Vers les îles oubliées d'Asie du Sud-Est

Media Literacy

2009-07-16T20:32:00.000-07:00

-> What is media literacy?

-> What does it mean to be media literate?

-> Are you media literate? Explain.

What is media literacy? I would first answer to this answer in saying that it is how much we know about the media industry. But what is the media industry nowadays? That is not anymore restricted to magazines or newspapers, but includes any communication medium such as the radio, Web, television, mobile… and many others that surround us. Medias are everywhere, anytime. Thus, media literacy became the matter of how we are able to control and select the information that is continuously created. Today, the information can be effortlessly accessible, so we need to be critic about it, judge it and evaluate the message to detect some form of propaganda or censorship.

Media literacy also assumes that we should know how the media industry is structured, how it works. We have to be aware that a media is financially supported _ government, independent media, partnership, etc_ and also that many intermediates interfere in the information process.

For instance, the images are a result of series of choices: from the journalist who decides to come to a particular place, from the cameraman who films a specific scene, from the editor who only selects some parts, etc. It is all about media literacy: to be conscious that these choices operate according to opinions, and aspirations of the people who works FOR the media.

Media Literate doesn’t only mean using the media as a source of information. It is also mean how critical you are about it. As a media consumer, it is a need to evaluate the media and its own limitations. Where does the information come from? Who created it? Who financed the all process? This reflexion leads us to include three main factors: politic, economic, and social.

We are also producer of new messages. For instance, many newspapers now include a blog section into their website. They encourage people to react to articles and write about their points of view. This new form of communication shows that we are tending to go from an unidirectional information system to a multi directional exchange of information. The proof is clear that we, individuals, have a great role to play in the media.

Can I say I am a media literate? According to what I developed before, as soon as I get any information from somewhere, I am already a media literate. First, because I make a choice in the type of media I want to use. Second, I have the ability to select the information according to what is most relevant for me, what I am interested in.

The deeper level of reflexion is how literate I am according to the media content.

In print media, I do need to know in which political party the media is involved into. Some newspapers_ such as Le Nouvel Observateur (French newspaper)_ pretend not to belong to any political party. I don’t believe in that. There is always an influence from political beliefs that affects the way the information is told. There is nothing wrong with this, we just need to stand back from it. Every journalist, writer, reporter has a background and personal ideas that indirectly modify the way the information is told.

I don’t know if this could be a factor that make myself as a media literate person, but I choose not to watch TV very often, because I do not want to be part of this new trend where the Television is trying to give you everything you want to see without moving from your house, where we don’t have to face the real world anymore. This is a new generation of ‘having the world inside”, or “at home’.

I am definitely more critical of the information that circulates in the Web than in the print media.

On the Web, everything goes so quick, the concurrence is not a run for the highest quality information, but sometimes a run for marketing and commercial interest.

In the meantime, I think the Web is an incredible tool with an unlimited source of information. I myself use Internet very often, but remain aware of its imperfection.

For instance, I found that it could be a severe test to navigate on the Web where there are windows and commercial banners that parasite home pages. Sometimes even the title of the newspaper disappears behind the commercials ads. (La Voix de Nord, French newspaper). So where we try to find information may be a space for commercial interest. This does have a direct affect on the quality and clarity of the message.

Weapons of Mass Deception-Essay Media 220

2009-07-16T17:01:00.000-07:00

Emilie Batard

Student n° 2009 79328

Media 250 FZZ - Semester 1 - Year 2009/10

The Gulf War in 1991 marked a turning point in the history of information. For the first time, some live events were screened on television.

But could a war be broadcasted live? In the Gulf War case, it was not possible to broadcast live because an information pool from America had to first regulate the work of the journalists.

During the Gulf War and still nowadays, in the Television News, the tendency is towards special correspondents. They give an illusion of reality, and let people think their presence on the premises is a proof of authenticity. Television news want to treat the information straightaway, and unlike magazines, they don’t take time to set the event back in context.

Also, the information is meant to be universal and so is differently read depending on the cultural context in which the information is received. For instance, during the Gulf War, information has been seen as domination in the third world countries. It is also said in this documentary that Arab World saw a different war than the one we did.

The Vietnam War was simply being given a large media exposure, and even Television news played a crucial role in the American defeat. In Iraq, journalists felt they also had a role to play, but Americans avoided this.

