t a country that holds an international event—a significant convergence of all cultures—be at the very least friendly to foreign journalists? After these incidents, it would be smart for Chinese officials to reevaluate their message to the international public. The wise thing to do would be to prove to the world that it can stay true to its earlier promises of media freedom. After all, wouldn’t any logical nation want to present a venerable image and prove its right to host the Olympic Games?

-Denise Lew

GLBTQ: Workplace Discrimination

2007-09-17T13:37:00.000-07:00

Imagine finding the job of your dreams. In fact, it’s not just a job to you – you’re doing something you love, and simply getting paid to do it. Now, imagine you are also one of the millions of hardworking and dedicated gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered or queer Americans. Depending on where you live in the United States, you could be fired at any moment if your employer discovers your sexual orientation.

This is a very real reality in America today. According to an article in today’s Washington Post 31 states allow employers to terminate an employee if s/he is gay or lesbian – no explanation required. The article also mentions the House of Representatives is about to consider the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) aimed at providing equality in most of America’s workplaces.

The ENDA would make it illegal for employers to make decisions about hiring, firing, promoting or paying an employee based on sexual orientation or gender identity (churches and the military exempt). Rep. Barney Frank, D-Mass., one of two openly gay members of Congress, expects it to pass the House, but few on the Hill are hopeful about the bill’s fate in the Senate.

The article goes on to say that GOP Senate members have already threatened a filibuster and it is unlikely the Democrats can round up enough Republican support to garnish the 60 votes needed to end the filibuster. Let's stop for a minute though. If you take a step back and look objectively at the situation, it so closely resembles the debate surrounding civil rights reform and former Senator Strom Thurmond's famed filibuster that it’s scary. "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere," Martin Luther King, Jr. once said.

Why would our country’s elected officials be opposed to preventing discrimination of any kind in the workplace? Adding women into the workplace didn’t turn out so badly. Neither did including African-Americans. So why more than 40 years later are we still discussing the legality of discrimination in the workplace? Regardless of one’s views on homosexuality or alternative lifestyles, I would think we could all agree that in the 21st century, the workplace is where all Americans can come together on equal footing in our own respective quests for the American dream. However, Republican senators and conservative lobbying groups beg to differ.

Hopefully, in the coming weeks, Republicans and conservatives will see this as a civil issue and not a social one. If you’d like to help extend equality into the workplace for GLBTQ Americans, contact your member of Congress and encourage him/her to support the Employment Non-Discrimination Act. Your expression of support could be the tipping point.

IMMIGRATION: Herndon, Virginia and sentiments about Immigration

2007-09-17T12:16:00.000-07:00

On Sunday September 16, 2007, the Washington Post contained an article which describes the opening of a new unofficial day laborer’s site following the closing of a controversial permanent hiring site. Herndon, Virginia and its citizens have been especially vocal about illegal immigration and the economy. Last year May, citizens voted to have three supporters of the official day laborer site removed and replaced them with people who supported changes and revisions for the center.

It appears that the authorities are monitoring this new site more closely and have had swifter penalties for people who are seen to associate with the workers. A woman who paused for about 30 seconds to speak to a laborer was ticketed, and a Salvadoran food truck was forced to close shop after being told that he lacked a special permit.

Most Americans have entrenched ideas on the issue of immigration and the day laborer issue. People who would not consider themselves as prejudiced would vote against the issue since the issue would be less about race and more about fairness. Paying for a day laborer site would mean that they are paying for a site to help illegal people earn money from people who have earned their money legally.

For the laborers, it is less about race and more about surviving circumstances that involve families back home. For them, the closing of the center, though a setback, will only spur them on to find other means of acquiring jobs.

This summer Herndon took part in a Federal Immigration Enforcement program. Within two months, they had arrested over 12 dozen suspected illegal aliens. The issue needs clear delineation on whether these illegal aliens are criminals or whether they are criminals because they are illegal aliens.

True, the issue of immigration needs scrutiny. There are two sides to every coin. True also, there must be rules to every legislative agreement. . The problem is defining what motivates the lawmakers? Can an objective platform be found?

Jasmine Addo – On immigration Issues

EDUCATION: Online Shame

2007-09-15T17:41:00.000-07:00

As a graduate of the University of Maryland, I have been paying close attention to how the University is dealing with the recent discovery of a noose hanging from a tree on campus. Just a few days ago, the University held a rally to encourage students to “speak out…to express their feelings about the noose and to discuss possible solutions to the racism and cultural separatism that led to it” (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/09/13/AR2007091302262.html). What I find even more interesting, however, are the comments posted by students on the campus newspaper’s website, The Diamondback, in response to articles published.

On the morning that the first article ran, a student posted that “there better be a MASSIVE cry of outrage from ALL Maryland students.” And on the website, students have been crying out all week—but not necessarily in agreement. While some have written comments in defiance of hate crimes or to suggest peaceful demonstrations, others have posted their belief that people are overreacting or making claims that the noose was hung by black students to gain more funding for their groups on campus.

Regardless of the harsh words being exchanged, one thing to notice is that the students who write the most controversial comments refuse to give their full name. They go by “freedom” or “C Slacker” and write what they want because they can. So my question is: has the anonymity of the online world removed people’s sense of shame from the dialog they have with others? It’s interesting that even in an education environment where students are meant to learn from each other, there is a place where people can voice their most negative feelings without more than a “You’re stupid” reply as repercussion. This is not a trend limited to the education world- but is relevant for all online media. If people feel so strongly that an article is an overreaction, why can’t they give their full name? I believe that creating a pseudonym takes away from the author’s credibility, especially on heated topics. To see the comments posted by Maryland students, visit:
http://www.diamondbackonline.com/home/index.cfm?event=displayArticleComments&ustory_id=f630e76e-283f-4875-b516-143ab3c219a0#1f2bcbca-e21f-41cf-8f0d-445b346c7872

-Lisa Rassenti

HEALTH: Hispanic Eyes

2007-09-15T07:43:00.000-07:00

With today being the start of Hispanic Heritage Month I thought I would present some arguments on health care issues that affect this particular group of people.

