July 25, 2010
Social Media and the rise of the Citizen Philanthropist
In case you missed this article, "Why We’re In the Age of the Citizen Philanthropist" is a nice piece that discusses social media and the rise of the "citizen philanthropist". Of particular interest (at least to me) is the question of how to cultivate "slacktivists" into long-term, engaged philanthropists.
Posted by Jason at 9:26 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
February 23, 2010
Cause Marketing and Our Diminishing Attention Span
The other day I was riding the subway when I spotted an ad for the anti-poverty non-profit, Windfall. Their tagline, "Wear white for Windfall". The ad showcased a number of celebrities wearing white (white t-shirts, white belts, etc.). Flash forward to some research I was doing when I happened upon CARE Canada. CARE has a campaign, "Show Your String" in support of International Women's Day. They utilize Flickr and ask supporters to upload images of themselves with a string around their finger. Hmmm.
Has it come to this? Has the public's attention span become so short that we can only engage with issues as powerful as poverty, human rights abuse, and disease if they are distilled to simple colours and friendship bracelets? Organization such as Windfall and CARE deserve better. These causes deserve better. Cause marketing efforts should challenge the public. Yes, these are complex issues – and yes, it is difficult to be heard above the marketing fray – but the public can handle it. Now, I understand that budgets don't always afford grand campaigns but co-opting colours and pseudo-jewellery is just plain lazy. I don't have the statistics to back this up, but I'm willing to bet that the effectiveness of this approach is questionable at best.
I truly believe we need to rethink this cause marketing trend. We need to focus on the quality of engagement versus the quantity. Issues like poverty or breast cancer won't be solved overnight; it's going to take a long and concerted effort. Approaches like using colours or bracelets to represent causes might stick in consumers' minds in the short-term, but they are hardly solutions for any long-term, meaningful conversations about an organization's cause.
There are many talented (and not so talented) people in marketing and communications. Surely, we can create effective campaigns without breaking the bank. Non-profits and NGO's must challenge us to do so. More importantly, we creatives must demand this of ourselves. The world's disadvantaged and suffering are counting on us.
Posted by Jason at 11:33 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
February 6, 2010
#freevenezuela
For those unfamiliar with Twitter, the title above has been treated with something called a 'hashtag'. Hashtags are used to help those in the Twitter community tag tweets – 140 character messages. It also helps applications track conversations in the Twittersphere. That said, the social media site Mashable reports that #freevenezuela was one of the largest trending topics on Twitter this week. Apparently, all of this twittering is in reaction to reports that Venezuelan President, Hugo Chávez, is cracking down on freedom of speech and threatening journalists.
I admit, I haven't fully looked into these claims, but one thing is clear – Twitter is slowly becoming a tool for activism globally.
You can read the article here.
Update: Apparently, Boing Boing dropped the story first. Read it here.
Posted by Jason at 10:30 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
January 29, 2010
Heads Up: Marketplace – Road to Rich Dad
My first post of the new year.
I just listened to an interesting piece on CBC's The Current about the apparent sham that is Robert Kiyosaki's real estate seminar. Apparently, unsuspecting attendees are pressured and bullied into buying more expensive courses in excess of $45K!
Make sure to check out the full report tonight on CBC's Marketplace. Here's a link to the teaser video.
Posted by Jason at 10:03 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
October 21, 2009
Social Games and Social Causes
An interesting tidbit from a presentation by Mark Pincus of Zynga. For those not familiar with Facebook, Zynga is behind the insanely popular Farmville game. What's interesting is Zynga is selling virtual goods through Farmville with a percentage of real money going to real causes. Very cool. Scrub to min 8:25 to get the particulars.
Posted by Jason at 10:57 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
September 8, 2009
'Capitalism: A Love Story'
It should be interesting to see how this movie will be received; especially considering Obama is the one handing out the bail-out money (it's tough to hate Obama). In some ways, the movie's release seems to be a little late as public outrage over the financial meltdown has died down somewhat (IMHO). On the other hand, the pain felt by the underclass might be particularly acute right now as personal bank balances continue to fall and unemployment continues to rise (at least in the US).
