Damn! I still do not believe how fast this year has gone by. Well it is not over yet but still, its almost over. I loved every minute of my first year. Internet Studies is a really fun and stimulating course that I would recommend to anyone.
This week was our movie festival. In the tut we have to continue with what is left to di in the course. I have chosen a slot to do my test and I have completed the evaluation. I just have the test to learn for and the essay to do. I must start learning for the exams as well.
All I have left to say is thanks Sachil for all your help this year. I appreciate it.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Week Thirteen (20 October - 26 October): Photography and News--Dilemmas in reporting truth
This week we learnt how to submit our movies to our blogs. We also had time to finish whatever we had outstanding that was due.
The required reading was quite interestin - e-learning. Although the title was new to me, the concept was not. Technology should be introduced in schools as a way to teach, motivate and help children to be creative and challenge them at the same time. The big question still remains however, What will happen if the technology should fail or break down? What then?
I enjoyed the quiz again this week. There were fewer readings so it was easier for me to understand the required concepts.
The required reading was quite interestin - e-learning. Although the title was new to me, the concept was not. Technology should be introduced in schools as a way to teach, motivate and help children to be creative and challenge them at the same time. The big question still remains however, What will happen if the technology should fail or break down? What then?
I enjoyed the quiz again this week. There were fewer readings so it was easier for me to understand the required concepts.
Week Twelve (13 October - 19 October): Who controls news and information? Access and censorship
This week we had to assess the blogs of other students. It was interesting to see their blogs and read their thoughts.
This week was mostly about censorship (on the internet) and how it affects a country. China has the highest censorship in the world. Most of the articles that are published online are from Chinese reporters and journalists. China has little free contact with the rest of the world as information that travels through the Internet from the rest of the world and back is closely monitored. Anything seen as unsavoury by the government (who controls the Internet) is deleted.
I enjoyed the tut and the quiz this week. Fewer readings equal higher marks for me. Its amazing how fast this semester has gone by.
This week was mostly about censorship (on the internet) and how it affects a country. China has the highest censorship in the world. Most of the articles that are published online are from Chinese reporters and journalists. China has little free contact with the rest of the world as information that travels through the Internet from the rest of the world and back is closely monitored. Anything seen as unsavoury by the government (who controls the Internet) is deleted.
I enjoyed the tut and the quiz this week. Fewer readings equal higher marks for me. Its amazing how fast this semester has gone by.
Week Eleven (6 October - 12 October): What's news? The market for information and the issue of content
This week my group members and I 'disected' sections of a newspaper, finding the required aspects needed. I was not expecting this to be a part of our tuts but yeah it was. This is something we would do in Media Studies but content analysis should be helpful in a future online newspapaer career so I suppose thats why we did it.
We had to upload our blog URL's to the given submission link. The lectures were not that exciting this week. Thankfully we had only a few readings to do and this made my workload easier.
We had to upload our blog URL's to the given submission link. The lectures were not that exciting this week. Thankfully we had only a few readings to do and this made my workload easier.
Subtopic for my final project
Choosing just one specific topic will be hard. Any of the topics that I choose will relate to another topic in some way. I want to do a movie focusing on children. Something that is not often seen. Maybe children involved in war. The readings by Appiah and Ramphele were inspirational. Their articles dealt about human rights, cosmopolitans and citizinship. Giving some of their personal experiances show how we should strive to be good , disciplined citizins who are patriotic. My subtopic will go against these values, highlighting the 'real' world that we live in.
The images that I will choose will definately include children. Children who have been neglected or abused. Children who are not treated fairly. Topics like racism and corruption are too common. If people see my movie and pictures of abused children, they would be inspired to watch.
Many people are sensitive towards children and babies. If I do this topic, I will evoke an emotional response from the audience and that is my goal. Growing up, I had a rough childhood and I turned to the wrong people and substances to make it easier. Although I had it bad, I know there are millions of people (specifically children) who lead far worse lives than I do and that is what inspires me to make a movie on that subtopic.
The images that I will choose will definately include children. Children who have been neglected or abused. Children who are not treated fairly. Topics like racism and corruption are too common. If people see my movie and pictures of abused children, they would be inspired to watch.
