Stories about French from February, 2010
Italy: “Tangerines and olives don't fall from the sky”
The first strike of immigrant workers in Italy's history will happen on March 1st, thanks to a broad European initiative to oppose racism and discrimination, and reaffirm the positive role of migrants.
Morocco: Maghreb Bloggers Search for Common Ground
A three-day workshop for bloggers from Tunisia, Algeria and Morocco was held from 15 to 17 February 2010 in the Moroccan capital Rabat. Participating bloggers reported and live-tweeted the event. They shared their blogging experiences, engaged in lively debates openly confronting their views on contentious issues and were encouraged to reflect on ways to find grounds for mutual understanding.
Coup in Niger: Bloggers sigh in relief at the ousting of President Tandja
On Thursday, February 18th a coup d'état took place in Niger, in which President Mamadou Tandja was captured after a gun battle in the capital. A few months ago Tandja illegally changed the constitution to allow him a third term in what was generally considered a mass fraud referendum. Bloggers react to these latest developments.
Congo: The Coltan Conflict is in Our Hands (and Cellphones)
Coltan, columbo-tantalite, is a mineral used to make resistors in our cellphones, video games, computers and home electronics. Like blood diamonds, its mining has not only caused ecological damage, human rights abuses, but some say is also fueling the conflict in the Congo.
Bangladesh: A Documentary On A Trans-gender Teenager
Canadian filmmakers Sébastien Rist and Aude Leroux-Lévesque writes in their blog about the making of “Call Me Salma”, a documentary on a Bangladeshi trans-gender teenager. Here is a trailer of the documentary.
Morocco: To Valentine or Not to Valentine?
In Morocco, as in many countries, celebrating Valentine's Day has caught on as a modern expression of love. In major cities, storefronts stock candy hearts and teddy bears, but, as blogger Robin du Blog points out, the Moroccan media doesn't always encourage the celebration.
Africa: Colonialism alive and well after 50 years of independence
2010 will mark the 50th year of francophone African countries' independence from Belgium and France. While official celebrations are under way, debate about colonialism, past and present, is simmering on blogs in North, Central and Western Africa.
Haiti: Between Grief and Love
Despite the difficulties encountered by Haitians to get back to a normal daily life after the destructive earthquake of January 12th and the ongoing grieving in people's hearts, a place was given to the celebration of Valentine's Day in the blogosphere.
Haiti: Relief Efforts & Dangers
Almost a month after the earthquake, which ravaged a significant portion of public facilities and private buildings in Port-au-Prince and nearby cities, French-speaking bloggers discuss the different realities of people who survived the disaster...
Haiti: Tuesdays go by and look alike
In a post entitled “Tuesdays go by and look alike” Potoprincipe [Fr] blogs about the collapse on Tuesday, Feb. 9th of one of the biggest supermarkets in Port-au-Prince, trapping an unknown number of people.
France: International Students in Paris Blog on Cité Babel
The International City of Paris houses a community of international students living and learning at French universities. Their blog and journal "Cité Babel" addresses issues related to identity, cultural exchanges, language, and views of France and the world.
Morocco: Where Independent Media is No More
Le Journal Hebdomadaire, an irreverent Moroccan independent weekly news magazine has ceased to exist, crippled by debt and heavy libel fines. Magazine founders say they have been victims of an orchestrated government attack aimed at financially asphyxiating the publication. Bloggers and media freedom watchdogs have been commenting the development.
Global Voices in Haiti: The Grand Rue Artists, After the Earthquake
Port-au-Prince's Grand Rue neighbourhood, home to a vibrant community of Haitian artists, was seriously affected by the 12 January earthquake. Georgia Popplewell, on the ground in Haiti, talks to Belle Williams, a community representative, about the earthquake and its aftermath.
