I also find it interesting and slightly embarrassing that the American news media seems to be less interested in foreign news. The Iraq War has indeed drained our coverage space and time in newspapers and on TV, but news corporations have also become more attached to the business aspect. Sometimes the business interests dictate what gets covered and what doesn’t, based on public sentiment. Thus, the American public also plays a role in what stories they want to hear. I can understand a greater need for coverage on the Iraq War because it is a big event for the US. However, the failure of the war itself has demonstrated how a lack of international knowledge can hurt Americans deeply.
One example raised at the Forum related to ignoring international views is the issue with Al-Jazeera, the Arabic news network which recently launched an English version available on satellite or specialty cable providers in the US. The mainstream broadcast media in the US has refused to air Al-Jazeera programming, fearing controversy from viewers. Al-Jazeera would serve American interests because it is covering the War on Terror and in Iraq. Unfortunately, it is a different perspective on international issues, “dissenting” if you will, and this does not fare well with Americans.
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Event: American Forum: American Media From a Foreign Perspective
By: Liona Chan
I attended the American Forum on American news from a foreign perspective on Monday evening. There were two panelists featured, a woman from the Washington Post, a man from the Nigerian Press, and moderator Mark Mcdonald. The entire discussion was being broadcast live on the air on WAMU.
One of the biggest issues discussed on the panel was the lack of coverage by American media when it comes to foreign news. Everything non domestic covered by the media seems to regard Iraq and the war on terror. Karen DeYoung from the Washington Post commented that the finite amount of space in the newspaper only allows for a limited coverage of foreign news. It seems that most of people in America are concerned with just that –America.
It is actually not surprising that most people do not care about foreign news, it seems that we view domestic issues as the most pressing and important. It is ironic though, that the very things that are affecting our daily lives and domestic politics and policies are occurring halfway across the world in the Middle East. Finding international coverage of anything, including the BBC proves to be a challenge at times. There are some notable differences now, however—the internet allows for a much greater flow of information and communication. I now have the ability to look at websites from around the world and automatically know what is going on several thousand miles away. Web news has become light years ahead of newspapers, and possibly even television broadcasts. I personally go online to read any news, it is updated the most frequently, and you don’t have to waste time waiting around to hear the story you are interested in.
Another comment I found interesting was African media member Sunday Dare’s remark about how radio is the dominant medium of media in Nigeria. Since people cannot afford computers or television, and internet access is difficult to come by most of the time, people rely on radios for their news and broadcasts. In America, there is a completely different phenomenon occurring—not only are newspapers becoming outdated, but radio is something that is out of the equation completely. It makes sense, however, that radio is the most popular—you do not have to know how to read, and it is extremely inexpensive, highly portable and accessible to all. It is surprising how outdated radio has become in the US today, considering its roots as one of the most dominant mediums of media. In a society where everyone is concerned with the latest, newest, and most advanced, it is extremely surprising to hear about a place where old forms of media and communications still dominate.
I attended the American Forum on American news from a foreign perspective on Monday evening. There were two panelists featured, a woman from the Washington Post, a man from the Nigerian Press, and moderator Mark Mcdonald. The entire discussion was being broadcast live on the air on WAMU.
One of the biggest issues discussed on the panel was the lack of coverage by American media when it comes to foreign news. Everything non domestic covered by the media seems to regard Iraq and the war on terror. Karen DeYoung from the Washington Post commented that the finite amount of space in the newspaper only allows for a limited coverage of foreign news. It seems that most of people in America are concerned with just that –America.
It is actually not surprising that most people do not care about foreign news, it seems that we view domestic issues as the most pressing and important. It is ironic though, that the very things that are affecting our daily lives and domestic politics and policies are occurring halfway across the world in the Middle East. Finding international coverage of anything, including the BBC proves to be a challenge at times. There are some notable differences now, however—the internet allows for a much greater flow of information and communication. I now have the ability to look at websites from around the world and automatically know what is going on several thousand miles away. Web news has become light years ahead of newspapers, and possibly even television broadcasts. I personally go online to read any news, it is updated the most frequently, and you don’t have to waste time waiting around to hear the story you are interested in.
