Stories about Citizen Media from July, 2014
Indian Prime Minister Modi's First Budget Promises Lots of Change, Including an Expensive New Statue
Narendra Modi's first budget as India’s new prime minister was greeted with mixed reactions. The $34 million budget allocation for a 600-foot statue in his home state generated much buzz.
5 Modern African Thinkers on Identity, Language and Regionalism
Albeit a bit of a mystery worldwide, African philosophy is strong discipline that has evolved tremendously through history.
Cuba's Customs Clamps Down in “Illegal Imports”
On September 1, 2014 the Customs Service of the Republic of Cuba will begin enforcing new regulations intended to combat illegal trafficking of merchandise by relatives, friends and ‘mules’ (a slang term for couriers of goods from overseas through airports and port facilities). Iván's File Cabinet considers this “one more...
The Hypocrisy of Outrage Against LGBT Rights in Jamaica
An off-colour comment by a Jamaican sports commentator who “dampened the moment of post World Cup celebrations with his shouts of ‘Heil Hitler’ on national television” leads author and blogger Kei Miller to pen a letter to the editor illustrating why his countrymen are living a double standard – outraged...
Three Anti-World Cup Activists Accuse Brazil of Political Persecution, Unsuccessfully Seek Asylum From Uruguay
Eloisa Samy, a lawyer who has defends activists, was "preemptively" arrested before the World Cup final, accused of forming an armed gang. She was later released, then arrested again.
Spanish Football Club Presents Peculiar T-Shirt
Spanish football club Cultural y Deportiva Leonesa, presented its new T-shirt on July 22, 2014, with a peculiar design that simulates a tuxedo, with shoulder braids, and even a bow tie just below the neck. Twitter users were quick to express their opinion, not always favorable: No sé cuál es peor: Las...
The Purple House, a Collective in Colombia's Medellín ‘To Create, Enjoy and Find Ourselves’
Morada, or Casa Morada, is an initiative born in a complex neighborhood of the Colombian city of Medellín. Learn about its various projects that combine art, education and participation.
2 Journalists Arrested for Alleged Defamation of a Minister in Madagascar
Two journalists from the daily paper Madagascar Matin were placed under arrest at Antanimora's jail, in the capital city of Madagascar, Antananarivo. Earlier this morning (July 23), both of them were summoned to the Brigade of Fiadanana for a hearing. Solo Rajaonson, another local journalist, posted the following update in...
Wanted to Watch Saint Lucia's Carnival on TV This Year? You Were Out of Luck
"How regressive! Did the organisers consider Saint Lucians in the diaspora, those in other countries and foreigners who might be interested in being part of Saint Lucia Carnival...?"
The Death and Gloom of Donetsk and Gaza
How did RuNet users react to the twin events of July 17, the downing of Malaysian Flight MH17, and the beginning of Israel’s ground assault into the Gaza Strip?
Venezuela Clears the Tower of David, the “World's Tallest Slum,” of Squatters
The Venezuelan government has finished evacuating thousands of squatters from the Tower of David, which overlooks Caracas’ slums, and is the tallest and most distinct building in the capital city's skyline. The one-time office tower is a symbol of how prosperous Venezuela once was and its current dilapidated state reflects growing inflation and...
Fear, Love and Iran's Favorite Internet Enemy (it's Facebook)
On July 13, eight young Iranians were dealt long prison sentences for their activities on Facebook. Activists both in and outside the country know little more about the case.
Court Ruling Against Restaurant Reviewer Leaves French Bloggers Reeling
The presiding judge ruled that while the review fell "within the scope of freedom of expression" its title was defamatory.
Expired Meat Was on the Menu at McDonald's, KFC and Other Fast Food Restaurants in China
It's the latest food safety scandal to hit China, which has seen a spate of issues in recent years, including a 2008 milk contamination that killed six infants.
Dozens of Activists in Brazil Were Arrested Not for Protesting the World Cup, but for Possibly Planning to Do So
Thirty-seven people were preemptively arrested ahead of the World Cup final in Rio de Janeiro because police believed they might protest violently in the future.
‘Syria Is With You, Gaza’
From poets to activists from the heart of Aleppo, where the bombs keep falling, shows of Syrian-Palestinian solidarity are constant. Syria Untold has the story.
Bahrain's Foreign Minister Seems to Have Forgotten His Country's Ill Treatment of Journalists
Khalid Alkhalifa took a dig at NBC after it pulled Ayman Mohyeldin out of Gaza for "doing his journalistic duty." Twitter users quickly reminded Alkhalifa of Bahrain's own shoddy record.
Tips for Sharing Tweets Automatically
Infoactivismo is a blog about digital tools exchange and how to make the most out of that data to create changes in society. On this post, they explain two ways of sharing tweets with one click. Al lanzar una campaña en medios digitales es de gran utilidad tener mensajes que...
How to Become a Good Father
Panamanian Joel Silva Díaz elaborates what many people wonder, especially men: how to be a good father. On his personal blog he describes his challenges with his own father and his goals as a father: …Recuerdo que veía como un juego el buscar un tema de conversación, debido a mi...
This Young Woman Footballer Is More Popular Than Messi in Her Remote Village in Nepal
Sunakali led her team to victory in the national women's football tournament. When they arrived home, locals met them at the airstrip chanting, "Sunakali, like Messi!"
Simply, Thank You!
2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil is over and Argentina didn't win this time. A week after the final match, there are still lots of reflections and comments about the performance of the Argentinian national team. This time, we find a hearfelt comment by Manuel de León, where he expresses his...
