Stories about Ethnicity & Race from March, 2009
Fiji: Rugby, politics and democracy
People in Fiji are slowly coming to grips with the fact the nation’s Rugby sevens team could not defend its World Cup title because it was beaten by upstart Kenya in the quarter-finals. Nearly everyone in Fiji has fingered blame on someone — the players, trainers and coaches. Yet more than a few bloggers and commenters are blaming the loss on the country’s political situation.
Jamaica, U.S.A.: Artist vs. Art
“What should a black reader do if he finds out that one of his favourite authors was racist?”: Jamaican Marlon James considers the options.
Armenia-Azerbaijan: Artush and Zaur
After the publication of a controversial new novel in Azerbaijan, Blogian posts an interview with its author while Unzipped: Gay Armenia says that a book discussion will be held in Baku on 11 March. Artush and Zaur, the story of the homosexual love affair between an Armenian and Azerbaijani in...
Ukraine: Riot Police Attack Crimean Tatar House
Ukrainiana describes a tragic incident that happened in Crimea, when riot police stormed a house by mistake, using noise/flash diversionary device and severely injuring people who were inside: “That’s the way police works in Ukraine, and particularly in Crimea. In fact, Crimean law enforcement appears to be bent on inciting...
Israel: Jewish-Arab Demographics in Delicate Balance
Jewish Israeli communities in areas with high Arab populations face impending demographic problems about how to keep a Jewish majority. Rock of Galilee writes about how his village plans to stay Jewish.
Myanmar envoy: Rohingyas “are as ugly as ogres”
beyond skin mentions some of the hilarious and racist statements issued by the Thai and Myanmar governments about the status of the Rohingya refugees. For instance, a Myanmar envoy described the Rohingyas as “ugly as ogres.”
Ukraine: Çelebicihan's Death Anniversary
Window on Eurasia writes about the 91st anniversary of the murder of Numan Çelebicihan, a Crimean Tatar leader – and the recent assault of a Crimean Tatar family by Ukrainian riot police.
UK: ‘Stamping Out’ Media Racism Against Indigenous Peoples
Amid growing awareness about indigenous peoples’ issues in the world, British periodicals The Guardian and The Observer have new guidelines against using two phrases that activists say marginalize and de-legitimize indigenous peoples.
Hungary: Police Force; Crimes Against Gypsies
Hungarian Spectrum writes about the Hungarian police – “for every 100,000 citizens there are 420 policemen” – and about crimes against gypsies (here and here).
Azerbaijan: Od Çərşənbəsi
Sheki, Azerbaijan informs its readers of Od Çərşənbəsi, a traditional observance that will eventually usher in the fire holiday of Newroz.
Australian film on Lebanese gangs talk of the town
An Australian film depicting Lebanese gang life in Sydney's western suburbs has sparked more than a series of reviews. “The Combination“ was pulled from several cinemas in Sydney after brawls broke out, following the screenings and the controversial film has been the talk of the town, receiving wide media attention, writes Antoun Issa.
Nepal: Identity politics
Dr. Divas at ABC discusses the identity politics in Nepal and the debate between the ethnic communities Madhesis and the Tharus on the Madhesi demand of ‘Whole Madhes, One Single State’.
Israel: Novelist Writes From Palestinian Perspective
Matt Beynon Rees is a Jerusalem-based crime novelist whose third book, The Samaritan's Secret, has just been published to positive reviews. His protagonist is the Palestinian school teacher and amateur sleuth, Omar Yussef. Rees explains: “I think of my novels as humanist, filtering out the politics that makes people see...
Russia, Ukraine: History and Denial
In the last days of February, calls have been made in Russia to make the denial of the Soviet victory in the WWII and the denial of Soviet crimes against the people a criminal offense; also, the head of Russia's Federal Archives announced that "he and his researchers had not found 'a single document' showing that Stalin planned 'a terror famine' in Ukraine." Below are a few reactions from English-language blogs focusing on Russia.