Another comment I found interesting was African media member Sunday Dare’s remark about how radio is the dominant medium of media in Nigeria. Since people cannot afford computers or television, and internet access is difficult to come by most of the time, people rely on radios for their news and broadcasts. In America, there is a completely different phenomenon occurring—not only are newspapers becoming outdated, but radio is something that is out of the equation completely. It makes sense, however, that radio is the most popular—you do not have to know how to read, and it is extremely inexpensive, highly portable and accessible to all. It is surprising how outdated radio has become in the US today, considering its roots as one of the most dominant mediums of media. In a society where everyone is concerned with the latest, newest, and most advanced, it is extremely surprising to hear about a place where old forms of media and communications still dominate.
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
"University Diversity II" by Patricio Chile
Students at Tuesday night's University Diversity II discussion concluded unanimously that AU students are self-segregated.The event held in MGC 4 and sponsored by AU's Kappa Chi Chapter promoted frank discussion on culture and race relations in general but most importantly on AU's "false advertisements" about its "great campus diversity." The attendees were divided into ten small groups whereupon each person wrote a question on a card. The group leader would read each question and a discussion would follow among the group.
Here are two of the questions and a summary of our groups’ responses:
Is AU really diverse?
The answer is clearly no. Almost everyone stated that they were initially shocked to see the separation of races and ethnic groups when they first came to campus. One student, Adriana, said she had attended a high school where diversity was forced upon the students. She became accustomed to interacting academically and socially with students of all ethnicities. However, at AU she was surprised to see self-segregation, even among the specific nations of the Caribbean. Another student, Mia, said she had spent her first semester of college at the Tenley Campus where she became close to all of her neighbors. She said the more constrained space and its isolation from other student housing is what caused this close sense of diversity. Mia said it is the larger size of the main campus that allows students to pick and choose who they want to hang out with, rather than being forced to interact with a smaller group of people.
What should AU do to improve diversity on campus?
Several students mentioned that a proposal had been started among participating groups including the Kappa Chi Chapter, to offer a general education course teaching “White Privilege.” The purpose of this class is to demonstrate to students, primarily those of privilege, that minority and lower-class groups feel alienated from the majority, which are wealthy whites. This has been controversial because students may be reluctant to take a course that will challenge their personal beliefs or their character.
The end of the event reiterated this proposal and the larger question at hand: “How do we get the students who choose not to attend these events, to hear this information?” The problem is that many students are not aware that they are promoting self-segregation on campus. It was brought up among several members that many students hide behind political affiliations especially liberalism so as to seem righteous and honest when in fact some of these students act in a very elitist manner towards people different than they are on campus. Some groups, especially fraternity and sororities, are traditionally separated into races. Worst of all, individuals seek out people of their ethnic group or race to be friends with. This applies to whites but also to all ethnic groups across campus. One consequence of not being inclusive to all people is that a repeat of the Virginia Tech massacre may occur as a result of a student or students feeling alienated or isolated.
Here are two of the questions and a summary of our groups’ responses:
Is AU really diverse?
The answer is clearly no. Almost everyone stated that they were initially shocked to see the separation of races and ethnic groups when they first came to campus. One student, Adriana, said she had attended a high school where diversity was forced upon the students. She became accustomed to interacting academically and socially with students of all ethnicities. However, at AU she was surprised to see self-segregation, even among the specific nations of the Caribbean. Another student, Mia, said she had spent her first semester of college at the Tenley Campus where she became close to all of her neighbors. She said the more constrained space and its isolation from other student housing is what caused this close sense of diversity. Mia said it is the larger size of the main campus that allows students to pick and choose who they want to hang out with, rather than being forced to interact with a smaller group of people.
What should AU do to improve diversity on campus?
