Stories from 4 March 2013
The Conflict in Mali: Who is Fighting Whom, and Why?
Since the bloody conflict in Mali began one year ago, the crisis has evolved in fits and starts, all the while immersed in a historical framework that the mainstream media too often oversimplifies. Here we will try to unpack the complexities of the conflict by putting into context the violent fighting currently engulfing the northern African country.
What is “Hungarian Music”?
Hungarian musicians signed an online petition [hu] against the restrictive definition of “Hungarian music” included in Hungary's media law, which considers only Hungarian-language productions as “Hungarian music.” The petitioners argued that the definition is not only excluding many artists from being part of the Hungarian music and culture, but is discriminatory when it comes to...
Israel Introduces Separate Bus Lines for Jews and Arabs
Israel has introduced “Palestinian only” bus lines for Jews and Arabs, traveling from the West Bank to Israel, starting today [March 4, 2013]. Netizens react to the news, describing Israel as practicing segregation and apartheid.
Peru Lights Up Social Media During Blackout
On Sunday March 3, 2013, a sudden blackout affected various areas in Peru's capital city, Lima. Limeans turned to social media, especially Twitter, to voice their opinions.
“What if Superman had Landed in India?”
Colombian blog Diario Nocturno wonders “What if Superman had landed in India?” [es]: We all know that Superman, while he was just a superbaby, fled planet Krypton in a space capsule, just before its destruction and landed (oh, what a coincidence) in Smallville, Kansas. But, what if he had landed,...
‘Global Voices Can Help Explain Catalonia to the World’
Interview with Violeta Camarasa, Global Voices Online's Catalan-language editor. Global Voices Català has demonstrated over the past several months that it has the capacity to explain Catalonia to the world, supplementing the mainstream media's historical neglect of the region.
Media Tips for Covering Migration
Employ more migrants as journalists, is one of several new practical recommendations (pdf) on how to better cover migration by the Global Editor's Network and the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations.
Stadiums Vs. Schools: Slovakia's Misplaced Priorities
There is not enough money to provide Slovak teachers with decent salaries, but there is some to build football stadiums all over the country. Tibor Blazko reports on the Slovak government's misplaced funding priorities.
VIDEO: Brazil Bulldozes Neighborhood Without Warning for World Cup
Video records the moment when Rio de Janeiro officials armed with bulldozers burst into Restinga, intent on demolishing the homes and businesses of 153 families who live in the neighborhood. Francisca de Pinho Melo recalls how she lost her home and business so that city officials could construct a bus lane ahead of the 2014 World Cup and 2016 Olympics.
