Hello there!
As i sat through one of my classes earlier this week, a debate stormed surrounding the issue of Arab countries. Many said that they have to be situated at the gulf, while others retorted that they must speak Arabic. Others went as far as suggesting they must be able to write in Arabic. As always, my thoughts begin swirling around "controversies" if you will.
Let me start by saying Arabic is a language spoken by most of the Middle East people along with Northern Africans. Just like any language, it too has variations spreading over geographical regions.
To be more specific now, Arabic consists of Arabic alphabets. Many countries such as Iran and Pakistan use these alphabets to write in their own language. Pakistanis use the language Urdhu to communicate, however they use the Arabic alphabets to write it. The common misconception is that a country such as Pakistan would therefore be considered an Arab nation when it isn't the case.
Another error arising from the topic of Arabic and its speakers is the issue of Americanization. Scholars from America who studied Arabic seem to have the last say on how words should be pronounced, before spreading it all over the world. A good example is the word Al- Shabbab. If one has truly studied Arabic, they will know the letter "shiin" is a solar letter, thus though written as an "al" its pronounces as an "ash" making it Ash- >>Shabaab. Despite such an error, CNN was first to report the group as Al-Shabbab; beginning the revolution of the word.
These are but a few examples of misconceptions created. Such examples make me wonder if these are real misconceptions or truly instances of pure ignorance?
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
MY SINCERE APOLOGIES
Hello web wizards!
I would like to apologize for my absence from the blog. My reasons are sincere! Poor internet connections, banned blogging from campus, constant power cuts along with mammoth amounts of work have kept me away. Yes, the Fall Semester is into its fifth week as it takes its toll on me, challenging my time management skills.
I am hoping this is the first of many more blogs this semester, as i fight to balance my academic, social and blogging responsibilities. Keep close to this page for more thought provoking and eye opening articles.
Have yourselves a blessed day!
I would like to apologize for my absence from the blog. My reasons are sincere! Poor internet connections, banned blogging from campus, constant power cuts along with mammoth amounts of work have kept me away. Yes, the Fall Semester is into its fifth week as it takes its toll on me, challenging my time management skills.
I am hoping this is the first of many more blogs this semester, as i fight to balance my academic, social and blogging responsibilities. Keep close to this page for more thought provoking and eye opening articles.
Have yourselves a blessed day!
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
ITS FUNNY WHAT THE MEDIA CAN DO...
Good day bloggers!
As i turned on the telly to get my daily dose of global news, i couldn't help but notice the power the media has on society. The power is displayed right in our faces, yet many of us take no notice!
Many scholars have devoted their lives to debating whether or not the media really has such an enormous impact on us as it is claimed; many theories created as a result. Some of the most studied theories include: magic bullet theory, two step theory, gate-keeping theory, spiral of silence, uses and gratification theory as well as agenda-setting theory.
However, if examined closely, none of the media related theories refute the power of the press, but dwell on the extent at which it impacts the society (if at all).
Theories are better understood when put within familiar environs- media examples. When media doesn't cover a story of newsworthy value, many people would argue that it never really happened! If it's not reported on, it didn't happen.
The media has the ability to divert the audience's attention to a societal or political concern of their choice simply by priming a story (highlighting it). This also includes framing the story so as to raise importance in the audience's minds.
Advertising is one area that needs no introduction. The media portrays a desired lifestyle or product in order to reach their consumers. It is also done by linking products to influential members of society- two step theory (Nike using soccer players to sell their products).
These are but a few examples exhibiting the power of the media. However, power is nothing without control. By media possessing power, it is us to decide whether to consume media as passive or active users. It is our decisions that have the ultimate say on the how truly powerful the media is.
As i turned on the telly to get my daily dose of global news, i couldn't help but notice the power the media has on society. The power is displayed right in our faces, yet many of us take no notice!
Many scholars have devoted their lives to debating whether or not the media really has such an enormous impact on us as it is claimed; many theories created as a result. Some of the most studied theories include: magic bullet theory, two step theory, gate-keeping theory, spiral of silence, uses and gratification theory as well as agenda-setting theory.
However, if examined closely, none of the media related theories refute the power of the press, but dwell on the extent at which it impacts the society (if at all).
Theories are better understood when put within familiar environs- media examples. When media doesn't cover a story of newsworthy value, many people would argue that it never really happened! If it's not reported on, it didn't happen.
The media has the ability to divert the audience's attention to a societal or political concern of their choice simply by priming a story (highlighting it). This also includes framing the story so as to raise importance in the audience's minds.
Advertising is one area that needs no introduction. The media portrays a desired lifestyle or product in order to reach their consumers. It is also done by linking products to influential members of society- two step theory (Nike using soccer players to sell their products).
These are but a few examples exhibiting the power of the media. However, power is nothing without control. By media possessing power, it is us to decide whether to consume media as passive or active users. It is our decisions that have the ultimate say on the how truly powerful the media is.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
UNEQUAL DEVEOPMENT
Hey guys!
Hope you're all okay. I have been basking in the sun down in Mombasa- still am for another two weeks. I took time out to publish my thoughts on the issue of unequal development.
As I watched the Prime time news, I couldn't help but notice how unequally developed my country is. However, this is common in almost all countries. Why? Why do some parts of the nation be treated superior to the other? Is it somehow linked to current politics? Is everything linked to politics?
Taking Kenya as a case study, we notice that Nairobi is the most developed city in the country. Incidentally, that is where the President's Office is; along with the elite crème de la crème of society. This requires it to be beefed up to the society's desires.
At the President's home (destination withheld), it is claimed to boast one of the best road networks in the country, yet the whole nation suffers massive potholes and uneven roads (some cases, funds have already been allocated for their betterment). Why?