Several students mentioned that a proposal had been started among participating groups including the Kappa Chi Chapter, to offer a general education course teaching “White Privilege.” The purpose of this class is to demonstrate to students, primarily those of privilege, that minority and lower-class groups feel alienated from the majority, which are wealthy whites. This has been controversial because students may be reluctant to take a course that will challenge their personal beliefs or their character.
The end of the event reiterated this proposal and the larger question at hand: “How do we get the students who choose not to attend these events, to hear this information?” The problem is that many students are not aware that they are promoting self-segregation on campus. It was brought up among several members that many students hide behind political affiliations especially liberalism so as to seem righteous and honest when in fact some of these students act in a very elitist manner towards people different than they are on campus. Some groups, especially fraternity and sororities, are traditionally separated into races. Worst of all, individuals seek out people of their ethnic group or race to be friends with. This applies to whites but also to all ethnic groups across campus. One consequence of not being inclusive to all people is that a repeat of the Virginia Tech massacre may occur as a result of a student or students feeling alienated or isolated.
End of Fenty's 100 Days Plan
By: KaTysha Foreman
This past week marked the first 100 Days of Mayor Adrian Fenty’s term in office. Fenty, the current Washington, D.C. Mayor, came in to office with a vengeance and a plan to reshape the District; making it as prosperous as it once was.
Mayor Fenty’s 100 Days and Beyond Initiative set in to motion seven agendas to improve the status of our nation’s capital. These agendas include Education, Human Services, Public Safety Infrastructure & Environment, Government Operations, Healthcare, and Economic Development & Affordable Housing.
Although all these agendas have been very successful, the most important and moving the fastest is the Reformation of the Education System in the District. The Mayor proposed taking on the School System and the overseeing of the schools will be done directly from the Mayor’s office.
This purposed agenda had to be approved by the City Council and was approved to move forward. Fenty has taken on the D.C. School System to give the students in the District a fighting chance.
The ailing school system has been a topic for years in the District. With the rise of the drop out rate and the increase of violence in the schools, many believe this just another campaign initiative that will go away in 6 months, just like the others.
Well, until that happens we will never know if this will be true. The public schools in the District are not preparing the students for the career world or even preparing them for higher education.
The new mayor has accomplished so much, but has a long way to go. The future and success of the district is on the hands of this administration.
For more of Mayor Fenty’s 100 Days and Beyond, go to http://dc.gov/mayor/100dayPlan
This past week marked the first 100 Days of Mayor Adrian Fenty’s term in office. Fenty, the current Washington, D.C. Mayor, came in to office with a vengeance and a plan to reshape the District; making it as prosperous as it once was.
Mayor Fenty’s 100 Days and Beyond Initiative set in to motion seven agendas to improve the status of our nation’s capital. These agendas include Education, Human Services, Public Safety Infrastructure & Environment, Government Operations, Healthcare, and Economic Development & Affordable Housing.
Although all these agendas have been very successful, the most important and moving the fastest is the Reformation of the Education System in the District. The Mayor proposed taking on the School System and the overseeing of the schools will be done directly from the Mayor’s office.
This purposed agenda had to be approved by the City Council and was approved to move forward. Fenty has taken on the D.C. School System to give the students in the District a fighting chance.
The ailing school system has been a topic for years in the District. With the rise of the drop out rate and the increase of violence in the schools, many believe this just another campaign initiative that will go away in 6 months, just like the others.
Well, until that happens we will never know if this will be true. The public schools in the District are not preparing the students for the career world or even preparing them for higher education.
The new mayor has accomplished so much, but has a long way to go. The future and success of the district is on the hands of this administration.
For more of Mayor Fenty’s 100 Days and Beyond, go to http://dc.gov/mayor/100dayPlan
Thousands March For D.C. Voting Rights
By: KaTysha Foreman
"Free D.C., Free D.C." These were the words that rang out in the street of the District yesterday by the thousand plus activists demanding full representation in the U.S. Congress.
This week started with a optimistic bill that was on the House floor to give the District equal representation in the U.S. Congress. The efforts of the bill's supports were overseen and the bill was not passed.
