Stories about Ideas from May, 2013
Chinese Motherland or Otherland?
The micro-blogger explained the meaning of otherland as: You thought it is motherland, in fact it is otherland; this country belongs to foreigners and those whose offsprings are living overseas. You are the stranger of motherland.
The “Brave” Democrats of Russia's Growing Civil Society
Last week, when Surkov-ally Alexey Chesnakov quit United Russia and publicly criticized the party, few in the English-speaking world noticed, but the event—like Surkov's ouster weeks earlier—could just as easily represent an important moment for Russian society.
Syria Untold: Raqqa Lessons, From Freedom to Creativity in State Building
After the withdrawal of the Syrian army from Raqqa in March 2013, the city suffered a tremendous power vacuum, especially in public services. Syria Untold speaks to activists on the ground who describe a number of campaigns and initiatives led by young people to build the Syria millions dream of.
From Guinea to Italy to France and Back: An Interview with Blogger Abdoulaye Bah
Global Voices author and translator Abdoulaye Bah, originally from Guinea, is a retired Italian citizen who has worked for the United Nations. He now splits his time between Rome and Nice. We spoke with Bah about his life, from his experience hiding in a bathroom to enter Italy without the proper papers, to his marriage in the Vatican, from his blog to his multi-belief family.
Peruvian Mathematician Claims Proof of 300-Year-Old Conjecture
A Peruvian mathematician demonstrated the solution to a mathematical problem that had been unsolved since 1742.
Peru: New Collectible Coin
The Central Reserve Bank of Peru released on May 22, 2013, the thirteenth collectible coin part of the numismatic series “Wealth and pride of Peru” . The coin has an image of the crossed hands from the Temple of Kotosh, located in the department of Huánuco.
“Who Wants to be Prestigious?”
On the blog section [es] of Chilean newspaper El Mercurio [es], columnist Leila Guerriero analyzes the meaning of prestige [es] and notes: Rock musicians have been smart: ‘rock star’ is one of the few jobs (we'd had to add non-Saxon public servants) where a loss of prestige means an increase...
TEDxSão Tomé: More speakers confirmed
Another two speakers [pt] have been confirmed for the event TEDxSão Tomé, in the islands of São Tomé and Príncipe, in 20 June. Mark Richard Shuttleworth [en], a South African founder of the company Canonical Ltd, which develops free software like Ubuntu, Kubuntu, Edubuntu, Xubuntu and Lubuntu and Guilherme Alves...
Media's Too Simple View of Japan LGBT
Blogger and activist Masaki C. has something to say about English media coverage of LGBT politics in Japan, arguing that they simplify the issue down to marriage equality: They are, in constructing LGBT politics in Japan as such, erasing local history and ignoring dialogues taking place among queers in Japan.
Obama Graduation Speech Sparks Debate In China: What Is Citizenship?
Last week, a speech by U.S. President Barack Obama on the value of engaged citizenship made waves in Chinese social media.
‘Not Just About Writers': Talking with NGC Bocas Lit Fest Founder
Global Voices interviews the founder and director of Trinidad & Tobago's NGC Bocas Lit Fest, the indefatigable Marina Salandy-Brown, about how her germ of an idea has now evolved into the biggest literary festival in the Anglophone Caribbean.
Pakistani Fashion Designer's ‘Be My Slave’ Shoot Called ‘Racist’
A magazine photo shoot for an emerging fashion designer's collection has touched off anger throughout Pakistan for its depiction of a dark-skinned child serving as a slave to a fair-skinned model.
TEDXSão Tomé: Event arrives in São Tomé and Príncipe
TEDXSão Tomé pre-registration is opened. The event has “Islands Connected : São Tomé + Príncipe = África Connected to the World” as a theme and is going to take place on 20 June. Speakers already confirmed include: Dynka Amorim, Ismael Sequeira, Professor Robert Drewes e Aoaní d'Alva. Tickets cost €...
Absurdity Takes to the Streets in Russia
"A Monstration is a parody of a traditional demonstration, with absurd demands and slogans, where every participant says what they want."
St. Vincent & the Grenadines: Environmental Entrepreneur
In an era where youth…are seen as being dissolute it is truly heart warming to recognise the drive and talent of this young man. Abeni salutes Kamara Jerome, a 20-year-old Vincentian entrepreneur, who won the Best Environmental Award in the Caribbean Innovation Challenge.
