Stories from 31 October 2012
Far-Right Party Performs Strongly in Ukrainian Vote
While the results of the Oct. 28 elections in Ukraine are still being finalized, netizens are already discussing the anticipated outcome. Many are paying special attention to VO Svoboda, a far-right party, and its victorious leap over the 5% threshold necessary to get any Parliament seats.
Puerto Rico: Political Parties Reap the Benefits of Social Media
Social media have become a key part of daily life in Puerto Rico, a fact which has not escape the attention of the country's various political parties. Each of these has tried to capitalise on the enormous potential that social media offer, some with greater success than others.
Saint Lucia: Jounen Kwéyòl Festivities (Creole Day)
On Sunday, Saint Lucia celebrated its annual Jounen Kwéyòl (Creole Day). The day of activities were the culmination of Creole Heritage Month. On Jounen Kwéyòl, selected communities host a fair where the Creole culture is celebrated through dress, music and most of all, food.
Arab World: Sandy Unleashes Wrath of God on Infidel America
As the world turned its eyes to New York and New Jersey to follow the news of hurricane Sandy, and the destruction it has caused, many across the Arab world debated whether the storm was the embodiment of the wrath of God - unleashed against the infidels and in retaliation to US foreign policy. Seriously.
Japan: Election Tweeting Forbidden
Even though Japanese is the second most active language in the world on Twitter, for the country's political candidates, tweeting during election campaigns is forbidden. A group of young activists is seeking to...
Former Brazilian Model Turned Beggar Stirs Debate on Racism
Tall, blue-eyed and wrapped in a blanket while roaming the streets of Curitiba, Rafael Nunes, a former Brazilian model, has gained international attention after his picture and story went viral on Facebook and Twitter. The case of "the photogenic beggar from Curitiba" has grown into a racial-oriented discussion about how Brazilian society reacts to situations of social exclusion.
Transcript of Catalan Journalists’ Video Against Their Libel Fine
Discover the transcript of some parts of the video that the editors of the Catalan magazine Cafè amb Llet uploaded to YouTube to comment on their recent libel sentence and fine.
Spain: Journalists Fined After Revealing Corruption in Catalonia
Marta Sibina and Albano Dante, editors of the citizen media magazine Cafè amb Llet, have been fined 10,000 euro for libel. They uploaded to YouTube a video strongly criticizing the lack of transparency in public healthcare financing in Catalonia, implicating Josep Maria Via, president of Barcelona MAR Health Park Consortium and healthcare advisor to Catalan President Artur Mas.
Colombian ‘Tiger’ Radamel Falcao, Nominated for FIFA Ballon d'Or
The Spanish football club Atlético de Madrid has launched a video promoting Colombian striker Radamel Falcao's bid to become the 2012 FIFA Ballon d'Or. The campaign has been well received among Colombians, who have been sharing the spot and commenting the campaign on Twitter using the hashtag #UnTigreDeOro (A golden tiger).
Mexican Blogger Ruy Salgado Reappears, Ends Broadcast
Arjan Shahani writes about the case of Mexican blogger Ruy Salgado from el5antuario [es], who had gone missing in September of this year. On October 20, one of his former...
Afef Abrougui, Blogging From Tunisia
Afef Abrougui, a contributor for Global Voices in Tunisia, tells us about her experience in the demonstrations that took place in her country in 2011 and what she expects for the immediate future of Tunisian politics. She also shares with us some of her daily life and chores.
Syria Destruction in Photos
Syrian photographers are using social media to share images of destroyed neighborhoods and streets. Despite the limited media resources, what comes out shows the horrific reality that Syria is under destruction.
Abuse Photos Attest the Need for Child Protection Law in China
A viral photo showing a smiling female kindergarten teacher lifting a child by his ears who then bursts into tears, has triggered online discussion on child abuse in China and the need for further child protection legislation.
Halloween an ‘Alien’ Holiday in Tajikistan
We should teach the younger generation that Halloween is alien to Tajiks and all Muslims. Proud Tajik boys and girls who love their nation should never celebrate alien holidays. Blogger...