Many people are sensitive towards children and babies. If I do this topic, I will evoke an emotional response from the audience and that is my goal. Growing up, I had a rough childhood and I turned to the wrong people and substances to make it easier. Although I had it bad, I know there are millions of people (specifically children) who lead far worse lives than I do and that is what inspires me to make a movie on that subtopic.
Week Ten (29 September - 5 October): The "internet society": is it democratic?
This week we used Windows Movie Maker to make a practice mini movie-essay. This was really fun. I like doing practicals more than theory. It is more creative.
Looking at the readings for week 10 was a shocker! There were so many. Thats not cool. Although there were many, it was not all that boring. catchy titles such as "Does internet create democracy?" By Alinta Thornton and "The Internet's Fading Promise" by Becky Hogge, made me want to read them even more.
The article by Alinta Thornton is about the Internet being used in a way that will enable the public to come across a new understanding or in other words a new democracy. The Internet is said to have the power of that of a printing press in promoting democracy.
The article by Becky Hogge is about content-filtering. Her article covers the story of how different countries have different levels of power and discipline when it comes to content-filtering an how it is affecting the Internet as a whole.
The lectures were very interesting. it dealt with the future of the Media. Using the Internet, Media will be virtual and not paper and ink.
http://www.opendemocracy.net/media/internet_fading_4634.jsp
http://www.zip.com.au/~athornto/intro.htm
Looking at the readings for week 10 was a shocker! There were so many. Thats not cool. Although there were many, it was not all that boring. catchy titles such as "Does internet create democracy?" By Alinta Thornton and "The Internet's Fading Promise" by Becky Hogge, made me want to read them even more.
The article by Alinta Thornton is about the Internet being used in a way that will enable the public to come across a new understanding or in other words a new democracy. The Internet is said to have the power of that of a printing press in promoting democracy.
The article by Becky Hogge is about content-filtering. Her article covers the story of how different countries have different levels of power and discipline when it comes to content-filtering an how it is affecting the Internet as a whole.
The lectures were very interesting. it dealt with the future of the Media. Using the Internet, Media will be virtual and not paper and ink.
http://www.opendemocracy.net/media/internet_fading_4634.jsp
http://www.zip.com.au/~athornto/intro.htm
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Week Nine (22 September - 28 September) - Mid-Semester Break
This week went by so fast it is unbelievable. I managed to get some work done. This was better than nothing. It was a good rest period. I needed it.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Power and corruption in the State of South Africa
Our country and government is falling apart slowly, yet we are assured that there is no real issue or problem. Compared to our political situation ten years ago, I’d say it is indeed an issue. Our current situation is part of a link from a chain of events that started three years ago with the conviction of Schabir Shaik (Jacob Zuma’s financial adviser) for corruption and fraud. This led to the dismissal of Jacob Zuma as deputy president of South Africa in June 2005. Following the Shaik trial, Zuma was formally charged with corruption by the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).
When Zuma's supporters claim that the trial against him is a political trial it is this kind of trial to which they are referring: prosecuting someone merely because he is a political opponent. This is how Zuma is seen – not as a rapist or criminal but rather as a target.
Zuma’s daunting hurdle: a corruption investigation that dogged him for much of this decade. Instead of finishing Mr. Zuma’s political career, these legal issues reinstated it, making him a man who symbolized the alienation of those who felt the government was failing them. In the final decision, the judge not only set aside the case against Mr. Zuma on procedural grounds but also pointed toward what seemed to be a pattern of political meddling by Mr. Mbeki’s government.
National director of Public Prosecutions at the time Bulelani Ngcuka investigated both Zuma and the Chief Whip of the ANC, Tony Yengeni, after allegations of abuse of power were leveled against them. This indicated improper influence in the controversial arms deal. While Yengeni was found guilty, the case was dropped against Zuma. Ngcuka moved to private practice after criticism from the ANC over this incident.
In 2004, Zuma became a key figure mentioned in the Schabir Shaik trial. Shaik was found guilty and sentenced to 15 years in prison. Judge Hilary Squires described the relationship between Zuma and Shaik as "mutually beneficial symbiosis". The media reported this as "A generally corrupt relationship", although this description does not appear in the court transcripts. After intense media speculation about his future, President Thabo Mbeki relieved Zuma of his duties as deputy president. Zuma then resigned as a Member of Parliament.