Although, this would be a remarkable and monumental occasion, voting-rights activists are seeing great opposition from the Republicans in Congress and most importantly, the President. The bill, that did not get through the House of Representatives, would have had a harder time making it through the Senate floor; even harder time getting it signed by the president who has openly stated that he would veto it.
March leader and activist Mayor Adrian Fenty was at the forefront of this movement. Fenty, reportedly told the Washington Post, stated that "the White House is next." Getting into the hearts of D.C. residences, firing them up for the continued movement.
The march was held on the of D.C.'s Emancipation Day; the day in history when the slaves where freed in the District. Mayor Fenty draws a unique parallel to the Emancipation of slaves to the Emancipation of D.C. voters.
The fight is no where near over and the solution will unfold for D.C. voters.
"Free D.C., Free D.C." These were the words that rang out in the street of the District yesterday by the thousand plus activists demanding full representation in the U.S. Congress.
This week started with a optimistic bill that was on the House floor to give the District equal representation in the U.S. Congress. The efforts of the bill's supports were overseen and the bill was not passed.
Although, this would be a remarkable and monumental occasion, voting-rights activists are seeing great opposition from the Republicans in Congress and most importantly, the President. The bill, that did not get through the House of Representatives, would have had a harder time making it through the Senate floor; even harder time getting it signed by the president who has openly stated that he would veto it.
March leader and activist Mayor Adrian Fenty was at the forefront of this movement. Fenty, reportedly told the Washington Post, stated that "the White House is next." Getting into the hearts of D.C. residences, firing them up for the continued movement.
The march was held on the of D.C.'s Emancipation Day; the day in history when the slaves where freed in the District. Mayor Fenty draws a unique parallel to the Emancipation of slaves to the Emancipation of D.C. voters.
The fight is no where near over and the solution will unfold for D.C. voters.
Monday, April 16, 2007
Reaction to news article: John Smallwood | Yes, Rutgers players were hurt, but Duke lacrosse trio nearly destroyed
By: Nicole Howard
One of my friends on the popular site facebook.com shared a link to this article and I was immediately upset at how the article compared the indecent remarks Don Imus made to what the Duke lacrosse students went through. First of all there is NO reason for them to be compared. They are two completely different stories. Why should one have to be compared as worse than the other?
This is what I am referring to:
"Radio personality Don Imus is rightfully being blasted for his despicable on-air comment of calling the Rutgers women's basketball team "nappy-headed hos." As personally damaging as that was to the Rutgers players and their families, it is a tempest in a teapot compared to what happened to the Duke players." (http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/colleges/20070412_John_Smallwood___Yes__Rutgers_players_were_hurt__but_Duke_lacrosse_trio_nearly_destroyed.html)
How can someone say something is personally damaging when they are not that person and do not know the effect the remarks had on the students personally. To go even further and call it a "tempest in a teapot" is an insult in itself.
Yes what happened to the Duke players is horrible so why not give them there own story and not but two different things together because they both have something to do with race.
I do not wish to belittle the entire article because it does address the issue of race in the Duke student's case and how both sides could used race and could have disregarded the issue at hand the actual truth of what happened.
Another good point was that society has a way of making issues black and white instead of looking at the issue on its own without race behind it. Also that until this country especially can do this then there will continue to be incidents such as this.
The article clearly spoke about the issue of race but if the comparison of the racist comments were not included in the article it would have been a lot better. I just believe adding that part was not necessary and a stretch to compare them.
One of my friends on the popular site facebook.com shared a link to this article and I was immediately upset at how the article compared the indecent remarks Don Imus made to what the Duke lacrosse students went through. First of all there is NO reason for them to be compared. They are two completely different stories. Why should one have to be compared as worse than the other?
This is what I am referring to:
"Radio personality Don Imus is rightfully being blasted for his despicable on-air comment of calling the Rutgers women's basketball team "nappy-headed hos." As personally damaging as that was to the Rutgers players and their families, it is a tempest in a teapot compared to what happened to the Duke players." (http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/colleges/20070412_John_Smallwood___Yes__Rutgers_players_were_hurt__but_Duke_lacrosse_trio_nearly_destroyed.html)
How can someone say something is personally damaging when they are not that person and do not know the effect the remarks had on the students personally. To go even further and call it a "tempest in a teapot" is an insult in itself.