Premieres: Venice Film Festival
Wide release: October 2nd
Posted by Jason at 9:42 AM | Comments (0)
April 13, 2009
Heads Up: Downstream
Free Toronto premiere of the oil sands documentary Downstream
Short listed for an Academy Award, Downstream is a short documentary about a Canadian doctor who raised concerns about the alarmingly high rates of rare cancers amongst Aboriginal peoples in Fort Chipewyan, downstream for Alberta’s oilsands developments.
Tuesday, April 14th, 9 pm
Innes College, 2 Sussex Ave at St. George Street
(Subway: go to St.George Station and walk south to Sussex)
Panel Discussion
Moderated by Olivia Chow, MP
Panelists include:
Jack Layton, MP, Toronto-Danforth
Christie Ferguson, Greenpeace Climate and Energy Campaign Coordinator
Leslie Iwerks, Academy Award and Emmy Nominated Director
Philip Alberstat, Emmy-Award Winning Producer
Food for Thought – Toronto
As seats are limited, please RSVP to info@jacklayton.ca or call (416)405-8914
Thanks to Arel and John for hipping me to this event.
Posted by Jason at 9:37 AM | TrackBack
March 13, 2009
Working on Stuff that Matters
I really need to create a "Technology" category. Until then, check out this interesting post on ReadWriteWeb. It's a speech by Tim O'Reilly on the opportunities smart and creative individuals have to work on some of the most important challenges that face our world. I'll admit, he's not necessarily saying anything new, but sometimes it is important to be reminded of what we are capable of and why we should do what we do.
So ask yourself, "What matters to you?"
Posted by Jason at 9:25 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
January 23, 2009
IOC to Right To Play: Go find your own playground!
IOC says Right to Play not welcomed at Olympic Games any more
This is just sad. I'm really hoping the IOC will step forward and make an official comment on their reasoning. Dick Pound speculates that the IOC's decision has to do with competing sponsorship goals. Interesting. Here's a question, "How much is Right To Play's annual budget?". Here's another question,"How much does the IOC get for broadcast rights?"
Turns out the answers are $27 million (as stated in RTP's 2007 annual report) and $833 million (for the 2006 Olympics in Torino, Italy). I know that economic times are tough but the IOC is ready to throw Right To Play under the bus for a few bucks and a ton of bad pr? Really? So much for those Olympic ideals of fair play and global unity.
I have a strange feeling the real "bad guys" in this story are the corporations with competing interests. I hope their names surface so that we can call them out when they air their "Supporting our Olympic athletes" messaging. Boooo!!!!
Posted by Jason at 9:44 AM | TrackBack
December 4, 2008
Comedians Speak Up Against Prop 8
There's something to be said for using the talents you possess to make your point. A nice little skit/video addressing California's passing of Proposition 8 which effectively restricts the definition of marriage to that between men and women — only.
Posted by Jason at 5:13 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
June 2, 2008
Social Media and Social Activism
I want to do some more rumination on this topic in later posts. In the mean time, I want to share an interesting clip and blog post that discusses the power of using mainstream social media sites for social advocacy -- specifically vs. using more niche social activism tools. Briefly, the idea is that governments (such as China) have a more difficult time blocking messages they deem subversive when communicated through mainstream tools tools such as Facebook and Flickr. As Ethan Zuckerman states in his 2007 blog post, "Web 2.0 was created so that people could publish cute photos of their cats...the users looking for cute cat videos get annoyed [when] YouTube is blocked."
This is not to say advocacy groups should not try to create there own networks outside of FaceBook (see Citizen Lab for a really cool example) but the "cute cat theory" is compelling and potentially empowers activists who are less technologically adept. As more of these social media sites open up their networks via APIs, it should be really interesting to see what kinds of social activism tools are created to leverage these networks. In some ways, these will be the true examples of the "viral" nature of the Internet.
A link to an article from the MESH conference.
Read Ethan Zuckerman's original post on the topic.
Posted by Jason at 10:24 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
February 18, 2008
A Picture Says a Thousand Words
As seen in today's Globe and Mail.
It would be so very easy to cry foul and play the race card but I won't. Instead I wrote a letter to the editor that you'll find below. If you feel as incensed as I do about the publishing of this "cartoon", please write a letter to the editor. Thank you.