Yet, the medias had a mediatory function between the two sides, Georges Bush and Saddam Hussein. They wanted to be a “third party” in remaining as neutral as possible. But this neutrality cannot exist. In the time of war, media sticks on Americans’ viewpoints. It has always been like this. The government wants to control the political discussion. Coverage had been one-sided.

“People gives you the story and you go out and do it”.

In the context of the globalization of the information, it becomes more complicated. During the Gulf War, the information was mainly Western. But in the Iraq War, we notice a change: There were three centers of information: The coalition (the embedded journalists), the Western media who wasn’t with the coalition (such as France, Germany, Russia and Canada…) and three Arabic Television Channels.

There were a lot of information, lots of images, etc… But quantities of information do not necessary provide quality. Furthermore, this notion of quantity comes with fastness and live broadcasting but it is necessary to take distance to produce good information.

In the documentary Weapons of Mass Deception, the question is asked: Is this journalism or coverage? There is a big difference between journalism and coverage. Getting access doesn’t mean you are getting the story. “Coverage is bad journalism”. That is why our role, as viewers, is to be critical thinkers and not news consumers.

The 9/11 Terrorist Attacks brought some changes in the news making. The globalization of the information reinforced two positions involved in the conflict: Hatred or support to the United States. This shows that terrorists directly integrate strategies of communication. It is simply a sophisticated form of propaganda that has always existed. This obliges the media to have a critical reflection about their role and responsibilities. It cannot be satisfying to inform people as fast as possible on behalf of competition. To them, the war was a product, they sold it and we bought it.

We need to think of a different way to resist to a certain form of hysteria. Journalists need to have a critical reflection about their new role in the globalization of the information. If they do not, they will take the risk to be manipulated by new technology and political interests. To be in opposing force, you need to create a new ethic of journalism, rights and responsibilities of the media.

“Believe in the freedom of the press no freedom from those we own the press”

From Weapons of Mass Deception.

Welcome to the Phlippines...

2009-07-07T00:39:00.000-07:00

As I said before, it was a really long trip from NY to Manila.

My journey has been as following: NY-Anchorage (Alaska), then Anchorage-Taipei (Taiwan), and finally Taipei-Manila.

I arrived very jet-lag, assuming that there is 12 hours difference between NY and Manila.

Well, I got off the plane, and I was there standing with my luggages. And I felt …alone (but not lonely)! To put things again in the context, I didn’t plan anything for my arrival in the Philippines. Basically, I came here with no clue, no place to stay, Nothing!!

So I was there at the airport, and opened the Philippines rough book that Jai offered to me for my 24 birthday last year. I found out there was a cheap guest house in Malate (At this time, I had no idea where this surbub was!), and took a cab to get there. I neither booked anything there, nor knew if they would be having spare bed spaces.

But you know, if you were in the situation of mine, you would have just said: let’s give it a try. I wasn’t stressed, but I was rather feeling happy that I finally made it to the Philippines.

On the way to the guesthouse, I could see Manila city for the 1^st time. First rough impressions: the street life is really lively, lots of jeepneys driving around like mad, lot of traffic, quite of a mess...

The noise as well, really persistent: horns, buses, loud engine…

Wahou, what a big change!!. I was staring at all this through the windows: Welcome in Manila!!! :))))))

Canoeing, picnic and end of the trip...

2009-07-05T18:01:00.000-07:00

On the way back to NY

I was back in New Jersey on the Friday night. The next day we left the city for a very cool trip: Canoeing journey in New Jersey. That was awesome. Without pretense, Aaron and myself teamed really well. All these people were paddling and paddling like mad, going backward, smashing trees, and shore. That was absolutely hilarious. We also nearly flipped over, but I’ll skip on this one…

We ended up the day in eating on the grass, with a view on the entire city, NYC. Food, wine, talking, exceptional view… 3 hours spent there seemed to have been only 2 minutes.

Aaron and myself (NYC in the background)

Sunday came so quickly. It was time to leave. Quite sad… but so happy to have spent this great time in NY, with Aaron. I will always remember the delicious food Mrs Jaekel cooked for us…

Aaron's mum

Aaron

Well, it is time to go to the Philippines now. A long trip is waiting for me!

Flamenco night, the "hidden bar" and Conor

2009-05-28T05:37:00.000-07:00

I went to many place during the all week: The Guggenheim museum, MET (Metropolitan Museum of Art), Modern art Museum, Central Park, Statue of Liberty, Broadway (Time square). We had a Jazzy night with Conor, an Australian fellow I met one night in Paris.