In today’s Miami Herald, Fred Tasker focused on eye disease and its effects on people of different ethnicities, especially those of Hispanic origin (“Ethnicity, eye disease linked”). He writes that “more than three-quarters of Hispanics and blacks do not know that their ethnicity is a major risk factor for glaucoma – with rates more than three times that of non-Hispanic whites,” citing the American Academy of Ophthalmology . Though this may be true, what impacts me is not the results of thus study, pointing towards genealogical ethnic difference. What strikes me is that “75 percent of Hispanics with glaucoma were undiagnosed.”

This is where the true issues in medical issues arise. Despite what doctors, scientists, and anyone else may say, health is a cultural reality. It is based in the beliefs and values of the individual and their community.

Lets say that the American Academy of Ophthalmology is right and Hispanics are more likely than white people to have glaucoma (to me the disease is irrelevant, but presents a good argument). Just because something is a scientific fact does not mean that it is a culturally pressing issue. Science cannot force someone to become aware of an issue. It can also not force people to go and get annual eye exams. It might be a motivating factor, but alone it is nothing without culturally grounded realities.

There are many aspects of cultural heritage that play out in political, sociological, and physical realms. For one, Hispanics are less likely to have health insurance – something that may be a result of American society and its own embedded culture. If someone is without insurance, would they pay attention to the science that tells them that they need to have annual check-ups and spend money on doctor fees? My answer is no.

A returned Peace Corps volunteer who served in Africa was speaking to me awhile back about her work with HIV/AIDS awareness in small villages. In her host family there were two teenage twin boys. She asked if they would go and get tested for HIV/AIDS. She said that their reaction was insightful: they would not get tested because what if they did have HIV/AIDS. They said that they would rather not know; rather avoid cultural stigmatization and future medical fees that they would not be able to afford. (See her blog for more details, as she mentions it there)

I think that Hispanics in the United States present a similar case. If they were diagnosed it would just cause more dilemmas in the long run. Yes, they would have an answer, but on the other hand they would always have that nagging feeling that they are trapped, unable to help themselves. Why put yourself in this situation?

So I’ll leave you with one last question – Should people care about issues that are, to them, hopeless?

- Erika, Issues of Health

Creativity is dead.

2006-11-13T18:41:00.000-08:00

Creativity is dead. Or is it?

For an analysis paper I’m working on, I’ve contacted a few artists who partner with non-profits to affect social change. When asked why there aren’t more artist and non-profit partnerships, every artist I interviewed listed two reasons: no money and lack of creative thinking. Non-profits are too busy keeping the lights burning and planning programs to worry about encouraging their small, overworked and underpaid staff members to be creative.

Let alone start a new program or partnership involving an artist.

I mean, art is an expensive extra that only affects a small percentage of the population, right? On the contrary, art is everywhere in our society, and it impacts everyone. Art extends beyond an art museum, studio or gallery into everyday life. Images, poetry and performance make messages more memorable than our traditional PR tactics like newsletters, brochures and yes, even blogs.

The inspiration for my research in non-profit art social movements came from a single dance performance I saw last year. A dance professor and choreographer created a piece that is performed by a professional dance company chronicling her personal experience with the Chinese international adoption process. She partners with Families With Children from China and the Panda Academy in Indianapolis to create awareness of their programs during performances. Before experiencing this dance, I had read countless articles about international adoption trends—I even wrote a paper about it.

But “Red Thread” brought Chinese adoption alive. Watching the dancers cut through the burdensome, government “red tape” and seeing the Chinese girls jump into the arms of their adoptive parents made international adoption real. Powerful. Memorable.

Another artist partners with a housing fund in Minneapolis, Minn. She had already been creating artwork based on the concept of “home.” Now the housing fund owns some of her work, and she travels to various corporations, non-profit groups and government offices to speak about her art, the concept of home and affordable housing. She says that art convenes people. It brings them together so they can hear a message in a different way. Most people wouldn’t attend a brown bag about affordable housing, but they’d go to hear an artist speak about a painting that is hanging in the office.

Non-profits rarely think creatively to convene an audience. Traditional brochures, fundraisers and speaker’s bureaus win out. But just think for a minute how powerful art can be in bringing people together, making a moment memorable and in communicating a message.

Maybe art could bring social change.

-Rachel

The YouTube jihad

2006-11-01T14:24:00.000-08:00

Last week I read an op-ed in The Washington Times about the removal of "anti-Islamist" material on sites like YouTube. Apparently, a number of users found videos that framed all Muslims as terrorists to be offensive, and they flagged the videos. Eventually, as per YouTube's blanket policy on flaggings, they were removed. The author of the op-ed believes that the removal of "anti-Islamist" materials is being spearheaded by Islamist terrorists. In the authors words, Americans need to "combat the terrorists' cyber-jihad," and regain control of sites like YouTube, who bend their will to terrorists.

This op-ed only reinforces, in my opinion, the belief that many Americans hold: All Muslims are terrorists and Islam is bad. The concept is obviously mirrored in the media, especially entertainment media, wherein the "bad guy" is almost always played by a foreigner. Before the Wall came down, movie terrorists were German and Russian. Today they're Middle Eastern and Muslim. While stereotypes will never disappear in society, I find the remediality of this particular one to be alarming.

The portrayal of Muslims as terrorists also perpetuates a general fear of the group by Americans. To go so far as to claim that terrorists like al Queda are actually using their multitude of resources to flag videos on YouTube? The idea is ridiculous, and tantamount to bigoted fear-mongering on the part of the author. It's this kind of thinking that gets Muslim travelers frisked unnecessarily, removed from planes, and feared by their fellow passengers.