----------------------------------------------------
My guess is I'm one of a number of readers who have responded to your decision to publish the cartoon entitled "Afrocentric Algebra". My guess is you are either staunchly
defending your position to publish the "cartoon" veiling it in journalistic freedom or
realizing what a colossally poor decision you made in publishing it. I'm truly hoping it
is the latter.
This cartoon completely misses the mark on the debate. This cartoon demonstrates just how
ignorant both the illustrator and you - the editor - are about what defines
Afrocentricism. This issue is not at all similar to the "ebonics" debate sparked in the
U.S. Instead, supporters of "Black schools" are attempting to address real educational
issues, some of which are akin to those found in gender-based schools. Whether or not
"Black schools" are the answer, this debate deserves the respect of thoughtful
discussion; not glib, insensitive and dare I say racist commentary. You denigrate the
educational system and Canadians of African decent by publishing this "cartoon". You
should be ashamed!
Jason Robinson
Posted by Jason at 12:33 PM | Comments (6) | TrackBack
September 28, 2007
Socially-conscious Fashion Ads?
Posted by Jason at 10:09 AM
August 10, 2007
Pearl Jam vs Big Brother AT&T
During a Pearl Jam performance at Lollapalooza - a concert that was broadcast live via webcast - AT&T (one of the sponsors) muted Eddie Vedder as he sang some choice anti-President Bush lyrics. Viewers following on the web heard static during the lyrics, "George Bush, leave this world alone” and “George Bush find yourself another home”. Fortunately, we have sites like YouTube to expose these moments for what they are:
AT&T's response to the fallout: ”a major mistake by a webcast vendor and completely contrary to our policy." So much for "net-neutrality".
I guess despite his poor approval ratings, Bush still has clout with the major corporations. Visit Save the Internet Blog for more discussion about this unfortunate incident.
Posted by Jason at 8:45 AM
February 13, 2007
Heads Up: PBS Frontline
Just read this in today's Globe and Mail (the Review section). PBS's Frontline will be airing News War: Secrets, Spin and the Future of the News. Apparently, this multi-part series will examine the role of the "media" in the Bush Administration's push for war. A number of prominent journalists will candidly admit to being manipulated by the Administration, as well as failing to "push harder" for journalistic truth. A little after-the-fact but a mea culpa I'm looking forward to watching.
Posted by Jason at 10:23 AM
Interview: Barry Lando featured on The Current
If you missed this interview yesterday, it is available via podcast. Barry Lando is the authour of Web of Deceit: The History of Western Complicity in Iraq From Churchill to Kennedy to George W. Bush. In this interview, Lando lays out the complicated history of Iraq and the negative influence both the US and Britain have had on its people. Insightful, enlightening and a must-listen for those wanting a better understanding of the current war in Iraq.
Posted by Jason at 10:10 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
September 27, 2006
Memo to Media: Do Your Job!
This morning, sports fans were greeted with the news that Dallas Cowboy receiver, Terrell Owens had attempted suicide. Apparently, Owens arrived at Baylor Medical Center suffering from an adverse reaction to painkillers; a problem he has reportedly had before.
Okay, this is what we know for sure:
1) Owens has a documented allergic reaction to painkillers.
2) He arrived at the hospital pretty sick.
3) He had a bottle of painkillers that are now empty.
Here are the "facts" that have turned this story into a story about a suicide attempt:
1) Some unknown source claims she knows how many pills Owens ingested since Sept. 18th.
2) This same source says she saw him ingest two pills.
3) A worker in the hospital claims Owens said that he had only ingested 5 pills previously, which somehow means Owen ingested the rest before arriving at the hospital.
4) The same worker or the friend (news sources 'report' both) are reported to have pryed pills from Owens fingers.
5) A hospital workers claims Owens replied, "Yes." when asked if he was trying to harm himself.
First of all the range of "facts" about this story are amazing. We got a guy with a history of allergic reactions to pain medication, who probably doesn't know where he is, answering "yes" to every question asked of him. We've got some unidentified person claiming she knows what's going on ( I wouldn't be surprised if Owens' pills are now making the rounds on the black market), amazingly no one has asked the simple question, "Terrell, did you try to kill yourself?"; and we've got every newspaper in America either reporting Owens attempted suicide or reporting that others have reported Owens' attempted suicide.