We also went to a place where they use to play live flamenco music. I loved this place. First because that was so narrow that all the energy from the music got very intense. Second because you could sense the vibrations of the music and those women dancing in the corner of the bar.

On the same night, Aaron took me to “a hidden bar” at the basement of a fast food. To get in, you need to ask the woman standing beside a door if you can come down. Then, you have to walk trough the kitchen of the restaurant to access to the bar. How strange!

One night Conor invited me to the place he was staying at, on the fifth avenue (a friend of him lives there and lent the apartment for the time Conor was there). We shared some wine before heading up to a roof top bar, the famous 230^th bar.

Prosect Park and Daniel

2009-05-25T05:36:00.000-07:00

On Monday, we had a long walk in Prospect Park. We were all very thrilled to meet Jackson, the new baby born, Crawford’s sister’s baby. That is a very cute little boy.

That was a sunny day, thus many people were actually chilling out there, barbecuing, playing Frisbee and other outdoor activities. Nothing best than a nap on the green grass…

On the evening, I met Daniel, another friend of Aaron. We had some drinks at a very unfamiliar place yet very cool. That was a huge boat they transformed in bar. That was checking quite a bit, but with a few glasses of wine, you don’t feel any disturbances anymore.

We ended up the night at Daniel’s place, sharing a nice bottle of French wine. He’s got a very unique apartment. Everything he could find from garage sale to flea market… was there. Loved it!!

By the time we finished the bottle, it was time to head back home…

NYC!!

2009-05-23T08:07:00.000-07:00

Pretty quick flight but yet tiring: Turks and Caicos-Charlotte, Charlotte-NYC.

My arrival at the airport was scheduled at 9.45 pm in NYC. Well, we arrived earlier, at about 9.00pm!!! Usually flights are late. So no complain.

Once I get off the plane, I had this first instant of “panic”. Yeah, I wouldn’t call it panic, I was still zen and… anyway too sleepy to be panic. But well, yes, Aaron wasn’t at the airport arrival. I wait for 20, 30, 40, 50, 60 minutes… an Aaron wss still not there. I should maybe call him. So a nice gentleman lent me his phone, and when I rang Aaron’s phone, I could here his voice: “Sorry Emilie, my car broke down on the driveway. I had to take a cab, I am on the way”. I was relieved.

On the way back to Aaron’s place in New Jersey (about one hour from NYC), we couldn’t stop talking about our travel experience, adventures… brief everything that happened to both of us during these 2 years where we haven’t met each other. This runs until 4 am… I was happy.

To be honest I was quite jetlag the next day. So we decided not to do much and just enjoyed this Sunday at home, sharing stories, talking hours and hours again.

By the time we stopped talking, it was already dark outside… This day, I found out how excellent cook is Aaron’s mum. She made some awesome vegan food. From veggie burgers, to vegan ice cream, to a home-made granola… Wahou!!

After dinner, we head back to NYC meet up with Crawfors, Aaron’s friend. He kindly offered me to stay on his futon for the week I’ll spend in NY. He lives in Brooklyn, south of the city.

This night, we hang out all night, went to different bars, all underground and yet quite fun. We ended up the night at 5 o’clock in the morning…That was really fun. I enjoyed this night.

Then, I won’t tell you in details all I have done during this week in NY. That would be exhausting to write everything, I am certain you don’t wane know everything. All I can tell you is that I had an absolutely wonderful time. Aaron is a very kind person, and every night, he took me out and we went to lots of different places, experienced a variety of atmosphere.

Turtles and Filipino dinner

2009-05-23T07:37:00.000-07:00

Thursday, time to go snorkeling at Grace Bay beach. I finally see turtles floating on the surface. Three were all chilling out on the same spot, very big ones, yet so cute!!

Back at the resort early evening. The Filipinas girls, the ones who work for Mike, invited me to have dinner at their place. Lots of food, too much but yet very yummy. We had a long talk about the Philippines, its culture and lifestyle. I remembered having this really interesting conversation with Gina, a 40 years old Filipina lady. She left her 2 and half years old baby in the Philippines to go abroad and work. She said the Philippines is such a poor country that your salary back there will basically allow you to pay your food and rent, no more. The equivalent of a month salary here is about 300 euros. So she decided to leave and work overseas for 2 years. She is a brave woman who scarified some time of her life for the happiness of her family...