~Christy

Defending The "Big" Bad Guys

2006-10-31T07:30:00.000-08:00

So most of us have seen "Thank You For Smoking"...this movie really got me thinking about communication and Corporate Communications specifically. We all could have a job someday that focuses us to sell our soul and sell the ideas of these Big companies in Corporate America, that morally we know is wrong. The main character in the "Thank You For Smoking" film has a tough job to not allow Big Tobacco to look like the villain all the time and to spin the press coverage to show the good things that the company is doing or to downplay the negativity.

Communicating successfully for the "bad guys" is something that takes true rhetorical talent.

It's easy to sell something that is wonderful for all Americans or is common sense, but to be on the other side, that takes some work. Some examples are if we were the head of communications for Wal-Mart or Disney...These people go into their jobs each day knowing that they can be hated. They are on the defense when reporters need to talk to them about their shady practices.

Here is an example of what reporters or organizations could say about them and it's the PR men and women's job to craft a defense for the Always-smiley-Wal-Mart or the- Happiest-Place-on-Earth-Disney-Corp. How would you frame these issues or what would be the perfect line of defense for these restless organizations and reporter's army?

Disney cares about children.

Well, let's clarify Disney cares about American children.

Walt Disney Co. (DIS) cares about our children's health. Disney has embarked on a new campaign and way of business to help decrease childhood obesity in this country. Disney stated this week that any food company that uses its brand name or characters has to comply with new Disney guidelines that set limits on fat, calories, and sugar that are in the products that their characters Market to children. This change was in part coming from ideas in Bill Clinton's Alliance for a Healthier Generation; Disney has been promoting their children friendly snack ideas tirelessly this week.

While promoting children's health here in the states, Disney is enabling children's health in third world countries to be extremely poor. Disney is one of the leading companies that use sweat shops in this world, which have been research to have children working in absolutely horrible conditions, especially for their health. So the question arises, if Disney cares about children and wants the recognition for it, Disney should care about ALL children and really take pride in making a difference for children around the world.

The characters of Disney stories and the thought of the happiest place on earth are supposed to bring a smile to many children's faces. For several kids around the world, it reminds them of a financial prison that has never treated them well. How can Disney be so in tune to the health needs of our American children and at the same time exploit the children around the world just for their own bottom line?

~Rhonda~

The New Black America

2006-10-22T16:44:00.000-07:00

In August 2006, Baltimore radio station 92Q hosted its annual Back-2-School Jam. Primarily targeted at urban middle to high school aged students, this year headliners were r&b/pop artists Neo and Chris Brown and southern rapper Lil Wayne. Early in the show, it was announced that Lil Wayne would not be appearing. Many of the concert goers knew that it was because he had been arrested the night before in Philadelphia for possession of illegal narcotics. Less that an hour before the concert was scheduled to end, and to the astonishment of fans, Lil Wayne came on stage- minus the entourage, blinged-out attire and other key components of a typical rap concert. He acknowledged his arrest, apologized to his fans and performed in lieu of a proper set-up. The fans went crazy. With nothing but a mic in his hand, Lil Wayne was regarded as the best performer of the evening.

Lil Wayne returned to Baltimore, for the first time since the Back-2-School Jam, this past Thursday to perform at Morgan State University’s Homecoming Concert. Arriving to the concert without a hitch, Lil Wayne again delivered a performance that made the crowd wild with excitement. When Lil Wayne performed his hit single “I Make It Rain,” which chronicals the rapper’s wealthy lifestyle and frivolity with money, he threw what has been estimated at over $1000 into the crowd. This ignited the crowd from excitement to frenzy. Several people were hurt as fans began to fight over the money; two were taken to the hospital. This weekend Lil Wayne was arrested for his involvement in the riot and charged with reckless endangerment.

The shenanigans of rappers would be called a PR nightmare by most, but the black community has embraced them and called it “keeping it real” and “street credibility.” For a rapper to be respected, he has to practice what he preaches including, but not limited to, all the promiscuity, drugs and violence that has characterized the genre.

It’s bad that Black America accepts this type of buffoonery because they feel that they can “relate.” What’s even worse is that they have not realized how corporate America has taken it, commercialized it, turned it into the most lucrative music genre and gotten rich at the expense of Black America’s dignity and self-respect.

Diplomacy vs. Anti-Diplomacy with North Korea?

2006-10-18T07:05:00.000-07:00

In his State of the Union Address in 2002, President George W. Bush named Iran, Iraq and North Korea state sponsors of terror that are seeking weapons of mass destruction and called them the “axis of evil.” Bush stated that: “The United States of America will not permit the world’s most dangerous regimes to threaten us with the world’s most destructive weapons.”

Bush’s speech may have been a mistake because he further isolated those countries, with the exception of Iraq. When the United States invaded Iraq, North Korea and Iran both accelerated their nuclear programs. North Korea, through its July 4 test of the Taepodong-2 missile and last week’s nuclear test, has ignored Bush. Thus, one of the world’s dangerous regimes has acquired the world’s dangerous weapons.

The U.S. and President Bush have recently turned to the United Nations for sanctions against North Korea. But sanctions will only isolate North Korea even more and allow it to continue its program. As for the citizens of North Korea, we have seen that Kim Jong-Il allows his people to starve to death to ensure North Korea’s isolation. Sanctions will affect his nation, not his regime.

In addition, North Korea doesn’t want to go to war with the U.S. because it knows its military doesn’t stand a chance against the U.S. military and its allies in the region. What North Korea wants is respect, protection, aid, admission into the international community and an end to the U.S. policy of regime change. On the other hand, the U.S. doesn’t want anymore atomic tests by North Korea; they want the International Atomic Energy Agency inspectors to return to North Korea’s nuclear facilities, and they don’t want it to sell nuclear materials to countries or groups that are considered “hostile” or “rogue” states.