Come on now! The facts just aren't there, why are newspapers reporting as if they were? These are pretty serious accusations. It is irresponsible to just toss them around. The media really needs to do its job!
Posted by Jason at 9:58 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
September 7, 2006
September 11th: Preparing for Realignment
As we all know, the fifth anniversary of the September 11th attacks will be observed next week. Television programming will centre around the event, most likely ranging from coverage of memorials, to personal stories of sadness and survival to new "What really happened" exposés. I have this strange feeling that the day will leave me feeling a little dirty as the media "tastefully" grabs eyeballs off a wave of sadness and rememberance.
In any case, what really concerns me are two articles published in today's Globe and Mail - both found on the front page. The first is entitled, "Bush admits to secret prisons"; the second is entitled, "Ads reflect military's changing character." Without going into the details, Bush finally admits to holding suspected terrorists in "black sites" despite denying the existence of such sites. The Canadian Forces story describes how the Canadian Forces have been developing new recruitment ads that play with images of terrorism to appeal more effectively to the young male demographic. I'll let you read the details but here are two quotes that connect the stories.
From the Bush article:
The surprise admission by Mr. Bush [about the "black sites"] was part of a series of announcements yesterday timed for maximum political effect just days before the fifth anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks.
From the Canadian Forces ad article:
The ad would also be of benefit to the general public, [the Canadian Forces] states because it would "realign" public perception of the Forces to reflect its current deployments.
Realign? Really? And there lies the power of the media. Both Bush and the Canadian Forces pr department want us to belief that their actions are justified. More importantly, they want us to forget. Forget that a young former Canadian Olympian died this week as a result of friendly fire. Forget that his death wasn't the first nor will it be the last. Forget that young men who join the military are disproportionally represented by the underclass. Forget that Osama Bin Laden has yet to be captured. Forget that Canadians can be sent to Syria or Gitmo Bay, tortured and have no legal recourse. And forget that the war in Iraq was justified by lies and deemed illegal. Forget it all...that was so five years ago.
On September 11th, Bush, the Canadian Forces and the media want you to sit back, relax and prepare for realignment.
Posted by Jason at 9:26 AM | Comments (3)
September 1, 2006
Heads Up: Black Coffee Documentary
Wow! Who says summer television isn't engaging. TVO replayed the three-part documentary this past week, Black Coffee. Here's a blurb from the site:
BLACK COFFEE is a three-hour documentary series that traces the unique and volatile history of coffee. From its discovery on an ancient Ethiopian hillside to its role as a contemporary elixir, coffee has dominated and molded the economies, politics and social structures of entire countries. Coffee’s history is rife with controversy and paradox. It has been banned as an instigator of revolution, yet lies at the heart of the democratic tradition in Costa Rica.
Not sure if TVO will run it again (check The View From Here) but I'm sure you can find it in your local video store. This documentary will make you pause the next time you order a latte.
Posted by Jason at 2:24 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
August 23, 2006
Fresh Blog: My Life in Africa Reports
Found an interesting blog today. My Life in Africa Reports shares stories of Ugandan's taking part in a community called Life in Africa. Here's a quote from the blog:
Life in Africa (LiA) is a grassroots membership community of people from all walks of life in Uganda who are building a member owned and operated social purpose enterprise. We produce social-awareness raising craft products and develop member services that connect our communities to global resources for local and family level change. LiA's success is driven by a Webbed Empowerment (WE) strategy that guides our online and offline activities at WE Centers in Kampala and Gulu.
Blog entries range from the mundane to inspirational. What I like about this blog is its refreshing portrayal of Ugandan life. I'm so tired of the stereotypical 'dazed African looking into a camera' as is dominant in mainstream media. Instead, we read real stories of real people struggling and finding creative solutions to improve their lives. Definitely worth a visit.
Posted by Jason at 8:58 AM
October 31, 2005
A Thin Line Between Art and Violence
Los Angeles neighbourhood activists took on Paramount Pictures over billboards promoting 50 Cent's upcoming film, Get Rich or Die Tryin'. The billboard depicts 50 Cent holding a microphone in one hand and a gun in the other. Astonishingly, one of the billboards was situated near a pre-school in an area affected by gang violence.