Saturday, my turn to leave the island. A quick and last jump in the pool, packing, driving, waiting, checking in, loading. Flight for NYC.

Now NYC is waiting for me. Or rather I am waiting for it. Can’t wait to see my friend Aaron. 2 years that we haven’t seen each other…

Last night...

2009-05-22T07:27:00.000-07:00

On Thursday, it will be Mike’s turn to leave the Island for the US for holidays. He hasn’t left the island for nearly a year I think. He needs to get away and refresh his mind. But how sad to see my friend leaving!! Thus, I will quite have the whole resort for myself.

Tonight, for our last night, we went to an absolutely wonderful place. It's hardly possible to describe. A peaceful place, where only the sound of the breaking waves comes to you. You can't barely think of anything else, you just live the moment, enjoy it, and admire the beauty that discretly sits beside you. Japonese art deco, construction in wood, and all around water is surrounding you.

Here are some pics . That will best illustrate my feeling about this place. That was such an incredible evening.

Alan and Pam are leaving...

2009-05-21T06:44:00.000-07:00

Guys!!

It’s been such a long time since you haven’t heard back from me on this blog. Now that my life is not such a kind of mess, I am all set up to tell you my recent adventures, and the ones that will come next.

The rest of my trip in Caribbean has been wonderful. I enjoyed so much resting and enjoying time surrounding by nice people.

Alan and Pam left on Wednesday, on a pouring rain, so no regret for them to head back to Canada on this day. They have been of a very great company. Pam, Alan’s wife, is a chef, and cooked some very nice dishes for us many times. Alan, back 3 years ago, was my big boss in Canada. Now he is a friend, and I got to know him better. Such a funny guy. Too much Grand Marnier is not of a good medicine for him. I’ll tell you: it does does give him headaches the day after!

The night before Alan and Pam left, we went to a nice restaurant, and ended up the day by a hot tub session, drinking red wine… of course!

Pure moments of happiness...

2009-05-17T06:22:00.000-07:00

Would it be surprising if I say that I don't wanna live this island? That how much fun I've got here.

Yesterday was a day I'll never forget. We went jet skiing all day long, from Providenciales Island to the North Caicos. We snorkeled on the way, the water was quite milky due to the low tide. On the way back, Mike recognized the Parrot Cay boat, and said "Em, take your glasses off, and hang on me tightly" "Are you ready?"

And from then, pure moments of happiness, laugh, sensations. We were playing like kids. We slalomed, broke waves like crazy.

Believe me or not, these PURE moments of happiness don't happen too often, specially when two people share it... I'll never forget that day. Hard to describe, because it is full of emotion.

Alan, taking pics

To end up the day, nothing better than sliding your body in the hot tub, with a nice glass of wine. So nice that you take another one, and then you finish your day at 2am, talking with your old boss. And you realize you've got such an amazing friend, a golden friend...

People, I am all about joy and happiness, so pleased with the drift I took. I let you enjoy the pics for now.

Pink Flamingo

Shells

Expats on the island

2009-05-15T05:13:00.000-07:00

It's been a week now since I got here. Can't wait for the next weekend to come along.

Weather was a bit strange yesterday on the Island. Never by this time of the year it would rain, not even have this breeze that keeps the temperature cool, but yet nice.

Yesterday night, while I was chilling out, I met this woman. She used to travel a lot. She is from Canada, but came here in the 80's with her husband, living here for a couple of years, maybe more, can't remember. She said that at this period, people on the island wasn't ready to integrate the white people _the expat' as we say_ into their society. It was considered like a menace for the well being and unity of the island. So they left the island, with the feeling that Provo people hate them.

So then, they travelled around Europe for a short period of time, lived for 5 years in Melbourne _she loved it!_, came back to Canada where they bought a house there. But their heart was still in Turks and Caicos. They came back on the island in 1996, and they could notice the big change. A large amount of different nationalities were now living on the Island, most of them running businesses. Provo people could talk with these new incomers, they accepted them as part of the island, and knew it was good for the Island, its economy and touristic development.

That is how this woman and her husband came back 13 years ago, and still live here now. You could feel the joy she feels of living here.

Take care people, and here is a bunch of pictures I took 2 days ago, during an "exploring day".

Green sky!

Nice beach. Alan, Pam

2009-05-11T16:35:00.000-07:00

Time goes so quickly. A new week is coming up. Today was a relaxing and chilling out day after quite an exciting weekend.