The U.S. needs to practice “open-diplomacy” with North Korea, engaging it directly, as President Clinton did. The U.S. should also warn them that selling a nuclear weapon to a “hostile” regime or “rogue” state risks an attack by the U.S., and any nuclear weapon used against Americans will bring immense reprisal. At this point, there isn’t a need for the U.S. to attack North Korea. North Korea, like Iraq, never attacked the U.S. and a pre-emptive strike on it will bring further negative views on U.S. foreign policy. The Cold War was fought for decades without a single shot being fired from a weapon. The Cold War ended through talking.
#81

Internet brings new challenges/opportunities for political campaigns

2006-10-17T15:09:00.000-07:00

Three weeks before an election, political campaigns are making a final attempt to win votes. While old tactics like television commercials, direct mail, yard signs, bumper stickers, paid print advertisements and even some of the newer ones like email remain used, new tactics involving YouTube, MySpace, and FaceBook are now being used.

In an attempt to engage younger voters, MySpace and FaceBook have recently launched a new effort to register voters. Even before that, candidates running for positions both at local and federal levels created pages on social networking websites like MySpace and Facebook.
These new tactics are this season’s hot tool for political campaigns. A USA Today story quoted Democratic strategist Chris Lehane as saying that the new online campaign phenomena "will ultimately revolutionize politics."

These websites can either harm and/or help politicians and candidates. To share key messages and opinions, politicians are uploading their own political commercials on YouTube so that it simultaneously hits the television airwaves as their paid television spots do. Their opponents and even average citizens (for all we know they could be public relations firms acting as an average citizen) can also take advantage of the new efforts to air dirty laundry (U.S. Senator Conrad Burns nodding off during a Senate hearing and U.S. Senator George Allen ‘macaca’ comment come to mind).

The new strategic communications method of placing digital videos on the internet brings up a host of topics like proper disclosure and defining self before opponents define you.
Political operatives jump at the chance of framing an issue or a candidate. These new efforts are a good opportunity to help define (whether negatively or positively) candidates/opponents before they are defined. Placing clips of sleeping Senators on the web for millions to see can damage credibility and insight negative debate. The individual who uploaded the clip on web has framed and defines the Senator.

With the new explosion of YouTube, MySpace, and FaceBook as a campaign tool, we may see more young people getting involved/interested in politics. One thing is for sure, the new technology will only become more widely used as people become more dependent on the internet.

J.L.

Army Strong

2006-10-10T21:04:00.000-07:00

I can still here the jingle in my head: “Be all that you can be. . . in the army.” It was a great slogan. It was heard on television ads and seen in print ads for nearly 20 years. And it served the Army well in creating recognition of the military branch and recruiting new members.

In January 2001, the Army adopted a new slogan: the often-criticized “Army of One.” Not quite the same ring as “be all that you can be.” Apparently it’s not such a great recruiting slogan either. The Army did not meet its recruiting goal last year; in fact, according to the associated press, it missed its goal by the biggest margin since 1979.

This Veterans Day, the Army will launch a multimedia ad campaign featuring a new slogan: “Army Strong.” The Army hopes that the slogan will convey the message that in the Army, people can build physical and emotional strength, in addition to strength of purpose and character.

“Army Strong.” It seems to be an improvement over “Army of One.” Really, how can a person maintain his/her individuality in the Army, where it’s all about regiment, following orders, and chain of command?

Will the new slogan provide the increase in recruits that the Army is looking for, though? And will it be as memorable as “be all that you can be?” It seems that the messages of the two slogans are similar. But will this new one last for 20 years, or will we even remember it 20 years from now?

It is an interesting exercise to look at the effectiveness of branding in relation to a branch of the military as opposed to a marketer trying to sell a product. Just like anything else, only time will tell of the new slogan’s effectiveness-- but I think it’s a vast improvement over “army of one.”

- Christina

MP3s and Pop Princesses

2006-10-09T08:59:00.000-07:00

Just as our parents have to dust off their old vinyl records, and we can barely remember fast-forwarding and rewinding our cassette tapes, kids of Gen Y are already finding the compact disc obsolete. The sale of CDs has taken a hit in recent years due to the proliferation of portable media and free music on the Internet, otherwise known as mp3s.

With music so accessible now, consumers have the ability to be pickier, choosier, and more critical of where their dollars are spent. As a result of the wave of portable media, it seems now more than ever, artists must not only promote their talents, but also must sell themselves by creating a resonating impression with their audiences. It’s not enough to produce a good song and hope that the music alone will generate sales. Artists must present an image that distinguishes themselves as pop icons. Legends like Madonna, the Rolling Stones, Michael Jackson, and Aerosmith have survived year after year not only because they are talented, but also because they have somehow maintained a consistent image while still evolving with the latest trends in pop culture.

Artists in the 80s and 90s who produced a good song but couldn’t create a lasting impression, or “one-hit-wonders,” were typically still able to sell albums. A “single” was a cassette tape that included one or two songs and generally sold for about $4. But if artists could produce two or more hit songs, like M.C. Hammer or New Kids on the Block, they could typically sell an entire album – which cost about $10-$18. How many consumers probably purchased an entire album, but ended up only liking the two hit songs? Regardless, the artist was able to make money from the sale. With music readily available on the Internet today, however, artists are much more susceptible to losing sales. With the click of a mouse, consumers can preview an entire album before deciding whether to purchase it. All too easily, an artist’s song can fill a consumer’s iPod for a fleeting moment, only to be quickly forgotten and deleted from the playlist. This makes it much more difficult to stand out in the industry.