Fortunately, Paramount acquiesced and the billboards were removed. Not sure if this was an act of corporate responsibility or a saavy PR move (is there a difference?)
What's interesting is that the creators of the billboard could argue that the image depicts the real-life choice 50 Cent, aka Curtis Jackson, had to make. On the one hand (quite literally) there is the violent world of gangs and drug dealing. On the other, there is fame via hip hop. Fair enough. Maybe the real issue is that 50 Cent and his entourage are trying to play it both ways. They want fame but not at the cost of losing their street cred. Sadly, in light of 50 Cent's unprecedented rise to stardom, it could be argued that one is not possible without the other.
50 Cent
Posted by Jason at 10:14 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
September 30, 2005
Customer Service Watch: Apple Straightens Up Its Act
Some of you might remember my personal run-in with Apple. I downloaded an iPod update that Apple sent me and it rendered my iPod unusable. Turns out I wasn't alone. Many more iPod users ran into the same problem and tried to find help on Apple's user forums...to no avail. I even tried to start a petition but that was quickly quashed by forum moderators. But that was then...
Turns out new iPod Nano users have some beefs of their own. PaidContent reports that a frustrated Nano user -- Matthew Peterson -- created a site called www.flawedmusicplayer.com to collect complaints about flaws in the Nano and Apple's apparent indifference. The site caught Apple's attention right quick! They plan to offer replacement screens for cracked Nanos.
It would appear that consumer activism is alive and well.
Posted by Jason at 10:17 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
September 7, 2005
Keith Olbermann Keeps It Real
Thought I should also add this link to the uprising of criticism concerning Katrina and the U.S Administration's anemic response. A little different spin than Kanye and much more concise.
Read it here.
Note: Olbermann made his critique days ago.
Posted by Jason at 12:01 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
September 6, 2005
Kanye West Keeping It Real
Well...it looks like I need to give credit where credit is due. A month ago I dissed Kanye West's lyrics to Diamonds From Sierra Leone.
As many of you know, Kanye went "off-script" during a televised fundraiser for victims of hurricane Katrina. It wasn't the most eloquent speech but the point was made. What's beautiful about West's protest is his understanding of the sound byte. "George Bush doesn't care about Black people." If people didn't grasp this after hundreds of Black Floridians were denied the vote in 2000, they do now.
Well done, Kanye!
Check the video here.
Posted by Jason at 10:35 PM | TrackBack
August 6, 2005
Kanye West Video: The Return of Conscious Hip Hop?
This is probably old news for plugged-in readers of this blog, but I just saw the new(?) video by Kanye West entitled, "Diamonds from Sierra Leone". I gotta tell ya, I was so excited...consciousness returns to hip hop! I felt like it was the '90's all over again.
The video is part James Bond/ part PSA. Car chases, diamonds with flowing streams of blood, rather healthy-looking faces of African youth. The video even ended with a plea to the bling-bling generation not to buy "conflict-diamonds". Only one problem...the lyrics to the song have NOTHING to do with the international issue...AT ALL. Apparently, Q-Tip (of Tribe Called Quest fame) hipped Kanye to the probable history of the diamonds he so stylishly flaunts -- picture military dictators and young African kids with amputated limbs. Hence a quick change in the song's title and the theme of the video. Way to go Q-Tip!
Hip hop may not be conscious, but at least it seems to be awakening from its Courvoisier induced stupor.
If you prefer to get your facts from places other than music videos, visit the United Nations site or check out an amazing video "Diamond Life" over at GNN.
Posted by Jason at 12:43 AM
June 28, 2005
Reuters To Offer G-8 Coverage
Live 8 is this weekend and we know everyone and their grandmother will be glued to the television. Though Geldof's 21st century version of Live Aid is commendable, we can't forget the real reason behind Live 8: The G-8 summit.
Reuters will be offering direct daily feeds covering the G-8 summit starting July 6th. You can check it out here.
Posted by Jason at 10:59 AM
June 14, 2005
How much is the keyword "democracy" worth in China?
Apparently, nothing.
