Stories about Weblog from September, 2015
‘Halal’ Internet Advertisements Pop Up in Toronto, Canada
'Halal' Internet refers to Iran's national intranet project, but ads for censorship software associated with groups of parents protesting Ontario's sexual education curriculum are using the term.
Breaking Down Cultural and Racial Stereotypes About Latin Americans, One Joke at a Time
Flama uses humor to foster cultural understanding. Its collection of short videos seeks to address the complexity of Latin American identities and their sometimes-simplistic representation in North American society.
#PinjraTod Gives Voice to Indian Women Fed Up With Draconian University Hostel Rules
"What is clear from all these stories is the need for an all-out rejection of these restrictive rules and the patriarchal protectionism they are built on."
Drowned Syrian Boy Awakens Peruvians to Their Own Dying Children
A photo of a drowned Syrian boy has generated international sympathy, while images of children freezing in the Peruvian Andes have provoked a different response.
‘We Are Here To Support You': A Dutch Welcome for Refugees
Volunteers at Amsterdam's Central Station have banded together to welcome and support arriving refugees. "What I didn’t anticipate," writes Faten Busheri, "are the stories they would tell me."
Zone9 Bloggers Are Not Alone: More Ethiopian Netizens Face Terrorism Charges
Alongside the now-famous case of the Zone9 bloggers, there are so many detained Ethiopian bloggers, online activists and politicians, whose names are not yet on the map. Last year on July 8, 2014, Ethiopia detained a number of local opposition leaders, bloggers, online activists and concerned citizens. Some were released after four...
Haitian President's Sexist Comments Remind Caribbean Feminists They Still Have a Long Way to Go
From schoolboy raps to ministerial threats, women across the Caribbean continue to pay the price for speaking out, says the Code Red feminist blog.
3 Keys to Understanding the Burkina Faso Coup
Learn who is behind the coup, what this has to do with upcoming elections and why all eyes are on citizen movements' reactions to the crisis.
As Election Draws Near, Myanmar Turns to Social Media at Democratic Turning Point
The election is widely seen as a test of the government's willingness to hold a clean election, and as an important step in the country's transition to a modern democracy.
Charlie Hebdo's Cartoons of Alan Kurdi Spark Another Round of Free Speech Debates
French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo kicks off a new free-speech debate with its latest cartoons about the refugee crisis and specifically deceased Syrian toddler Alan Kurdi.
Chilean Musician Victor Jara's Rethinking of Power Lives on Long After His Murder
The singer-songwriter, murdered in the aftermath of Augusto Pinochet's coup, invited listeners to dare to dream of a future in which society wasn't separated into powerful elites and disenfranchised masses.
Most Bangladeshi Garment Workers Are Women, But Their Union Leaders Weren't—Until Now
Recent disasters in Bangladesh's garment industry have left hundreds of workers dead or injured. Women workers are taking more of a leadership role in the struggle to unionize.
UN Does Not Recognize Taiwanese Passport, Denies Entrance to Geneva Office
Several Taiwanese citizens were denied entrance to the United Nations offices, after the receptionist there said the passport issued by Taiwan (ROC) was not a valid identity document.
Surprise Swings Lead to Landslide Victory for Singapore's Ruling Party
Singapore's ruling party, which has been in power since 1959, clinched a landslide victory in the recent general election. Many were surprised by the results.
Guinean Bloggers Battle the Digital Divide and Threats to Free Speech
Abdoulaye Bah reports Guinea's second blogcamp on how local bloggers are building the online community and opposing restrictions on free speech imposed before the elections.
What Could a Protest of Taxi Drivers in Lisbon and Jakarta Possibly Have in Common? Uber!
Uber is challenging the taxi business concept all around the world. Portuguese taxi drivers are reacting very seriously: with protests. The same is happening in Indonesia.
Ugandan Minister Mysteriously Dies, the Internet Goes Haywire
The sudden death of General Aronda, Uganda's Internal Affairs Minister and former Chief Of Defence Forces, created an outpouring of condolences and a wave of conspiracy theories on social media.
Taiwan Fishing Heritage: Fish and Fire Dance in the Sea
Every year from May to September, masses of anchovies and sardines swim off the northern coast of Taiwan. "Jolting fire," a traditional way of fishing, is used to catch them.
Saudi Court's Death Sentence for Young Ali Al-Nimr Disputed by Human Rights Defenders
Saudi Ali al-Nimr was arrested when he was 17. Now, at 21, he is sentenced to be beheaded, and then have his body strapped to a cross to rot.
Brewing Sake in Japan Is Becoming a Woman's Game—Again
In ancient times, it's said that brewing sake was a women's craft. But for the past few hundred years women have been forbidden from brewing. That's changing in big ways.
Dying for a Drink? This New Web Series About São Paulo's Drought Might Be for You
From the politics behind São Paulo's water management to the illusion of water as a limitless resource, this Web series presents the dire predicament of Brazil's largest city.