The ability to stay fashionable in the industry is almost impossible without a good public relations manager. Britney Spears possesses no talent, but has dominated the industry because of publicity stunts that keep her in the headlines. Even when her music sales were down, kissing Madonna on an MTV awards show, or getting married, divorced, and married again were enough to keep the paparazzi thirsty for more. Spears reportedly fired her publicist, Leslie Sloane-Zelnick, this past September in order to manage her own media relations. It will be interesting to see what happens now.

As the music industry progresses with new technology, only artists with prominent images will be able to keep a presence in the music industry. One can only hope that consumers with free media will start being pickier and choosier for the exceptional artists in the industry, rather than the no-talent pop princesses. Hopefully Britney’s intelligence in the PR world will result in her disappearance from the industry altogether.

-KZ

Cambridge Team Develops Roll-up Laptop Metal Sheet Screens

2006-10-09T08:27:00.000-07:00

A Cambridge team of engineers have developed metal structures that can morph from flat screens into tubes and other shapes that could form the basis for electronic displays. These screens could then be rolled-up and placed in a bag or pocket.

The metal sheets are made from copper alloys that can “snap” from one shape into another, from a flat sheet, to a coil, bent or twisted structure. The team got their idea from children’s toy “flick” or “snap” bracelets which transform from a straight strip into a coil around the wrist. These metal structures could also be used for re-usable packaging, roll-up keyboards and self-erecting temporary shelters.

Dr. Keith Seffen, the lead researcher from the Department of Engineering at Cambridge University said: “Flexible electronics is a burgeoning area, people are looking into making very thin flexible displays that could be used for electronic newspapers, or other portable electronic media like a roll-up laptop or compact mobile phone.”
What’s the catch? One would think that this future light and easy to carry around “flexible electronics” technology gadgets usually come with a big price tag. Well that’s not the case with the Laptop Metal Sheet Screen! According to Dr. Seffen, his structures are produced from one sheet of metal that are quick and cheap to produce. This concludes that it is relatively cheap for us to buy. In addition, this roll-up screen is made up of material that could be used for several different applications that support flexible electronics, so one screen could be used in multiple ways.

How does it work? The team has worked out a way by which the shape and the stress interact with each other in a positive way, and like a ruler, when the material is bent the stress within the material increases. But rather than going on to break, the stress level reaches a midway point then changes to force the structure into a different shape.

The bottom line is you can carry your laptop screen in your pocket! Amazing!

On-Air Logs?

2006-10-08T18:56:00.000-07:00

MSN recently published an article titled “Put Me On the Air,” discussing the trend of celebrities launching their own satellite radio shows. (Read the article at http://www.slate.com/id/2151032/?GT1=8702). A few days ago, Oprah acquired her own channel on XM, while Bob Dylan, Richard Simmons, and others already have their own shows.

With the popularity of celebrities becoming radio show hosts and the opportunity for many shows on satellite radio (as opposed to terrestrial radio), regular people like us are trying, and some successfully, to get in on the hosting bit. The MSN article reports that both Sirius and XM accept pitches from anyone for new shows and channels.

Although it may be more difficult for the average Joe to secure his own satellite radio show in comparison with a celebrity right now, is this just the beginning to another communication revolution?

To me, this seems frightening familiar to the explosion in the popularity of blogs—people who may, or may not, have something important, or not, to say publish it for the world to see. Instead of in electronic form on the Internet, soon there may be a greater opportunity to voice you opinions on air. Scary.

Fortunately, there are stricter regulations on radio than on the Internet, which may limit this new phenomenon’s potential.

-Christina

Motion Picture Ads Infiltrating Transit Systems

2006-10-07T13:47:00.000-07:00

I am continually amazed by the new means advertisers find to display their messages. Advertisers have reached beyond the traditional forms of advertising through on-line advertising and product placement in TV shows and movies. Now, advertisers are taking advantage of a revolutionary way of reaching audiences on subways, trains, escalators, roller coasters and moving walkways: 15-second motion pictures.

If you’ve taken a ride on the DC redline metro between Metro Center, Gallery Place/Chinatown, and Judiciary Square, you’ve likely seen the moving Target ad, which works on the same principle as the old-time cartoon flipbooks.

Submedia (http://www.sub-media.com/), is the company that produces these ads in DC and in other cities including New York, Atlanta, Tokyo and Hong Kong. Studies have show that the company’s displays have resulted in the highest recall rate of all transit advertising.

It’s brilliant, really. I’m surprised it’s taken advertisers this long to take advantage of such advertising opportunities in underground transit systems. Motion-picture-like ads are such a novel concept. Passengers are not yet completely accustomed to them. The flashy messages, therefore, are very eye-catching, interesting, and memorable.

However, the novelty may very well wear off quickly. The motion picture ads can be distracting to commuters who read or work during their transit. Furthermore, this form of advertising opens the door for more transit-related advertising opportunities, such as advertising on fare cards and corporate naming rights for metro/subway stops. Aren’t we already bombarded enough with ads in our everyday lives? It will be interesting to see how consumers respond to these new types of advertising as they continue to gain popularity. Will the ads irritate commuters and be a passing fad, or will they become the future of advertising?

-Christina

2006-10-04T19:39:00.000-07:00

Cambridge Team Develops Roll-up Laptop Metal Sheet Screens

A Cambridge team of engineers have developed metal structures that can morph from flat screens into tubes and other shapes that could form the basis for electronic displays. These screens could then be rolled-up and placed in a bag or pocket.

The metal sheets are made from copper alloys that can “snap” from one shape into another, from a flat sheet, to a coil, bent or twisted structure. The team got their idea from children’s toy “flick” or “snap” bracelets which transform from a straight strip into a coil around the wrist. These metal structures could also be used for re-usable packaging, roll-up keyboards and self-erecting temporary shelters.