It would appear that Microsoft feels the same way. Once again Microsoft has left me speechless. You'd think we'd seen it all...I stand corrected. After launching its web portal in China, Microsoft is towing the line on China's speech policies and preventing users from entering key words such as "democracy", "Taiwanese independence" and get this "human rights".
Here's a quote from Adam Sohn, a global sales and marketing director at MSN,"Even with the filters, we're helping millions of people communicate, share stories, share photographs and build relationships. For us, that is the key point here, [that and making boat loads of money]" Okay, he didn't say the last part, but clearly this is where MSN is coming from. Oh, did I mention that Yahoo! and Google agree?
Posted by Jason at 11:45 PM
May 16, 2005
Coming To A Store Near You
Things have been kinda heavy lately. Here's something light to get the week started. I wonder how Dubya would have faired against Steve Austin and his kung fu grip?
Thanks to Asha for the link.
http://www.peacecandy.com/gwbush/dishonestdubya/
Posted by Jason at 10:20 AM
April 28, 2005
Youth Violence Is Not a Black Thing
Okay, maybe I'm feeling a little sensitive but a news piece on CBC radio this morning really irked me.
Toronto police had just returned from Britain after researching a highly successful youth violence prevention initiative. The Trident program urges "black youth" to support police in their efforts to reduce violent crimes by coming forward as witnesses. Toronto hopes to develop a similar initiative.
The problem I have with this piece is CBC's failure to mention that youth violence is occuring across all racial groups and that this program could benefit ALL youth regardless of race. Why the emphasis on black youth?
Below is a letter I wrote in response. I'll let you know if they respond.
Dear CBC,
Although I appreciate learning about the positive impact the Trident program has had on reducing youth violence in Britain, I'm concerned about the message you sent. As an African-Canadian and Torontonian, I believe solely linking violence to "Black youth" is nothing short of inflammatory and irresponsible.
Youth of all races are experiencing violence. My brother-in-law, a white youth from a middleclass family was shot by another white youth days before the nightclub shooting [a shooting in which a young black woman was killed]. Not surprisingly, the media failed to sensationalize this tragic event. I'll leave the question as to 'why?' to you. I already know the answer.
As you know, Toronto's black communities are still recovering from the illegal practice of racial profiling. My guess is the impact will be felt for years. Racially insensitive pieces like the one you aired this morning are of no help in the healing process.
A bit of advice: I'd agree with the officer that urban youth aren't a part of CBC's listening audience. Obviously, CBC caters to predominately white, middle-aged adults. If you can't help Canadians of colour, please do your core audience a favour and dispel with the myth that youth violence is a urban re: Black problem. Their children's lives depend on it.
Sincerely,
Jason Robinson
Posted by Jason at 10:42 AM | Comments (1)
April 18, 2005
When Activism and Journalism Collide
Last week the Boston Globe retracted a story by freelance journalist Barbara Stewart. Ms. Stewart wrote in graphic detail about the Canadian seal hunt just off the coast of Newfoundland. The problem: The hunt hadn't happened; she fabricated the entire event.
Too be honest, I'm not sure if Stewart's rationale for lying stemmed from her views on issues of cruelty to animals. In fact, this might just be a case of a journalist using an emotionally charged story for professional gain. Either way, the story can now be used as fodder to discredit those who oppose the seal hunt.
If PETA or Greenpeace were smart, they'd issue a statement condemning Stewart's action and engage the public in a positive dialogue on this issue.
Posted by Jason at 9:42 AM
April 13, 2005
All About the McBenjamins
If you haven't heard by now, McDonalds announced a new initiative to reward MCs (hip hop artists) everytime they mention "Big Mac" in one of their songs (think of it as a frequent rhyming program). The MC is rewarded with $1-$5 each time the plug hits the radiowaves.
A couple of weeks ago P. Diddy visited Toronto plugging his fashion line Sean Jean. When asked about McD's product placement plan he said he'd consider it if the price were right and if it made sense in the song. Okay, P. Diddy is a businessman and successful one at that. Undoubtedly, Hip Hop is the biggest player in the music business. You could ask, "What's the harm in cashing in? A brother's gotta make his paper, right?"
Wrong. Consider this: The American Obesity Association reports that the percentage of visible minorities who are overweight, obese or severely obese increased over the last decade; statically outpacing their white counterparts. The result: a higher percentage of diabetes, hypertension and heart disease in people of colour.