Zuma's legal team continued to delay proceedings and in spite of Zuma's claim that he desired the matter appear in court succeeded in making critical evidence unavailable to the court resulting in the prosecution making an application for postponement on the set date. As the prosecution was not ready the case was struck from the roll after the prosecution's application for a postponement was dismissed, however Zuma's legal team has been unsuccessful in its attempts to have the courts grant a permanent stay of proceedings (which would render Zuma immune to prosecution on the charges). Coupled with the fact that Schabir Shaik was found guilty of corruption and begun his sentence from 7 November 2006, the prosecution's case against Zuma appears to have gained a little more footing.
On 8 November 2007 the Supreme Court of Appeal ruled in favour of the National Prosecuting Authority regarding appeals relating to various search and seizure exercises performed by the and turned down four appeals made by Zuma's defence team.
On 28 December 2007, the Scorpions served Zuma an indictment to stand trial in the High Court on various counts of racketeering, money laundering, corruption and fraud. Zuma appeared in court on 4 August 2008. The charges were believed to be linked to the $5bn arms deal by the South African government in 1999.
Should Jacob Zuma have been convicted of corruption and sentenced to a term of imprisonment of more than 1 year, he would have not been able to run for election and subsequently would not be able to serve as President of the Republic of South Africa.
http://http//www.mg.co.za/article/2007-12-28-zuma-charged-with-corruption-fraud
www.guardian.co.uk/world/2007/dec/28/southafrica
When Zuma's supporters claim that the trial against him is a political trial it is this kind of trial to which they are referring: prosecuting someone merely because he is a political opponent. This is how Zuma is seen – not as a rapist or criminal but rather as a target.
Zuma’s daunting hurdle: a corruption investigation that dogged him for much of this decade. Instead of finishing Mr. Zuma’s political career, these legal issues reinstated it, making him a man who symbolized the alienation of those who felt the government was failing them. In the final decision, the judge not only set aside the case against Mr. Zuma on procedural grounds but also pointed toward what seemed to be a pattern of political meddling by Mr. Mbeki’s government.
National director of Public Prosecutions at the time Bulelani Ngcuka investigated both Zuma and the Chief Whip of the ANC, Tony Yengeni, after allegations of abuse of power were leveled against them. This indicated improper influence in the controversial arms deal. While Yengeni was found guilty, the case was dropped against Zuma. Ngcuka moved to private practice after criticism from the ANC over this incident.
In 2004, Zuma became a key figure mentioned in the Schabir Shaik trial. Shaik was found guilty and sentenced to 15 years in prison. Judge Hilary Squires described the relationship between Zuma and Shaik as "mutually beneficial symbiosis". The media reported this as "A generally corrupt relationship", although this description does not appear in the court transcripts. After intense media speculation about his future, President Thabo Mbeki relieved Zuma of his duties as deputy president. Zuma then resigned as a Member of Parliament.
Zuma's legal team continued to delay proceedings and in spite of Zuma's claim that he desired the matter appear in court succeeded in making critical evidence unavailable to the court resulting in the prosecution making an application for postponement on the set date. As the prosecution was not ready the case was struck from the roll after the prosecution's application for a postponement was dismissed, however Zuma's legal team has been unsuccessful in its attempts to have the courts grant a permanent stay of proceedings (which would render Zuma immune to prosecution on the charges). Coupled with the fact that Schabir Shaik was found guilty of corruption and begun his sentence from 7 November 2006, the prosecution's case against Zuma appears to have gained a little more footing.
On 8 November 2007 the Supreme Court of Appeal ruled in favour of the National Prosecuting Authority regarding appeals relating to various search and seizure exercises performed by the and turned down four appeals made by Zuma's defence team.
On 28 December 2007, the Scorpions served Zuma an indictment to stand trial in the High Court on various counts of racketeering, money laundering, corruption and fraud. Zuma appeared in court on 4 August 2008. The charges were believed to be linked to the $5bn arms deal by the South African government in 1999.
Should Jacob Zuma have been convicted of corruption and sentenced to a term of imprisonment of more than 1 year, he would have not been able to run for election and subsequently would not be able to serve as President of the Republic of South Africa.
http://http//www.mg.co.za/article/2007-12-28-zuma-charged-with-corruption-fraud
www.guardian.co.uk/world/2007/dec/28/southafrica
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Roles of men and women in society
Dignity is given to us from birth and the expectations for and against dignity changes with different degrees of age. People’s perceptions are accustomed to change. Dignity has different meanings under different cultures. The norms that are instilled in us when we are children by our parents are closely related to dignity. The true meaning of dignity as a concept is defined clearly in our countries constitution.