Dr. Keith Seffen, the lead researcher from the Department of Engineering at Cambridge University said: “Flexible electronics is a burgeoning area, people are looking into making very thin flexible displays that could be used for electronic newspapers, or other portable electronic media like a roll-up laptop or compact mobile phone.”

What’s the catch? One would think that this future light and easy to carry around “flexible electronics” technology gadgets usually come with a big price tag. Well that’s not the case with the Laptop Metal Sheet Screen! According to Dr. Seffen, his structures are produced from one sheet of metal that are quick and cheap to produce. This concludes that it is relatively cheap for us to buy. In addition, this roll-up screen is made up of material that could be used for several different applications that support flexible electronics, so one screen could be used in multiple ways.

How does it work? The team has worked out a way by which the shape and the stress interact with each other in a positive way, and like a ruler, when the material is bent the stress within the material increases. But rather than going on to break, the stress level reaches a midway point then changes to force the structure into a different shape.
The bottom line is you can carry your laptop screen in your pocket! Amazing!

Terrell Owens: Is the Talent Worth the Trouble?

2006-10-02T05:59:00.000-07:00

Professional sports teams and athletic superstars rarely have to clamor for the attention of the press; people demand the coverage and the media fulfills that need. People expect to see professional football games airing on CBS on Sunday afternoons in the fall, and they expect to find the scores and highlights of games in newspapers and internet sources.

Sadly, people also expect to be inundated with headlines and leading news stories on the downfall of one of their beloved-or not so beloved-sports heroes. Who can forget the O.J. Simpson trial or the media frenzy surrounding allegations that Kobe Bryant had raped a young fan?

On early Wednesday morning news broke that the contentious star of the Dallas Cowboys, Terrell Owens, had attempted suicide by overdosing on pain medication. Soon the story was splashed across every online news site and flashed across the screen of every 24-hour news network. Mere hours later the Dallas Cowboys scrambled to put together a press conference, where Owens denied the reports and claimed the story had “gone too far”. Press releases found on the Dallas Cowboy's website mirrored what was said in the press conference.

On Thursday the Dallas police department reclassified the incident report as an "accidental overdose", and the headlines all read the same: “T.O. Practices: Case Now ‘Accidental Overdose’ ”, “Owens Overdose Called Accident”, and “Owens Denies Suicide Allegations”.

But had the public relations damage already been done? Owens is one of the NFL’s most controversial players, with his antics and reputation from his time with the Philadelphia Eagles preceding his arrival in Dallas. He is no stranger to the media spotlight, and the majority of past coverage surrounding Owens has been negative.

In a separate weekly press conference on Wednesday, Dallas coach Bill Parcels refused to answer further questions when 33 out of 34 questions asked were about Owens and his “accident”. Instead of focusing on the entire team, Parcels and the Dallas Cowboys franchise yet again have to publicly deal with a negative story about Owens’ attitude and behavior.

A headline in the Washington Post read “Dallas Asks if Troubled Owens is Worth the Distraction”. A newspaper will always hone in on controversy, but in this case the question is valid: is Terrell Owens’ talent worth all the trouble? Will the negative press constantly surrounding Owens ultimately hurt the Cowboys franchise?

The Dallas Cowboys is a team that was noticed for its storied tradition and talent, but the focus of the media attention has shifted to a single player on the team. Could the negative attention on one player harm the reputation of the entire team, or is all press good press?

Everyone is a Critic, Don’t You Agree?

2006-09-26T12:43:00.000-07:00

Whether writing about a highly politicized issue on blogger, creating a group for like-minded people on Facebook, or producing a spoof of a product on YouTube it appears that everyone has something to say these days. The rise of the self-proclaimed critic is beginning to gain momentum and it has communication practitioners standing on edge, particularly in an era where viral marketing reigns supreme. So how will communication professionals respond to their newfound critics?

The solution to the problem is quite simple; if you can’t beat them join them. At least that appears to be how the advertising industry is responding to critics according to an article in AdWeek. Advertisers have already begun to concede to claims that their message is not on cue, but they contend that the true value is the product not the message.

Through observing real-time criticisms in venues such as Myspace and YouTube advertisers are capitalizing off of their critics by recrafting advertisements and reframing their products. This has been the successful strategy for the makers of Head On, the most recalled and hated commercial of 2006. The three clips below show how this new cycle of advertising works.

1. The Original Advertisement

2. The Criticism/Spoof Advertisement

3. The Response to Criticism Advertisement

While this may appear to be an unusual approach, the real question is whether it is an effective one. It appears that these spots are effective in garnering the audiences attention in a more positive fashion. However, the implications of this new strategy could be catastrophic for the field of communications. Essentially, what is being sold to consumers is not a product, but the idea that communication is unimportant and it should be ignored. It is already hard for many communication practitioners to break through the clutter in order to get their message to their audience. This new approach only promises to create a big headache for the field of communications that perhaps can only be treated by “Head On. Apply Directly to the Forehead.”
--Greg

A Mockumental PR Campaign

2006-09-25T12:30:00.000-07:00

Hollywood knows PR. Agents promote actors. Studios and producers promote movies. Celebrities promote themselves and their most recent endeavors. But what happens when the Hollywood PR machine offends a foreign nation?

Kazakhstan, a former Soviet republic located in central Asia, is the unwilling star of the new movie, or “mockumentary,” from Sacha Baron Cohen. Cohen, a British comic and variety show creator of Da Ali G Show, has parlayed one of his regular sketch characters, Borat Sagdiyev, a fake TV presenter and self-proclaimed 'sixth most famous man in Kazakhstan', into a full-length movie. This movie, Borat: Cultural Learnings Of America For Make Benefit Glorious Nation Of Kazakhstan, debuted at the Toronto Film Festival earlier in the month.