The report goes on to say that "cultural factors that influence dietary and exercise behaviors are reported to play a major role in the development of excess weight in minority groups."
Ask any MC and they will tell you that hip hop is a way of life. Arguably, no other musical form has had as great a cultural impact in the last twenty years as hip hop. That's why corporate America is getting in the game. Obviously I can't tell P. Diddy that he shouldn't sell out (arguably he already has). But for those young artists out there and those who buy the music, check out Boyz in the Hood. There's this great scene in which Larry Fishburne's character connects the decay of urban communities to liquor stores existing on every street corner. The same can be said of the fast food industry; just check out Supersize Me. After you rent these movies, think about their messages and then ask yourself if corporate America -- and hip hop for that matter -- has your back.
Posted by Jason at 7:52 AM
April 11, 2005
Gaining Perspective
I don't watch a lot of television, hence I missed this video by Sarah McLachlan. World On Fire really makes you stop and think. Check this video out, tell a friend, be inspired knowing that it doesn't take a lot of money to make a difference.
Big thanks to Asha!
Posted by Jason at 11:41 AM
March 21, 2005
Elections Run by Same Guys Who Sell Toothpaste
The title says it all. A nice editorial by Noam Chomsky. Chomsky also touched upon this point in a lecture he gave in Toronto sponsored by Canadian Dimension Magazine. I believe you can find the tape at TVO under "Big Ideas". Definitely worth checking out.
Posted by Jason at 4:29 PM
February 3, 2005
ThinkProgress.org: Rushing to Pull the Race Card
Many thanks to Benchley for hipping me to this blog. Think Progress is a relatively new blog that "seeks to provide a forum that advances progressive ideas and policies." Warning: Those with a right-wing perspective might find the views of Think Progress offensive.
With that being said, I thought a post on Donovan McNabb and Rush Limbaugh was rather interesting; especially in the context of Black History Month. If you got a chance to see the PBS documentary, "Unforgivable Blackness", you would have learned that there was a time when "whites" considered themselves athletically superior to all other races; and we're not just talking about Hitler's Aryan agenda. Jack Johnson, the heavy weight champion of the world at the time, and African-American, challenged this notion with every victory. Flash-forward sixty years and the idea of a black quarterback in the Super Bowl was considerd a BIG deal. The prevailing thought at the time was that black athletes were not intelligent enough to handle this "highly-skilled" position. When faced with challengers to this misguided view (e.g. Doug Williams, eventual Super Bowl MVP), "journalist" searched for an explanation.
I remember CBS commentator, Jimmy the Greek arguing that African-Americans were athletically superior to whites stating that this "fact" was the result of 'selective breeding' -- a biproduct of slavery. Jimmy was promptly fired but make no mistake that his views were generally accepted by a significant percentage of the sports viewing population.
Flash-forward another fifteen or so years and Rush Limbaugh attempts to argue that political correctness is to blame for the perceived success of black quarterbacks like Donovan McNabb. The result: Limbaugh resigned over his statement and McNabb and his team are now poised to unseat the defending Super Bowl champions.
So what do we make of this? If we use athletics as a lens to view history, history has shown us that progress has been made in the area of race-relations. Probably not enough but some. As an African-Canadian, I'm certainly proud of the accomplishments of black athletes such as Donovan McNabb, although to be honest, I don't really think of Donovan's accomplishments in the context of race. It is a testament to our progress as a society that our general reaction to overtly racist comments by the media is to denounce them. With that being said, I worry about the subtle racism that still pervades athletics and the media. What's that you ask? Well, as you watch the Super Bowl this Sunday, pay particular attention to the descriptions made of both MVP-calibre quarterbacks. Undoubtedly, McNabb will be hailed for his athleticism whereas Tom Brady (a white quarterback) will be hailed for his leadership and "good decision-making". A subtle but powerful distinction. Maybe we haven't come that far at all.
Posted by Jason at 10:42 AM | Comments (1)
January 25, 2005
Hotel Rwanda Receives Oscar Nods
Congratulations to the producers, actors and crew of Hotel Rwanda. The film has received three Oscar nominations including Don Cheadle for Best Actor and Sophia Okendofor Best Actress in a Supporting Role. I'm hoping these nominations will tempt more moviegoers to go see the film and learn about the genocide that was Rwanda.