Yes what happened to the Duke players is horrible so why not give them there own story and not but two different things together because they both have something to do with race.
I do not wish to belittle the entire article because it does address the issue of race in the Duke student's case and how both sides could used race and could have disregarded the issue at hand the actual truth of what happened.
Another good point was that society has a way of making issues black and white instead of looking at the issue on its own without race behind it. Also that until this country especially can do this then there will continue to be incidents such as this.
The article clearly spoke about the issue of race but if the comparison of the racist comments were not included in the article it would have been a lot better. I just believe adding that part was not necessary and a stretch to compare them.
African American Relationships Forum: Where are all the Black men? written by: Nicole Howard
On April 2nd the Black Student Alliance hosted a forum titled: Where are all the Black Men? The co-sponsors were Concerned Black Men, Roosevelt Institute, Beta Beta Theta Chapter, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. and Kappa Chi Chapter, and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. The guest speaker was Steven T. Birdine motivational speaker and President and CEO of affirmations in action.
Throughout the forum there is a call and response: He says Affirmation the audience responds action...
The forum was a discussion on African-Americans and relationships. He emphasized that we have to be able to talk to each other. To begin a conversation with just simply: How was you day? What do you like? etc.
From there he went into an exercise that was very eye opening. First the audience was asked to list positive black men. The he asked the audience to say stereotypes of men and then women. The stereotypes that were listed for the men were: Dogs, Lazy, Liars etc. and for women: gold diggers, bad attitudes and more.
Afterwards, he told the audience that the stereotypes were 99% negative that he did not ask for negative or positive, so anyone could have said positive things. This was eye opening because it was showing that when women look at black men or men look at black women we already have negative stereotypes in our minds before we even engage in conversation to get to know that person.
Mr. Birdine made a statement that many women have heard before: Who do dogs hang out with? Answer of course was other dogs. In other words all of times women get the "dogs" because of something they are doing that is attracting them.
A quote that I liked was: "You like yourself, you will never be lonely by yourself". This is true and needs to be taught to young women today. Another one was if you feel good about yourself you will not let anyone disrespect you.
The focus was then again on the males and their stereotypes of "being a man". Mr. Birdine said men need to learn to show their emotions. He said. "Every part of your body you are supposed to use" in other words that includes your tear ducts - crying. He addressed the fact that many men are more worried about impressing their male friends.
The conversation switched back to the women and how they see black men. He said, "Whatever you focus on is what you see." So women should stop looking at the men as negative and change what they see. When in a relationship his advice to the men was, a women should feel like the most loved woman in the room." this of course got a positive reaction of claps from the women in the fully packed room.
His advice for having a good relationship was to study a positive relationship including talking to the "old folks" and learn something from them. Also to not just always talk in the relationship but listen and try to understand the other person's perspective. The people involved will do better if they just tell the truth. He said this in reference to his past when he sent mixed messages to women and left them hurt. He gave an example of how he went and told those people he hurt he was sorry later on in his life. Also that apart of life and growing up is "loves and hurts". More advice to men was for them to go all into a relationship. Meaning if your going to commit to a person then do it with your whole heart.
Some tips for just everyday life where to answer these questions and act on them.
You can maximize any relationship your in or want to be in, if only ...
You can maximize your full potential as a man or women if only....
Greet people in a way that it empowers you.. When someone says how are you answer: Wonderful, Blessed, etc. His greeting example was "Unstoppable".
Positive attitudes make a positive relationship... Some tips for positive relationships:
Learn to do things that women like to do. His personal example was going into a clothing store with his wife because she enjoys shopping.
Treat relationships like a bank: Make enough deposits so when you make a mistake you can make a withdrawal.
Success comes before work only in the dictionary - to have success it takes work.
The last exercise was learning to look at things from others perspectives and realizing that we don't know everything but need others to help us learn.