Infuriated by a demeaning portrayal of customs, culture and peoples, Kazakh officials have launched a PR campaign to amend their image. Two Western PR firms are helping promote a positive image of Kazakhstan’s “sweeping reforms” and “civil society.” Prints ads have appeared in the NY Times and a new television commercial touts Kazakhstan as a “strong ally of the United States” and a nation that “voluntarily eliminated its nuclear weapons.” I have yet to see the print ad, but the TV spot leaves much to be desired – envision outdated, still pictures from an 8th grade history book with a bland voiceover. Most likely not the high-powered communications campaign needed to affect change. This example illustrates PR being used for two purposes: 1) promote a new product, and 2) correct false or negative information.

Sacha Cohen and his new movie benefit the most from the present PR flurry. Kazakh officials may increase interest in their nation, educate a few American or gain added press coverage with their campaign, but in the end late night talk shows and entertainment editors will drive the Hollywood PR machine toward Borak’s silver screen debut in November.
Wyatt

Where Have All the People Gone?

2006-09-23T11:19:00.000-07:00

Nielson Media Research released their latest study indicating that for the first time the average American household has more television sets than it does people. On average, the American Household consists of 2.55 people compared with 2.73 TV sets. According to an article that appeared in Adweek it is not just the number of sets that has increased, but the amount of viewing time has also increased. So what implications does this have on the field of communications?

For communicators, particularly those in the advertising industry, this study reaffirms that TV is a medium that is not going to lose its influence anytime soon. This is not to suggest that communication professionals should back away from going digital as the study notes a continuing increase in the use of digital media, particularly among younger demographics. Instead, communication professionals should take a holistic approach when planning a campaign and utilize a mix of digital and traditional media.

Integrated marketing communications can achieve higher levels of product and message awareness because the message is communicated across several different touch points. It is an effective strategy in segmenting the market and it also provides communicators with a manageable way to distribute their dollars across mediums. The industry has been slow to embrace IMC and with Nielsen’s latest study it may further slow down this transition. For now we will have to stay tuned to see what happens in the continuing saga of IMC.

--Greg

Fifteen Minutes of Fame: Not Lonely Anymore

2006-09-21T11:32:00.000-07:00

Rabid excitement, wild speculation and marked skepticism are nothing new to the Internet. These qualities generate viral communications and create buzz for new products, services, events or people. Recently, YouTube’s summer hit - Lonelygirl15 – has drawn the attention of many Internet enthusiasts.

The brainchild of three, twenty-something year olds, Miles Beckett, a med school dropout; Mesh Flinders, a screenwriter; and Greg Goodfried, a lawyer, set out to create an on-line mystery story. Lonelygirl15’s plight has unfolded through “collaborative storytelling,” a method of storytelling where viewer comments help direct plot and character actions. Via web-diary postings, fans met the cryptic, 16-year old female “Bree,” aka Lonelygirl15. Vague details about “Bree’s” location, personal life, relationships and religion generated an Internet buzz and led millions to view postings on YouTube and MySpace.

By mid summer, message boards and fan websites were speculating about the interests behind Lonelygirl15. Were these videos trailers for a new movie, a la The Blair Witch Project? Would “Bree” be in a new fall television show? Was a corporation sponsoring Lonelygirl15? Last week the identity of Lonelygirl15’s creators and “Bree” were revealed. The Los Angeles Times worked in collaboration with amateur Internet investigators to uncover this mystery.

At the heart of the Lonelygirl15 phenomenon is peer-to-peer, online communications. In traditional forms of communication, trust, respect and openness are vital qualities of any relationship. Online communications test these qualities since many online social networking relationships contain a level of anonymity. How is trust affected when peers share deceptive online communications? Is trust compromised? Will peers ultimately turn against each other or the interests behind a deceptive message?

Answering these questions will be important for public relations professionals and communications strategists who wish to engage Interactive audiences with new products, services and ideas in the future.
Wyatt

Fire for Justice

2006-09-20T19:03:00.000-07:00

The 34-day clash between Israel and Lebanon’s Hezbollah guerillas highlighted the longstanding rift between Jews and Muslims. And in the wake of the Pope’s inflammatory remarks about Islam and the effigy burnings and calls for jihad that have followed, there’s a conspicuous absence of solidarity between Catholics and Muslims.

Well, except for a few days after the Pope’s remarks, when Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Sheikh Ibrahim Mogra and Chief Rabbi Jonathan Sacks joined thousands of activists to pray for the Darfuri people and to pressure their governments to protect the innocent civilian population.

Using media outreach, grassroots mobilization and special events like the “Global Day for Darfur” on September 17, Save Darfur is the face of the global effort to pressure policymakers to help the people of Darfur. It is comprised of over 170 faith-based, advocacy and humanitarian organizations, from the American Society for Muslim Advancement to the Jewish Council for Public Affairs.

Save Darfur is doing something. It is making noise and raising awareness. It is rallying people of every race, religion and creed around a common cause. And people are paying attention.

But genocide in Darfur is just one of a handful of global crises gripping specific regions of the globe. World Aids Day and The International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church need supporters too. What about instituting a “Day for Victims of Sex Trafficking” or the “Global Day for Equal Opportunity in Education?”

Granted, it’s not about a “day.” It’s about the buzz. It’s about headlines. It’s about any press release, special event or lobbying effort that catalyzes change. That’s where we come in. It’s a grave responsibility we bear, but one that when realized, will fan the flame of justice around the world.

Communicating Crisis

2006-09-20T19:02:00.000-07:00

Much research in our field centers on crisis communication, that is, what to do when an FDA warning leaves 70 percent of your company’s spinach harvest in jeopardy or when the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recalls your $200 baby rattles citing risks of aspiration and laceration, as was the case for Tiffany and Co. in July 2006.