The timing of these nominations couldn't have been better as today the UN will hand Kofi Annan their report on the crisis in Darfur. This report will determine whether or not a genocide is occuring. Let's hope that Hotel Rwanda's popularity will open people's minds, hearts and wallets to other international crisis.
On another note:
Perhaps fearing a reprise of the 2004 Oscars, the Academy did not nominate Fahrenheit 9/11 nor The Corporation. A shame -- I thought both films were better than Bowling for Columbine.
Posted by Jason at 10:17 AM | Comments (3)
January 20, 2005
The fine line between news, fake news & propaganda
A bit of a follow-up to the Crossfire v. Jon Stewart melee. Frank Rich of the NY Times reminds us of the oft unethical relationship between politics and the media in his piece, All the President's Newsmen. Thanks to Benchley for the heads up on this one.
Posted by Jason at 10:22 AM
In honour of Bush Jr's Inauguration...NOT!
Sometimes you have to laugh to keep from crying. Thanks to ladykaen for this post.
Posted by Jason at 9:54 AM
January 14, 2005
GNN Feature Film: This Revolution
Just received a heads up on this new film produced by Stephen Marshall of the Guerilla News Network. This Revolution stars Rosario Dawson and will premiere at the 2005 Sundance Film Festival (next month). Check out the trailer here.
Not that the activist video/film genre is anything new BUT the clout it now has is pretty astounding. I think it's cool that an independent political film was able to sign-on Rosario Dawson. Currently, Don Cheadle stars in Hotel Rwanda (still need to see it), and Fahrenheit 911 grossed over 100 million dollars!! Looks like people are willing to listen (and cough up the cash) if you have something politically powerful to say.
Posted by Jason at 10:56 AM | Comments (1)
January 7, 2005
Lights Out: Jon Stewart by TKO!
Okay, this might be a little presumptious but CNN has announced that Tucker Carlson will not be returning to Crossfire and that the future of the show is in doubt.
If you didn't see it, Jon Stewart gave the Crossfire crew a verbal beat-down prior to last fall's presidential election. Stewart claimed that program's like Crossfire were "hurting America" by passing off "theatre" as political debate. Now this was must see tv!
The Jon Stewart v. Crossfire throw down demonstrated two powerful realities:
1) The power of media training. The way Stewart handled the hosts of Crossfire was amazing. He was asking them the questions! The hosts tried vainly to regain control of the interview, but Stewart deftly brought them back on his message and continued to hammer away. I wasn't sure if I was watching The Daily Show or Crossfire. Brilliant stuff!
2) The power of calling people out. Jon Stewart called hosts, Tucker Carlson and Paul Begala out. Up until that point, no one else had. Up until that point the Crossfire policy had been you scratch our backs and we'll scratch yours. Of course, politicians were more than happy to oblige as the business of securing media spots can be quite expensive. Why not play ball and grab a freebee if you can hammer home your message?
By going off-script and refusing to be Crossfire's "monkey", Stewart single-handedly removed the veil of illusion and revealed Crossfire for what it truly was -- entertainment posing as journalism. Of course, the impact of Stewart's stand was bolstered by his superstar status BUT the result is clear: voicing your opinion in the face of opposition still carries weight even in our jaded prepackaged society. Arguably, John Kerry might have faired better in the election had he done the same and stepped up for what he believed in when it came to the war in Iraq. I guess we'll never know.
I think CNN-US President Jonathan Klein put in best when describing Crossfire (and imho our current political state) by saying,"People screaming at each other adds a lot of heat but not much light." This reminds me of a Nirvana lyric:
With the lights out it’s less dangerous
Here we are now
Entertain us
I feel stupid and contagious
Here we are now
Entertain us
Comedy is entertainment. News is not. Jon Stewart reminded us that confusing the two can have catastrophic results. It's time to turn on the lights. It's time to stop feeling stupid. It's time to hold our news media to higher journalistic standards.
8...9...10...you're out! Stewart by TKO!
Posted by Jason at 11:25 AM | Comments (1)