The audience was told to pick a partner and that one person was to close their eyes. He then put up a slide of an old women’s' face. Then the partners were supposed to switch and the picture the other partner saw was of a younger women's face. Then he put both the pictures up and they looked like one. Both partners were to open their eyes and see if they could see what the other partner saw if not they had to ask the partner to show them. This was all to prove his point and it did so effectively.
He also talked directly to black men issues:
How men used to know how to talk one way with his friends and "switch it up" when it came to talking at an interview. He gave an example of watching a male working at McDonalds mopping the floor and every few seconds having to pull up his pants because they were too big and he had no belt. His point was an employer could hire someone else to do the job the faster because he wouldn't have that problem. It is okay to dress in the culture around friends but not at the job was his other point.
Another issue was the number of males not graduating from high school and the standardized tests that make sure some do not get out. The statistic given was only 41% if black men graduate from high school.
Overall the forum was very effective I learned a lot about how I personally have my own views of black men. I also learned how to enjoy not being in a relationship but just being with myself.
Affirmations In Action, President/CEO, Steven T. Birdine: www.stevebirdine.com website
Concerned Black Men: www.cbmdc.org/
Friday, April 13, 2007
Current Events: Don Imus' racist remarks
In recent events, radio show host Don Imus has officially lost his job—his show was canceled after making an offensive inappropriate racist remark on his show. Before the show was officially canceled however, some questioned whether or not such a big deal should have been made about his remark. It seems that some believed that his apology was heartfelt, and the comment should be put in the past and everyone should move on. I completely disagree with this—forgetting about the incident would just represent how America, after working so hard for racial equality, all that has been accomplished does not matter. It merely would show that racist remarks are not taken seriously, that white men can make derogatory statements on air, while only receiving a slap on the wrist.
Racial jokes are still prevalent in many television and radio shows, with comedians such as Chris Rock and Dave Chappelle. They make jokes about Black people all the time, yet it is never considered racist or offensive, just funny. It seems that it is ok to make jokes about people of your own race, but mocking other races is taboo. The double standard seems to be prevalent throughout many streams of media, but is not said aloud.
Radical radio hosts are not uncommon—Howard Stern, the offbeat inappropriate host moved his show to Sirius satellite radio away from the restrictions of broadcast. What the FCC regulates has become an ever expanding entity—the limits of what can and what cannot be shown is now fluid, with no strict defining boundaries. These radical hosts can even be considered part of the new dissident media, outside the mainstream.
Racial jokes are still prevalent in many television and radio shows, with comedians such as Chris Rock and Dave Chappelle. They make jokes about Black people all the time, yet it is never considered racist or offensive, just funny. It seems that it is ok to make jokes about people of your own race, but mocking other races is taboo. The double standard seems to be prevalent throughout many streams of media, but is not said aloud.
Radical radio hosts are not uncommon—Howard Stern, the offbeat inappropriate host moved his show to Sirius satellite radio away from the restrictions of broadcast. What the FCC regulates has become an ever expanding entity—the limits of what can and what cannot be shown is now fluid, with no strict defining boundaries. These radical hosts can even be considered part of the new dissident media, outside the mainstream.
Sunday, April 8, 2007
Star Parker at AU By: Nicole Howard
On March 20th Star Parker went to American University to talk about race and poverty issues. The event was sponsored by the University’s College Republicans and co-sponsered by Kalpa Alpha Si. Star Parker is the founder and president of CURE. Acording to the website CURE is the “Coalition on Urban Renewal & Education, a 501c3 non-profit think tank that provides a national voice of reason on issues of race and poverty in the media, inner city neighborhoods, and public policy.” (http://www.urbancure.org/starparker.asp)
When talking about poverty she gave 5 steps of getting out of it. One of the steps was work. Working results in self-empowerment from having a work ethic. She relates this back to children. Giving children chores can be a way to identify what talents they have. Her example was she was told to wash the dishes as a child but persuaded her siblings to do it for her. She believed this was early evidence of being an entrepreneur. Since work was one of the steps it is necessary that the poor communities have jobs available. In order for those who want to be entrepreneurs need fewer laws and red tap and the less taxes on businesses. Also that labor law and union participation has to be addressed.