And to end up the day as it has to be, we all organized a barbecue. Chicken and ribs, salad and some other yummy stuff. Some guests, Mike’s friends, came along and joined us for dinner. They are so well educated people! They both belong to the Island. Jai, the husband, works on a boat and takes people out for some diving/snorkeling tours I guess. The woman works as a layer. She told us lots of stories about the island, the way it changed for the last few years. Corruption came up, so crimes did.

Jai, his wife and Mike

On the Turks and Caicos Island, last year in June, the Hurricane Anna came, and damaged many houses, trees, and caused quite of a disaster. From then, it has been hard for the island to get the business up.

This dinner was endless, and we talked around this table until no time.

Below some pics before and after the dinner. No difference, apart that we were all satisfied with food and crazy stories we all listened.

Take care everyone.

Mike, funny guy

Sea, ... and sun

2009-05-09T20:05:00.000-07:00

Hi guys!

Ok, maintenant j'ai Internet depuis la piscine, sous les cocotiers. Je suis bien arrivée on the Providenciales Island. A Paradise.

Je ne resterais pas longtemps connectée, juste le temps de remplir ce blog et de donner des nouvelles à ma famille

qui s'est GRANDEMENT inquiétée pour moi. Et then, hop, je retourne jumper dans la piscine. It's all about life here, people.

Ce weekend, with Mike and his friends, Wade and Terry, we all went jet skiing all day long, and snorkeling in the middle of the ocean . That was just an amazing time we had. We stopped for lunch at a fabulous place, right in front of the beach. No one apart from us in the restaurant, not even on the beach, and that what is fabulous here. No crowd has it could be in the Bahamas. If you're hanging around on the beach, you'll be the only one. Peace and liberty.

On Sunday, Snorkeling was scheduled. So many different fishes on some beautiful reefs. The Caribbean is the third most beautiful rewarded place for its reef and underwater life.

Some beers after all that were well appreciated.

Once the night was coming up, we went to this beautiful restaurant called Coco Bistro. Somehow, it was a very peaceful place, surrounded by palm trees all over the patio. And of course amazing food.

Well, people, pictures will speak for me...

Have a safe day .

Coco Bistrot on Sunday evening. Mike, Terry, Wade

Snorkeling and chilling out day on the beach.

Pam, Alan, Wade, Terry, Mike

Time to pack up snorkeling gear.

Terry, Alan, Mike, Wade

Resort entrance.

Resort where I am staying at.

First post...

2009-05-07T07:34:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone, the first post, and not the last one.

Right, first question is: Should I rather write this blog in English, or in French. Well, I open up a vote here. Leave a comment and do make a choice.

But I guess for now, some people may rather enjoy reading this in French. So here it is.

Et voilà, je suis assise en face de l’enregistrement de la compagnie US Airways. Et ça fait 48h que je n’ai pas dormi, que je me ballade d’aéroport en quai d’embarcation, de seat 31A au gate 39!! Et c’est fuuuuuuuuun. Sèrieusement, moi j’aime ça. Tu parles avec ton voisin dans l'avion, tu papotes avec le mec qui fait la queue depuis une heure comme toi. Que du bon, des échanges, et une coupure avec ce que tu laisses derriere toi.

Me voilà donc à New York. J’y ai fait un bref stop, le temps d'un passage en bus. D’immenses avenues, des buildings, des boutiques, des taxis jaunes... Et puis les lumières, les ambiances, les travailleurs de nuit, les sac poubelles entasés par amas sur les bords de route. (Pas besoin de contenaires ici, ils ont tous compris les américains. C’est bon pour l’écologie, et ça fait travailler plus de monde car les éboueurs ici, ils doivent prendre les sacs un par un). Bref…

Il y a aussi le côté glamour, strass et paillettes: sortie de théâtre, entrée de casinos. Un brin d’architecture de Sydney, le charme de Melbourne, et le “il faut faire New York”, you mix them all up, et voilà, tu y es. NYC!

Ah oui, autre surprise: j’ai pu voir par le hublot les terres d’Islande, ces volcans, ces petites maisons toutes en couleur, ces immenses terres couleur or.

Ok, from now, 2 more flights and I’ll be heading to the Providentiales, Turks and Caicos Island in the Caribean. Can’t wait.

1am local time in NY, 7am in France. You’re all gonna wake up (excluding people having trouble to wake up early ... ), so have a great day people and see you very soonish.

Few more pictures are displayed below. Enjoy!