Stories about Feature from December, 2010
Russia: Internet 2010 Overview
2010 highlighted several important trends of Russian Internet. Online audience grows very fast with people getting more news online and actively using social networks. In a lot of ways, 2010 brought a recognition of the power of the Internet into Russian society.
Tunisia : “We Are Not Afraid Anymore!”
The year 2010 is coming to an end but Tunisia is shaken up by a social uprising that many bloggers hope will bring a decisive change in their country. Because of the Tunisian censorship of internet and the media, social media are heavily used to inform and organize the protests for 13 days now by using the hashtag #SidiBouzid. One main question stands out: Why are the protests in Tunisia not having the same echo as the protests in Iran? Additionally, why is censorship by China always discussed but the blackout by the police state of Tunisia never addressed?
Sudan: High technology is no substitute for ordinary people
George Clooney has initiated a project, Satellite Sentinel, which uses satellite imagery analysis and Google's Map Marker technology to prevent the resumption of war between North and South Sudan. Carne Cross, a former British diplomat, has written a critique of the project on his blog arguing that high technology is no substitute for ordinary people.
4 ways you can support Global Voices (and a Happy New Year!)
If you’re reading this, you’re more than likely already a friend of Global Voices who believes in our mission of amplifying voices not normally heard in the mainstream media, of making it possible for global citizens to use online tools to participate fully in the lives of their communities, and of protecting freedom of expression and free access to information online. If that's indeed the case, we’d like to take some time out on this last day of 2010 to thank you for your support, and, if we may, suggest other ways you can help us do the work we do.
Glimpses of Citizen Media from Portuguese language countries in 2010
Throughout 2010 the lusophone blogsphere has given new perspectives on important issues that mainstream media tends to ignore. Read this post and discover a selection of the voices that Global Voices has amplified - from citizen media phenomena, to politics, governance and indigenous peoples.
Our Most Read Posts in 2010
On Global Voices we work with a large volunteer community to publish stories about what is happening in blogs and citizen media around the world. These are some of the stories that have attracted the most attention in 2010 from our readers in English .
Kazakhstan: Echo of the OSCE Summit
Since mid-2000s Kazakhstan was craving to head the Organization for Cooperation and Security in Europe, OSCE, the largest international pro-democracy organization on the continent. The bid was criticized by some member countries because of the Kazakhstan’s poor human rights record. Eventually the chairmanship was granted in result of a set...
Nigeria: Controversy Over the Sale of Stolen Benin Mask
Online activists have been protesting against the proposed auction of six pieces of stolen artworks including the mask of Queen Idia – the first Queen Mother of Benin, Nigeria.
Zambia: Tina Banda, The Facebook Agony Aunt
To many people Facebook is a tool to announce what they are doing or what they have done, yet to some Zambians, it is being used as ‘Agony Aunt’ from which they are seeking advice on many social problems affecting them.
Malaysia-Indonesia Soccer Match Turns Into War of Words
Malaysia and Indonesia are the two finalists in the Asean Football Federation Suzuki Cup. Two twitter hashtags made it into the worldwide trending topics, ‘Hate Malaysia’ and ‘#loveindonesia’ as Indonesian netizens expressed their disappointment over the first game loss of their team
Cuba: Cables Reveal Government Sees Bloggers as “Most Serious Challenge”
Cuba was one of the Latin American countries most frequently referenced in the trove of diplomatic cables recently released by WikiLeaks. Cables confirmed much of what is already known, but they also revealed the Cuban government’s deep concern about the political impact of independent bloggers on the island.
Wikileaks, Thaileaks, Indoleaks, Pinoyleaks
There are Wikileaks clones in Southeast Asia: Thaileaks from Thailand, Indoleaks from Indonesia and Pinoyleaks from the Philippines. These websites were established/revived this month to support the work started by Wikileaks and to expose secret government documents in their respective countries.
Bolivia: Government Ends Fuel Subsidies, Protests Expected
On December 26th, the Bolivian government announced that it would be ending fuel subsidies and that the price of gasoline and diesel would increase by 73% and 83%, respectively. The measure has concerned Bolivian citizens because the price for many goods and services have already increased.
Puerto Rico: Violent Clashes at the University of Puerto Rico
Students on strike at the main campus of the state-run University of Puerto Rico were beaten and arrested last Monday, December 20, after violent clashes with the Police. Students oppose an annual $800 tuition fee that will be imposed in January. Bloggers in Puerto Rico have analyzed and commented on this recent strike and the crucial moment the student movement confronts.
Sudan: President Announces North Will Be Ruled By Islamic Law If South Separates
As the referendum on whether or not Southern Sudan will separate approaches, a few Sudanese bloggers have been busy commenting on the future prospects of their country. Recent comments made by the Sudanese President, Omar Hassan Al-Bashir, about the implementation of Islamic Law in North Sudan if the South separates have sparked controversy
Russia: How Vladivostok Christmas Tree Craziness Made Me Laugh
People in Vladivostok never lose their sense of humor. Otherwise one would be in the perpetual state of depression. They laugh about everything from nerve-racking traffic jams and alarming snow situations to Christmas tree arrangements and new taxes on the imported Japanese cars.
China: Press conference held following suspicious death of rural activist
It has not been a peaceful week in the news, with a crossbow-shooting bomber-petitioner in Beijing, a city administration official killed with a screwdriver today in Fujian province, and the grisly death of village leader Qian Yunhui in Zhejiang province on Christmas day. [UPDATE: Roland Soong at EastSouthWestNorth has been...
USA: Indigenous Youth Media Project Recovers History
For a Navajo community, video has become a way to connect youth with their ancestors and the history of their people through the story of the Yellow Woman.
Tragedy bookends Year 2010 for Francophone Citizen Media
It appears that tragedy will bookend yet another year rich in remarkable events in the world of francophone citizen media. The month of January set the tone with the fallout from the earthquake in Haiti and December saw the elections in Cote d'Ivoire take a dramatic turn. Here is the year 2010 reviewed through the lenses of francophone citizen media users.
Mexico: Indigenous People Denounce Mining Project on Sacred Site
The Indigenous Huichol People of Mexico are denouncing a Canadian mining project that is threatening one of their sacred sites and that, if completed, would endanger their health and water supply.
Pakistan: The Blasphemous Use Of Blasphemy Law
The interpretation of Blasphemy law in Pakistan has, for long, aroused controversy and has been criticized and questioned by the human rights activists. It has been used as a tool to spread violence and incite fear specifically among the minorities. Neitzens call for amendment of the law.