The roles of men and women in
From a young age we see gender roles coming through in children. Boys will be seen as naughty and immature whereas girls are seen as quiet and caring. Boys will be allowed to run around half naked whereas it is wrong for girls to do so.
Teenagers are more reserved when it comes to dignity. If you ask most teenagers these days to define dignity, many have no clue as to what it is; others have a faint idea of what it is and relate it to respect and self-respect. Only a few teenagers have a clear understanding of what dignity is. This is clear by the attitude of teenagers today. With numerous teenagers living a care-free lifestyle (partying, drinking and smoking), dignity is one of the last thing on a teenagers mind. For example, is teenage pregnancy dignified? Is child pornography dignified? So why is dignity invisible to so many teenagers?
It could be said that many teenagers have no clear path in life.
Most teenage boys want to prove to the word who and what they are. Freedom has no boundaries and their behaviour is often questioned.
Most teenage girls are reserved when it comes to their freedom. Parents are more protective over teenage girls than teenage boys. On numerous occasions, this leads to girls becoming rebellious and taking advantage of opportunities when they do get to go out.
Adults can be seen as the age group to hold the most dignity. This is seen by the way in which adults carry themselves out and as them being role models. Most adults do have an understanding of what dignity is. This could be because dignity was a characteristic sought after, after the transition from apartheid to democracy.
However classifying all adults as dignified would not be correct. We need to keep in mind the criminals all over the world who do not even think of the word dignity.
Female adults are seen as caring mother figures whose predominant role was to be a stay at home mother, to cook, to clean and raise the children. This stereotype has changed tremendously over the last decade with women empowering themselves to challenge men in the working world.
Male adults are seen as the dominant species. They are generally the head of the house and the provider to the family. They are also seen as the protector of the family. It can be said that male adults are the most depended on. When a challenge faces a male adult, he is expected to accept.
Dignity needs to be played out by all people. It not, it will just remain ink on pages of a book called the Constitution.
Virginity testing with regards to generational perspective
Traditionalists are decreasing almost daily, shifting to a much more ‘modern’ lifestyle. This could be as a result of the many changes happening in the world and thus forcing traditionalist societies to adapt.
However, the beliefs of the previous generations must be preserved and passed on to the current generation.
The main way to pass on these rules and regulations is through culture. This is true for any culture, although these days’ people choose to follow the procedures that best suit them in their culture.
One such procedure that has tremendously changed is that of virginity testing.
According to the previous ‘older’ generations, virginity testing was a must. The procedure displays purity, self-respect and dignity. It also showed respect for the community. If the virginity testing procedure was ignored, it showed disrespect and a lack of discipline for oneself and the entire community. Sexual intercourse before marriage is seen as a sin and a disgraceful act. Therefore, the ‘older’ generation emphasized the virginity testing procedure.
Virgins are viewed as assets for marriage. A marrying man will prefer to wed a virgin as she is still seen as ‘pure’. The father of the bride will be seen as a dignified, well respected man and a man of status. This will lead to the father of the bride been given more labola.
For modern females, this procedure is not seen as necessary or dignified. It publicly categorises females into a group of either a valued or devalued individual.
This could be seen as a virginity lie detector test.
The South African Constitution highlights the way of life and the rights of an individual regardless of race or culture. Dignity can therefore be seen by the choices of the female participating in the virgin testing and not necessarily by the community.
A female should be awarded the opportunity to choose whether or not she wants to participate in the virginity testing procedure. If a female is forced to go through with the virginity testing, it infringes on her human dignity. We need to ask questions such as,” What happens when it is discovered that a female is not a virgin because she was sexually abused or raped?”, “What are the consequences if this is discovered?”, “Will she regain her human dignity and self respect?”
Although (forced) virginity testing goes against some of our rights in our countries constitution, this procedure should still be practiced by those who are willing, as it is part of a cultural procedure. Those females, who are willing to expose themselves to their communities as virgins, will do so to bring out their cultural values and to uphold their self-image. Traditionally, being a virgin makes you dignified. However, not performing the procedure does not make you undignified.
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