Another step was education. This related to a topic she felt strongly about school choice and vouchers. This means even though it is mandatory that children are sent to school their parents should have a choice of where to send them. Parker said the poor people get trapped in the system, instead of getting basic skills they are learning about sex education. Only way out of the system she believes is vouchers. Vouchers are a way of giving funding for school to families instead of school districts. http://www.schoolchoices.org/roo/vouchers.htm
Charity was added as a step as well. She spoke about charity empowering local communities. Including the work of Christians helping their communities.
When it came to the Q and A session a number of questions were her opinion on the hip-hop community, no child left behind act, and Social Security Reform. Being that Star Parker response to the hip hop community was that is was public policy and only way to get rid of it was to reduce desire for it through community, involvement and individual decisions.
From the event it is obvious Star Parker knows a lot of information to support her views. She provided a lot of stats on single headed households, number of people in welfare programs, pregnancies out of wedlock birth rate, etc. Besides factual information she also had great personality with a sense of humor and stayed after the event to talk with students and take pictures.
Darfur Action group on campus takes a STAND. By: Nicole Howard
Students at American University meet to discuss Darfur, Sudan the genocide and how they can come together and take action to stop it. This student group is called Darfur Action and their guest speaker - Erin Mazursky is currently the associate director of standnow and a senior at Georgetown University. The group who brought this presenter to the campus is called Darfur action. http://www.darfuraction.com/
I learned a lot of information about Darfur in general and that the main reason for the conflict is not based solely on race. This ideology was displayed in the mainstream coverage about the genocide especially when it first came to their attention
.
Dafur is located in the middle of the Sahara desert so it is far from any source of water. In addition to that desertification [i]and overpopulation are happening as the resources available are diminishing. So, a part of the conflict has to do with the Arabs and ethnic Africans fighting over resources.
Their fighting and conflict can be traced back to when Britain and Egypt took control of Sudan and split Sudan in half. Egypt took the North where Arabs stayed, and Britain took the South. The problem happened in 1953 when they signed an agreement to leave Sudan and let it take control itself. Doing this Britain decided to make Sudan one again no longer having a North and South. (What is the What by Dave Eggers, p. 176-178) After a three year grace period Sudan got its independence in 1956 and the conflict began eventually leading to a civil war. (http://www.fco.gov.uk/servlet/Front?pagename=OpenMarket/Xcelerate/ShowPage&c=Page&cid=1007029394365&a=KCountryProfile&aid=1020687852749)
In the presentation an overview of Darfur was given. (This presentation can be viewed at: http://standnow.org/take_action/education) has a population of about 6 million in an area the size of Texas. Due to the genocide a rough number of about 450,000 are dead due to “violence, famine and disease”. 2.5 million refugees are displaced and about 150 – 300 refugees are staying in Chad. Once rebel groups the Sudan Liberation Army (SLA) and the Justice and Equality Movement (Jem) started movements their government comes up with the janjaweed to fight against them. They are men on horses who are known for killing men, raping women, and burning villages; they are the ones responsible for the genocide. (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/3496731.stm)
After giving an overview of the history of Darfur, the current conflict, and the actions being taken to resolve it the associate director of Stand gave a presentation on her organization.
STAND – Student Anti Genocide Coalition is a national organization that attempts to change with students who care about not just about fighting genocide in Darfur but genocide in general. It has more than 600 chapters in the nation and internationally.
The director gave ways that we as students can help out.