The whole North Eastern part of Kenya is almost a desert! Reasons? "Under-developed", Minimal human inhabitants, unfavourable climate, high crime rate among many others. As a result of neglection by the government, Kenya is losing an enormous virgin land to desertification. This land if exploted well can earn the country millions of shillings annually.
At one point in history it had very fertile lands, now all that remains are gold stacks of grass. In early 2000-2001, almost 400,000 Somalis crossed the border to seek refuge in our country. This should have been the best reason not to turn a blind eye to the development of the region- yet that is what exactly happened. Why?
Kenya has the potential to grow economically if resources available are put to good use, and development occurs in a wide-spread manner rather than centralizing the process. If we truly use our resources effectively, aim at development beyond a centralized point and invest, Kenya truly has great potential in becoming the powerhouse in East, Central and Southern Afirca! What is there to stop us if we have man power, resources and effective leadership? The only result that can come out of such an enticing mixture is the recipe of success!
Hope you're all okay. I have been basking in the sun down in Mombasa- still am for another two weeks. I took time out to publish my thoughts on the issue of unequal development.
As I watched the Prime time news, I couldn't help but notice how unequally developed my country is. However, this is common in almost all countries. Why? Why do some parts of the nation be treated superior to the other? Is it somehow linked to current politics? Is everything linked to politics?
Taking Kenya as a case study, we notice that Nairobi is the most developed city in the country. Incidentally, that is where the President's Office is; along with the elite crème de la crème of society. This requires it to be beefed up to the society's desires.
At the President's home (destination withheld), it is claimed to boast one of the best road networks in the country, yet the whole nation suffers massive potholes and uneven roads (some cases, funds have already been allocated for their betterment). Why?
The whole North Eastern part of Kenya is almost a desert! Reasons? "Under-developed", Minimal human inhabitants, unfavourable climate, high crime rate among many others. As a result of neglection by the government, Kenya is losing an enormous virgin land to desertification. This land if exploted well can earn the country millions of shillings annually.
At one point in history it had very fertile lands, now all that remains are gold stacks of grass. In early 2000-2001, almost 400,000 Somalis crossed the border to seek refuge in our country. This should have been the best reason not to turn a blind eye to the development of the region- yet that is what exactly happened. Why?
Kenya has the potential to grow economically if resources available are put to good use, and development occurs in a wide-spread manner rather than centralizing the process. If we truly use our resources effectively, aim at development beyond a centralized point and invest, Kenya truly has great potential in becoming the powerhouse in East, Central and Southern Afirca! What is there to stop us if we have man power, resources and effective leadership? The only result that can come out of such an enticing mixture is the recipe of success!
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
GLOBAL WARMING- ENTIRELY TRUE?
So i turn on the telly to get my mind off the hunger trying to overcome me- I'm fasting. I flip through the channels and Al-Jazeera grabs my attention. There was a report on the global warming effecting the the slow disintegration and separation of the icebergs in Greenland. This led me to think; Is global warming as big as it is claimed to be? Are these as a resulting of the increase in carbon dioxide in the atmosphere?
My stand on this contentious issue is simple; it is there but blown out of proportion. Global warming is just the experts' lazy excuses of why such icebergs melt. I believe that though global warming does play a part in melting icebergs, it is not the sole reason for the detachments of them as witnessed on telly.
In a bid to raise awareness on the catastrophic effects resulting from global warming, many experts magnify the magnitude by highlighting it as the sole contributor to the spliting of icebergs.
I also believe that governments are using global warming as revenue earner. Governments are now imposing limits on the amounts of green house gases being ejected into the atmosphere. Industries that exceed the limits are fined heavily. Some countries (identities withdrawn) are paying money to the government in accordance to the amount of waste that is being released into the atmosphere. Is that out of true concern for the planet? or just another sly way of extorting companies out of millions of shillings?
If this is truly a concern, experts should delve in to the idea of how to minimize emissions, governments should close down industries producing excess amounts of green house gases (planet before money), industries should turn to alternative sources to reduce pollution, citizens should embrace an eco-friendly lifestyle among many other solutions.
I do acknowledge the efforts made by individuals and companies that are tirelessly trying to come up with "safer" alternatives to reduce pollution for instance solar powered cars. However, such a vision for the betterment of a nation is not a one man job, but rather a collective effort that includes the entire population for it to work. However,a journey of a thousand miles starts with the first step. Let these inventions be the stepping stone for a better future.
My stand on this contentious issue is simple; it is there but blown out of proportion. Global warming is just the experts' lazy excuses of why such icebergs melt. I believe that though global warming does play a part in melting icebergs, it is not the sole reason for the detachments of them as witnessed on telly.
In a bid to raise awareness on the catastrophic effects resulting from global warming, many experts magnify the magnitude by highlighting it as the sole contributor to the spliting of icebergs.
I also believe that governments are using global warming as revenue earner. Governments are now imposing limits on the amounts of green house gases being ejected into the atmosphere. Industries that exceed the limits are fined heavily. Some countries (identities withdrawn) are paying money to the government in accordance to the amount of waste that is being released into the atmosphere. Is that out of true concern for the planet? or just another sly way of extorting companies out of millions of shillings?
If this is truly a concern, experts should delve in to the idea of how to minimize emissions, governments should close down industries producing excess amounts of green house gases (planet before money), industries should turn to alternative sources to reduce pollution, citizens should embrace an eco-friendly lifestyle among many other solutions.
I do acknowledge the efforts made by individuals and companies that are tirelessly trying to come up with "safer" alternatives to reduce pollution for instance solar powered cars. However, such a vision for the betterment of a nation is not a one man job, but rather a collective effort that includes the entire population for it to work. However,a journey of a thousand miles starts with the first step. Let these inventions be the stepping stone for a better future.
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