To the affected farmers and jewelry giants, these are indeed crises. And to the public relations practitioners on damage control 80 hours a week, crisis probably isn’t strong enough. In these instances, established theory on crisis management and terms like “corporate apologia” and “image restoration” actually matter. There are chapters in textbooks that prescribe best practices for regaining the public’s trust and limiting financial losses. Follow the six-step process and you’re well on your way.

But what about communicating crises? I mean, real crises. Crises of civil war, of death and disease, of poverty, injustice and corruption. What’s the six-step fix to these global evils?

Obviously, the formula is not quite as simple. In fact, few would suggest there is a formula at all. But if real-time news coverage and an increasingly decentralized internet really do create an imperative for prompt action, as former Secretary of State James Baker III says in his memoir, then professional communicators can do something.

Public relations managers, technicians, writers, designers and webmasters can ignite change in economic policy, diplomacy, human rights and public health.

Scholars would say we must first critically examine our strategies, and in deference to learned principles of strategic communication I would most often agree. In these cases, however, it seems most important to do something. Make some noise. Raise some awareness. Gain some coverage.

And worry about theory later.

Political Ads and Knowing your Audience

2006-09-20T19:01:00.000-07:00

Election season is upon us and campaigns are gaining momentum. For many candidates campaign strategy will include the use of negative ads. Whether it is effective or not is the question.

Negative ads are generally used to juxtapose issues of competing candidates, and expose the public to those issues. The goal is to sway favor away from the candidate being attacked and towards the candidate who issued the ad. However, there is research to suggest that negative ads can serve the opposite purpose. Negative advertisements can activate the voting public’s interests. It may serve to mobilize voters to seek out information on the candidate being criticized.

These possible reactions to negative ads reinforce the mantra of knowing your audience. Knowing who you are communicating with is vital to effective communication. Campaign strategists can save time, money, and energy by researching audiences and information outlets to find the most effective ones for their candidates. Spending a little time researching can help you avoid the pitfall of having to cover the same audience more than once.

The attached article discusses the use of negative advertisements by the Democratic and Republican parties during this election cycle.
http://news.senate.gov/stories_sen/333_ds_16821544.jsp

Just Lettuce Be

2006-09-20T19:00:00.000-07:00

I liked Californian Richard Rorex’s response to the current spinach “crisis.”

"I eat spinach-based salads quite often. As far as worry about E. Coli, no. I even like hamburgers rare and definitely my steaks barely warm. I figure that if I haven't been affected by food poisonings in the last 70 years, the next 35 are a breeze."

Despite Rorex’s indifference, there is some cause for concern. To date, more than 100 people have come down with serious diarrhea, according to the Center for Disease Control. One person has even died from eating leaves laden with the menacing E. coli infection.

To contextualize, that’s one in 3 million Americans who had to spend the majority of last week near a bathroom. Sixteen of those experienced acute renal failure; that’s one in 19 million. And yes, one person died. Meanwhile, 300,000 people will die of cancer in the U.S. this year; 17,000 will die as a result of drunk driving; 15,000 will die of HIV/AIDS. Even more upsetting, in Africa, more than 12 million children have been orphaned by the AIDS epidemic while millions face displacement, starvation, rape and mass slaughter each year at the hands of Janjaweed militias in Darfur.

Not to minimize the danger posed by bad spinach – I threw my half-eaten bag out and won’t rush to replace it – but I guess I just feel sorry for the public relations departments at places like the FDA, California spinach farms, farmers’ trade associations and supermarkets. The constant barrage of phone calls from the media, seeking fuel to flame the fires of public panic, must get annoying. They must know there are more important battles to wage, more constructive ways to fill airtime.

But the public isn’t interested in real crises. They’re too busy flipping through Rachel Ray’s latest for a spinach-free recipe to whip up for dinner. Perhaps the next generation of public relations practitioners can do something about that.

Dealing with the media--Is humor the best medicine?

2006-09-20T18:57:00.000-07:00

White House press briefings suddenly seem to be a lot more fun.

Yeas and Nays, a Washington Examiner column, recently examined press briefing transcripts comparing current White House spokesman, Tony Snow, to those of his predecessor, Scott McClellan.

Comparing transcripts from both spokesmen during their first four months on the job, "Yeas and Nays" discovered that under Snow, the White House press corps has laughed 330% more.

“It’s not that Tony’s necessarily a laugh riot,” says Ron Hutcheson, who
covers the White House for McClatchy newspapers. “But he engages, and it’s a lot more fun to be in the room with somebody who’s engaging reporters.” Hutcheson says that McClellan, on the other hand, “was just cautious, cautious to a fault. He would retreat to the talking points and it was almost as if he didn’t listen
to the question.”

While Snow's rapport with the Press Corps, reporters typically known for their cynicism, may not result in positive news for the White House, it serves as a good example that the media can be the PR practitioner's most important public.

In media relations, it's important for the organization's spokesperson to be personable and dynamic, offering interesting sound bites that go beyond the talking points.

Building strong relationships with reporters can often determine the success or failure of a communications campaign. If reporters know that they can trust you as an easy-to-reach, reliable source, your organization has a better chance of getting its voice heard during breaking news or a crisis.

Cultivating relationships with media takes time and effort. However, when an emergency situation arises, your pro-active efforts will be worth the investment. It's important to remember though, that media relations isn't all fun and games.

As Snow comments, "Well, I do like to have fun, but at the same time you don’t want to be doing stand-up as the spokesperson of the president and the leader of the free world."

The tone of your relationship should be determined by your organization. Humor can help deliver messages, but the spokesperson represents his or her organization. As a practitioner of public relations, it's absolutely vital to not only know the audience, but also to understand the situation completely. Humor may be appropriate at times, but would we still be buying Tylenol if Johnson & Johnson had tried to make reporters laugh during the cyanide crisis in 1982?

~Adrienne