ORGANIZE: You can start a chapter of STAND at your school, or join one already in existence. http://standnow.org/chapter/new_chapter
ADVOCATE: Check the grade your congressmen received in reference to what they’ve voted for in regards to legislations about Darfur and if it is low call or write to show them the importance of getting a higher grade and how to get there. http://darfurscores.org/reportcards
EDUCATE: Tell friends about the genocide and how they can help. Use the materials available on their website to give presentations. http://standnow.org/take_action/education
DIVEST: http://www.sudandivestment.org/
PUBLICIZE: If you are involved in a chapter get the media to your events. Tips on how to do so are available at: http://standnow.org/take_action/media
[i] Desertification is the loss of plants at a fast rate including topsoil, which results in that area becoming a desert. http://www.infoplease.com/ipd/A0405068.html
Whether it is through Darfur Action, STAND or any other organization that is working towards ending the genocide in Darfur try to get involved to be apart of the people responsible for change. Even just telling friends about what is happening and how they can help is something.
This event accomplished its goal of informing students about what the genocide and ways to help. For more information about Darfur action visit: http://www.darfuraction.com/ and for information of STAND visit: http://www.standnow.org/
I learned a lot of information about Darfur in general and that the main reason for the conflict is not based solely on race. This ideology was displayed in the mainstream coverage about the genocide especially when it first came to their attention
.
Dafur is located in the middle of the Sahara desert so it is far from any source of water. In addition to that desertification [i]and overpopulation are happening as the resources available are diminishing. So, a part of the conflict has to do with the Arabs and ethnic Africans fighting over resources.
Their fighting and conflict can be traced back to when Britain and Egypt took control of Sudan and split Sudan in half. Egypt took the North where Arabs stayed, and Britain took the South. The problem happened in 1953 when they signed an agreement to leave Sudan and let it take control itself. Doing this Britain decided to make Sudan one again no longer having a North and South. (What is the What by Dave Eggers, p. 176-178) After a three year grace period Sudan got its independence in 1956 and the conflict began eventually leading to a civil war. (http://www.fco.gov.uk/servlet/Front?pagename=OpenMarket/Xcelerate/ShowPage&c=Page&cid=1007029394365&a=KCountryProfile&aid=1020687852749)
In the presentation an overview of Darfur was given. (This presentation can be viewed at: http://standnow.org/take_action/education) has a population of about 6 million in an area the size of Texas. Due to the genocide a rough number of about 450,000 are dead due to “violence, famine and disease”. 2.5 million refugees are displaced and about 150 – 300 refugees are staying in Chad. Once rebel groups the Sudan Liberation Army (SLA) and the Justice and Equality Movement (Jem) started movements their government comes up with the janjaweed to fight against them. They are men on horses who are known for killing men, raping women, and burning villages; they are the ones responsible for the genocide. (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/3496731.stm)
After giving an overview of the history of Darfur, the current conflict, and the actions being taken to resolve it the associate director of Stand gave a presentation on her organization.
STAND – Student Anti Genocide Coalition is a national organization that attempts to change with students who care about not just about fighting genocide in Darfur but genocide in general. It has more than 600 chapters in the nation and internationally.
The director gave ways that we as students can help out.
ORGANIZE: You can start a chapter of STAND at your school, or join one already in existence. http://standnow.org/chapter/new_chapter
ADVOCATE: Check the grade your congressmen received in reference to what they’ve voted for in regards to legislations about Darfur and if it is low call or write to show them the importance of getting a higher grade and how to get there. http://darfurscores.org/reportcards
EDUCATE: Tell friends about the genocide and how they can help. Use the materials available on their website to give presentations. http://standnow.org/take_action/education
DIVEST: http://www.sudandivestment.org/
PUBLICIZE: If you are involved in a chapter get the media to your events. Tips on how to do so are available at: http://standnow.org/take_action/media
[i] Desertification is the loss of plants at a fast rate including topsoil, which results in that area becoming a desert. http://www.infoplease.com/ipd/A0405068.html
Whether it is through Darfur Action, STAND or any other organization that is working towards ending the genocide in Darfur try to get involved to be apart of the people responsible for change. Even just telling friends about what is happening and how they can help is something.
This event accomplished its goal of informing students about what the genocide and ways to help. For more information about Darfur action visit: http://www.darfuraction.com/ and for information of STAND visit: http://www.standnow.org/
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