Stories about Citizen Media from September, 2011
China: Interview with a digital dissident
Tom from Seeing Red in China interviews Xiaomi (twitter: @xiaomi2020), one of the organizers of Yizhe, a group which translates Western journalism on China so that they are more accessible to ordinary Chinese. Though not politically-oriented, some members of the group were identified by authorities because they translate news considered...
Update on Global Voices Mentorship: Meet the Activists
For over a month, ten Global Voices bloggers have been working with activists from ten different countries as mentors of members of the new Blogger Swarm initiative of Activista, the youth network of international development organization ActionAid.
Video: Water Bottle Lights and Other Eco-Friendly Inventions
Solar lights and hot water heaters from plastic water bottles, houses made from trash and a way to do without plastic bags are some of the projects making reducing, reusing and recycling not only fun and affordable but also vital in improving the quality of life of people all around the world.
Mexico: Uproar Over Twitter Law Proposed by Veracruz Governor
A controversial law in Mexico could imprison those who spread rumors through social networks on the charge of "disturbing public order". Mexicans are speaking out against the law, which has been labeled #LeyJavierDuarte on Twitter after the name of Veracruz governor, Javier Duarte.
Colombia: President Santos’ Tour of Asia
Last week, Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos toured Japan and South Korea for seven days with the goal of strengthening commercial ties. In Japan, he signed an agreement to protect reciprocal investments, while the Koreans promised to accelerate the process for a free trade treaty. Bloggers and Twitter users commented on the trip.
Zambia: Netizens Report Riots as Poll Results are Delayed
Zambian netizens on Thursday 22 September reported widespread riots across the country as a result of delays by the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) to announce election results for presidential, parliamentary and local government elections. One death has so far been recorded.
Bolivia: Police Block Indigenous Territory Anti-Highway March
Protests have continued by indigenous marchers to stop the building of a highway through the Indigenous Territory National Park Isiboro Sécure in Bolivia. Police recently blocked the march, raising tensions in the conflict.
Global Voices Seeks Administration and Finance Manager
Global Voices seeks a Finance and Administration Manager to support our operations on a daily basis. To express your interest, please send a cover letter and CV to “job AT globalvoicesonline DOT org” by no later than October 17, 2011.
China: A water calligraphy dot matrix printer
Danwei has produced a video interview with Nicholas Hanna, a media artist who has built a tricycle that can paint Chinese characters with water on the ground as it moves. The machine is inspired by Beijingers who practice Chinese calligraphy with water brushes on the ground in parks.
Uganda: Anti-Museveni Author Freed After Five Days
The Ugandan government has freed the author of a book who was imprisoned for five days without access to his lawyers or family. Vincent Nzaramba’s little known book 'People Power, Battle the Mighty General' called for a coup and a revolution in the country, thrusting the little known activist into the spotlight.
Peru: ‘Mistura 2011′ Ends Amid Praise and Criticism
In Lima the 'Mistura' festival of gastronomy just came to an end. It attracted a total of 400,000 visitors, and 9 famous chefs lead by Ferrán Adriá signed the 'Declaration of Lima.' It is hoped that Mistura 2012 will reach one million visitors. Most Peruvians support this event, but there are also some criticisms.
Bolivia: Child Workers Unionize
In Bolivia, where unions are extensively formed by members of society, another group of workers have unionized: children. Bloggers and reporters try to put this delicate issue into context.
Zambia: Netizens Fill Void of Delayed Election Results
Eighteen hours after Zambia’s September 20 elections closed, inordinate delays by the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) to release presidential, parliamentary and local government results have led social media sources to give out the much yearned for information.
Global: Online Dialogue on Technology for Transparency
The Technology for Transparency Initiative, together with New Tactics in Human Rights, invites you to join an online dialogue on 'Using Technology to Promote Transparency'. Join us to discuss new ideas, challenges, risks, and opportunities.
Global: Reflections on Peace Day 2011
To mark the International Day of Peace, celebrated on September 21, female bloggers from The SunFlower Post share their perspectives on world peace by reflecting on the realities of their lives in Mexico, China, Turkey, Russia and Latvia.
Uganda: LGBTI Human Rights Defender Receives Kennedy Award
Frank Mugisha, a Ugandan LGBTI (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex) human rights defender has been selected for the 2011 Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Award. Haute Haiku reports.
Venezuela: Netizens Criticize Chavez on Twitter with #cosasProhibidasEnVenezuela
Al Jazeera's The Stream aggregated and translated tweets written by Venezuelan netizens using the hashtag #cosasProhibidasEnVenezuela (Things prohibited in Venezuela): “activists are criticising Chavez and his current administration, citing corruption and neglect to deliver on promises of social reform.”
Zambia: Netizens Ahead of Mainstream Media in Poll Reporting
On social media websites Zambian voters revealed delays of opening of polling stations, late-coming presiding officers, change of polling stations and even a shortage of ballot papers.
South Korea: The Diplomats Who Can't Speak English
It was revealed on September 13, 2011, that four out of ten South Korean diplomats find it nearly impossible to use proper diplomatic language in English, prompting the public to raise questions on the competency of Ministry of Foreign Affairs officials.
Bhutan: Tour Of The Dragon
Tshering Tobgay writes about the tour of the dragon, the 268 km bike race across the inner Himalaya mountains of Bhutan.
Ukraine: Short Films by Youth for Gender Equality
Young film makers in Ukraine have participated in a short film competition that challenges stereotypes of women and defend gender equality. These films touch on issues that can be understood by speakers of any language.
