Stories about Ethnicity & Race from February, 2011
Macedonia: Violent Inter-Ethnic Incident on Skopje Fortress
Two large groups clashed around the old Skopje Fortress around noon on Sunday. The police failed to effectively separate an ethnic Macedonian and an ethnic Albanian mobs, which came to protest for and against construction of a church-like building that the government claims would become a museum. Some of the results include 6 injured civilians, 2 injured policemen, and alarmingly high levels of general fear and hate speech on-line.
Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago: Of Beauty & Bottoms
Stunner is incredulous over the skin bleaching phenomenon, saying: “Black is beautiful”, while Lisa Allen-Agostini “can testify that it is not easy for a black woman to be without a big bottom…the cult of the bamsee is strong.”
Côte d'Ivoire: Did Alassane Ouatarra Really Win?
On his blog, Allain Jules [fr] reacts to fakegbagbo’s analysis [en] of the results of the presidential elections in Côte d'Ivoire.
Brazil: Children's Book Sparks Racism Debate
During recent months Brazilian citizen media has been debating literature, censorship, racism and education, following the suggestion by the country's National Council on Education (NCE) to withdraw celebrated author Monteiro Lobato's book Caçadas de Pedrinho (Pete's Hunting) [pt] from schools.
Jamaica: Lessons from Marley
“One of the most striking aspects of Marley’s songwriting is his authenticity”: Diaspora litblogger Geoffrey Philp wonders if bloggers can learn a few lessons from the late reggae great.
Mexico: Reactions to “Racist” Remarks on BBC's Top Gear
Comments on the BBC's popular car show Top Gear calling Mexicans, "lazy, feckless, flatulent," and "overweight" have caused mixed reactions among Mexican bloggers.
Cuba: Legalising Prostitution?
“The Cuban regime does not accept the practice of prostitution”: Iván's File Cabinet makes a case for why it should.
Georgia: Blogger action in support of evicted IDPs
Following the eviction of IDP families from Abkhazia and South Ossetia, bloggers in Tbilisi, Georgia, have joined ranks with protesters demanding an end to their often forcible relocation and demands for proper housing.
USA: Japanese Civil Rights Icon Fred Korematsu Celebrated
Fred Korematsu, a Japanese-American who resisted placement in a World War II-era internment camp, and later fought in courts to have a Supreme Court conviction of "defiance" overturned, was remembered on January 30 in the state of California.
