Saturday, August 9, 2008

5 August: Media & Conflict, Making fun of religions??

Today we were going to see more about media on the conflict, the way this works and what we can do to use the media instead of being used. The group had an afternoon and evening of free time to recharge their batteries.


After some games we started with a discussion about our visit to Jerusalem. We talked about the tour in the old city, religion and jokes on religion. It was very interesting to hear everybody's opinions.


Jacob, Bert and Dries presented a PowerPoint on "Media on the Conflict". First we watched a video of Jake Lynch (BBC-journalist) speaking about framing, media strategy en manipulation.

They also spoke about the freedom of press in Israel-Palestine and in Belgium, free media, embedded journalism and citizen's journalism. I learned a lot about embedded journalism. I think it's difficult for the journalists to choose between safety and objective reporting.


Einat told us about two organizations; Anarchists Against Walls and Taayush and the way in which they use media. They film during demonstrations so that they have eyewitness reports and to get people involved in the conflict. By using the media they want to start a public, national debate.


It is not always possible to get what you want from the media. Einat gave us a good example of how the media can change the message which you want to give. Activists were helping farmers to get to their land on the other side of the wall. In the news this action was presented as humanitarian aid in stead of a political act against the impact off the wall.


Karen, Emilie, Klaartje

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