Stories about Citizen Media from January, 2016
Coldplay's New Video Featuring Beyonce Faces Backlash for Alleged Stereotyping of Indian Culture
"Beyonce's video is a problem because it's reductive, and uses India as a prop for capitalist gain. A land and culture she has no right to."
Crime in Trinidad & Tobago Brings Out Netizens’ Racial Prejudices
Are racial stereotypes so ingrained in Trinidad and Tobago that some think criminals can only be of one ethnic denomination? A dramatic robbery in Port of Spain proves that #CrimeHasNoEthnicity.
Crude Journalism? Nigerians Demand an Apology From The Economist for Ex-President ‘Buffoon’ Insult
"Dear The Economist, I am of the deeply considered opinion that you owe President Jonathan and Nigeria an apology..."
New Ukrainian Draft Bill Seeks Extrajudicial Blocking for Websites Violating Copyright
A new bill in the Ukrainian parliament wants to replace the common pre-court notice and takedown procedure for copyright violations online with a faster blocking mechanism bypassing the courts.
No, Eritrea Isn't Forcing Men to Marry at Least Two Wives
The two wives hoax inspired a flood of hilarious memes on Twitter.
Laf Productions, the Chilean Team Behind Several Hilarious Viral Videos in Latin America
The Laf team give a humorous twist to everyday themes, and perhaps that's one of the reasons behind their success.
Russian Internet Users Turn to TV for News, But Trust Online Sources More, Study Finds
37 percent of Russian Internet users believe Russian television and online media report on news in the same way, while an equal 37 percent argue the coverage differs significantly.
Egyptians Call for the Release of Political Prisoners on the Fifth Anniversary of the Jan25 Revolution
Some 41,000 political prisoners remain in jail in Egypt on the fifth anniversary of the Egyptian revolution. Mira G looks at how they are being remembered.
Facebook Finally Suspends ‘Pegida Macedonia’ Anti-Muslim Page
Despite numerous user report of Islamophobic hate speech, Facebook stated several times that the page did not violate its Community Standards.
‘Don't You Touch My Sister': Guinean Citizens Rally Against Rape
Guinean citizens took to the streets and online forums to raise awareness of sexual violence in Guinea.
Raising the Roof on Trinidad & Tobago's Housing Scandal
Trinidad and Tobago's state housing allocations are allegedly fraught with corruption, leaving the most economically vulnerable, which the Housing Development Corporation is meant to prioritise, without places to call home.
Court Ruling Reignites Hope That White Collar Crime Could Actually Be Punished in Trinidad & Tobago
"With respect to the recent ruling at the Privy Council, the simple outcome is that persons who are charged with criminal offences will be made to face a trial."
Japanese TV Personality's Career Demolished After Affair With Married Musician
A relatively tame sex scandal highlights the unforgiving nature of Japan's entertainment industry.
The Nazi Plan to Relocate Jews to Madagascar, One of World War II's Forgotten ‘What Ifs’
Madagascar is not known for its role in World War II. Yet it was a central part of one of the darkest events of the war.
Don't Be Confused. The Panama Hat Is an Old Ecuadorian Tradition
Don't let name confuse you: the Panama hat comes from Ecuador and its manual crafting is a tradition and source of pride among its rural manufacturers.
Camels Enjoying the Snow in Saudi Arabia
Parts of the desert kingdom of Saudi Arabia are experiencing snowfall -- and netizens are rushing online to document it.
Mexico’s Supreme Court Hands Indigenous Peoples Landmark Victory in Media Representation
The highest court in Mexico declares Article 230 of the Federal Telecommunications and Broadcasting Law to be unconstitutional for discriminating against indigenous languages.
Local Media Coverage of Tunisia's Job Protests Under Criticism
Despite the protesters distancing themselves from vandalism and looting, the media has been focusing on them alone, instead of providing enough coverage of the protesters' demands.
How Netizens Are Pushing Back Against ISIS’ Social Media ‘Propaganda Machine’
Alongside the efforts of big companies and governments, many independent groups and individuals are making their own efforts to combat ISIS' activities online.
Activist-Blogger Hossein Ronaghi Maleki Returns To Jail
While much hope and happiness came with the lifting of nuclear sanctions and the release of Iranian-American prisoners in Iran, a blogger and activist returned to jail.
The Lebanese ‘Christian Marriage’ Between Aoun and Geagea Leaves Many Skeptical
When one former warlord endorsed another former warlord, ordinary Lebanese started sharing stories of their suffering during the civil war. Abir Ghattas and Joey Ayoub share some of those stories.