REMAKERS » Globalism

Thoughts about Haiti and the media

Reid — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 22:57:59 +0000

As weeks have passed, we’ve been able to see the global response to the eco-humanitarian crisis in Haiti in a post-katrina world. US media efforts to cover the crisis have left me with the impression that lessons were learned. In the immediate afternmath of Katrina, we saw an American media quickly adopt a racist response as dark skinned folks ‘looted’ and light skinned folks ’struggled valiantly to protect their families.’ After the waters abated, many were able to critique the narrative that guided the American response. Distinguished newscasters openly apologized, and attempted to revise that storyline. Whether that attempt to re-write their role in the events as they unfolded really matters is questionable.

My general impression (and I openly admit that I didn’t go searching for people writing to the Pat Robertson crowd) is that the media has done more things right than wrong. Anderson Cooper and Dr. Sanjay Gupta have produced a narrative that seems honest, and accurate, finding plenty of drama for the American audience in the true human elements, without needing to spin one of fiction. The reporter as hero is a seems a natural evolution for American journalism. Cooper’s chiseled features rescuing children would smack of big budget hollywood but the danger seems real. I’m happier to see the story become Anderson Cooper in Haiti instead of a fictional account derived from helicopter footage. Additionally, much of the reporting on the current affairs and condition of Haiti has been informative without trying to sell us on a myth of sad but ‘noble savages.’

We saw the beginning of gotcha journalism in the critique of Wyclef Jean and Yele Haiti’s finances, only to see the media quickly course correct itself after the issue was disproven.

NPR Correspondant Jason Beaubien’s emotional breakdown was one of the most compelling pieces of journalism that I’ve ever experienced. It is truly an example of kind of raw emotional honesty that can accompany today’s journalism without corrupting it. (Imagine if Glen Beck’s tears, and Olbermann’s outrage were backed by an ounce of Beaubien’s honesty). [LINK]

Photo: Jonathan Torgovnik

James White for Haiti

Reid — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 17:05:34 +0000

James White

One of my favorite designers/visual artists, James White, is donating all the proceeds from his sales this week to the relief effort in Haiti. This is a great chance to pick up one of his pieces. This should be an example of how ordinary folks can continue to do their thing and make a positive impact.

Check out his site here: Signal Noise

Powerful and troubling photos from Haiti

Reid — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 16:31:24 +0000

Photo: Gerald Herbert / Associated Press

Take a few minutes to look through this photo essay presented by the Wall Street Journal. The photos express the scope and tragedy in a way that the newscasts do not.

See all the photos here: Link

10 ways to give to Haiti

Reid — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 16:25:27 +0000

Here are a handful of the many amazing organizations that will use your donation to get money to Haiti. As sad as it may seem, in times like these many people fraudulently take advantage of people wanting to donate to relief efforts. If you’re going to donate (which you should), do it from a secure web page that belongs directly to the organization you’re choosing to support.

Note the difference between these 2 web addresses: http://support.doctorswithoutborders.org & http://doctorswithoutborders.scamwebsite.org

Unicef
Doctors without Borders
Direct Relief
Oxfam
World Food Programme
International Medical Core
Yele Haiti
Mercy Corps
American Red Cross
Save the Children

President Obama’s Remarks on Haiti

Reid — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 16:05:30 +0000

The losses that have been suffered in Haiti are nothing less than devastating, and responding to a disaster of this magnitude will require every element of our national capacity — our diplomacy and development assistance; the power of our military; and, most importantly, the compassion of our country.

Read the whole release here: Link

10 Good Things in 2009

Reid — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 18:58:18 +0000

Here’s a great post from CodePink that will hopefully bump everyone’s cynicism down a touch.

UNIVERSAL DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS ANIMATION

Reid — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 17:14:32 +0000

Click here to view the embedded video.

“Experience universal human rights the animated way with this latest moving creation by Eallin Animation from the Czech Republic and Art for Amnesty.”

War isn’t just casualties

Reid — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 19:51:20 +0000

There’s an interesting article on the ONE blog about some of the unmentioned effects that war has on a population. On average, child mortality rates have dropped across the globe. Sadly, there are some exceptions to this where they’ve actually increased. The article points out the obvious, but so rarely discussed side effect to conflict. War disrupts and displaces people. It makes it harder for kids to get food, clean water, and health care. Check out this post about the Central African Republic.

LiNK – The North Korean Crisis

Reid — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 18:48:19 +0000

Click here to view the embedded video.

Anywhere from 50,000 to 400,000 refugees have fled North Korea to neighboring countries despite risking torture and execution if caught. Issues such as famine, a lack of fundamental freedoms, and a fear of political imprisonment incite North Koreans to escape. Reaching China does not, however, guarantee their safety—China repatriates all North Koreans who have illegal crossed the border, in violation of the 1951 Convention on the Status of Refugees, and it’s estimated that 70% of North Korean women and Children who escape into China face exploitation and sex trafficking.

In 2004, LiNK was formed with the hope of spreading awareness and effecting change. The organization quickly grew and became a movement of activists empowered by the stories of refugees and motivated by the urgency of the issue. LiNK’s work focuses on awareness through mobilizing the grassroots and telling these stories of hope and survival. LiNK meets with governments, NGOs and institutions to advocate for the North Korean people, while working directly with refugees through a network of shelters in China and Southeast Asia – protecting, educating and assisting them to eventually find freedom and empower them to live new lives.

LiNK focuses on three areas of action to improve the plight of North Korean refugees: The Movement, The Underground and The Transition.

The Movement

This arm of LiNK seeks to raise awareness of the issues facing North Koreans within their own country and the risks of defecting. They provide direct outlets for people to get involved—volunteers are encouraged to host tours of documentaries, starting chapters on their college campuses, and contacting elected officials and the media to spread information.

The Underground

Beyond raising awareness about refugees, LiNK’s efforts bring them in direct contact with North Koreans. The organization maintains a network of safe houses for refugees, aids with acculturation by providing resources to learn additional languages and employment skills, and provides medical care and counseling.

The Transition

LiNK’s transition programs include helping refugees learn new languages, obtain jobs or education, and providing financial assistance through micro-loans and scholarships. LiNK staff members also serve as translators for resettled North Koreans whenever possible.

The Hundred

LiNK is working to help 100 refugees escape North Korea. They need to raise $50,000 dollars to do so. That may sound like a lot, but if you think of the incredible amount of logistics and planning that goes into this kind of endevour, in addition to the support and structure after the fact – it’s very little. Please take some time to look at the work that they’re doing. It’s remarkable and fascinating, and it deserves our attention.

Their Shop

I’m obviously a sucker for tshirts and cool design – check this sucker out. (For you youngsters or oldsters – it’s a play on RUN DMC). Definite opportunities for xmas presents. I love when organizations get great design involved – it’s hard to be excited about wearing a polo shirt with a brush stroke person icon on it.