Democracy and Journalism

Democracy is a form of government in which state-power is held by the majority of citizens within a country or a state. In political theory, democracy describes a small number of related forms of government and also a political philosophy. Even though there is no universally accepted definition of 'democracy', there are two principles that any definition of democracy includes. The first principle is that all members of the society have equal access to power and the second that all members enjoy universally recognized freedoms and liberties. Journalism is the production of news reports and editorials through media such as newspapers, magazines, radio, television and the Internet. Journalists, be they writers, editors, photographers, broadcast presenters or producers, serve as the main purveyors of information and opinion in contemporary society.

In the 1920s, as modern journalism was just taking form, Walter Lippmann understood that journalism's role at the time was to act as a mediator or translator between the public and policy making elites. The journalist became the middleman. When elites spoke, journalists listened and recorded the information, distilled it, and passed it on to the public for their consumption. His reasoning behind this was that the public was not in a position to deconstruct the growing and complex flurry of information present in modern society, and so an intermediary was needed to filter news for the masses. Lippman put it this way: The public is not smart enough to understand complicated, political issues. Furthermore, the public was too consumed with their daily lives to care about complex public policy. Therefore the public needed someone to interpret the decisions or concerns of the elite to make the information plain and simple. That was the role of journalists. However, American philosopher John Dewey, on the other hand, believed the public was not only capable of understanding the issues created or responded to by the elite; it was in the public forum that decisions should be made after discussion and debate. When issues were thoroughly vetted, then the best ideas would bubble to the surface. Dewey believed journalists should do more than simply pass on information. He believed they should weigh the consequences of the policies being enacted. Over time, his idea has been implemented in various degrees, and is more commonly known as "community journalism."

Thus, one of the remarkable phenomena during the latter part of the twentieth century has been the emergence of media power, the impact of which has been all pervasive, transcending national frontiers. It is seen that independent media plays a major role in ensuring proper functioning of a democracy by mustering public opinion against corrupt practices that comes with power and authority cannot be disputed either. In a democratic state people vote for all kind of reasons, as is their right, and not always on the basis of rational thought or careful deliberation. But from the normative perspective the democratic ideal is one of informed choice to which the outputs of political journalism are key contributors. Journalists provide the key information on which citizens become able to judge between competing candidates and parties.

Media’s place in democracy is complex and varied. But in the last instance, it is up to those working in the media who can do a lot to shape the particular contribution of their medium. That indeed is part of the responsibility and calling of being a journalist. Actually, journalism is the voice of the voiceless people. Though mass media have a dual responsibility- to their owners and advertisers, and to the public; both of them are very important; but the priority should be given to the public. Journalist play the vital role of “watchdog” over the government looking out for instances of malfunction and corruption. The public would have far less control over the affairs of the government without the probing questions of investigative reporters. Democracy of journalism means freedom of press which gives right to publish without prior restraint and freedom from despotic control by the government. So when public are given diversified information, they take their own decisions. In a way, we can say, media is not the power house itself but it enjoys the power through the public support. So media indirectly control the government.

Only elections don’t make the state democratic. Liberated media is fundamentally crucial in genuine democratic societies because it practices the theory of including the public in governmental affairs, and commemorates the democratic idea that reality can only be relative and truth and facts are to be deemed authentic by individuals, not administrators.Without freedom in journalism, journalism will not be able to achieve its objective. And without free journalism democracy is incomplete.

Selling Music

Music has immense influence throughout the world. Music evokes many feeling, surfaces old memories, and creates new ones all while satisfying a sense of human emotion. It also provides a sense of knowledge with the ability to help identify a culture, as well as educate countries about other cultures. Our sounds, our noises, whether comforting or disturbing, are, as forms of response, substantially different to the forms. It can be a tool for many things: relaxation, stimulation and communication. Or it can also be a tool for resistance: against parents, against police against power. Questions of tradition, identity, and propriety and of the control over properties real and creative are, even for the least political among us, inescapable and urgent as the way in which we answer these questions can determine how our music is placed in the world, how it is consumed, valued, disposed. Through the topics like the loss of a nation’s cultural identity, the terror of westernization, and the reign of cultural imperialism we explore the possibilities or the existence of hybridization of cultures and values, and what some feel is the exploitation of their heritage. Music being the highly profitable, capitalist enterprise control and regulate the music. They sell culture and heritage.
The seven large multinational corporations, with their nation of origin and reported 1990 sales, are: Sony (Japan, $3 billion), Time/Warner (U.S., $2.9 billion), Polygram (Netherlands/Germany, $2.6 billion), Bertelsmann Media Group (Germany, $2 billion), Thorn/EMI (U.K., $1.88 billion), MCA (U.S., $1 billion), and Virgin (U.K., $500 million), total 1990 sales $13.88 billion (1993, pp. 141-143). With number such as these it is nearly impossible to deny the fact that these companies do not have a great affect on the influence of music and media that they distribute. Conglomerates not only run the market for music, but determine which music is to be distributed and to where, therefore pushing an idea or culture onto a nation. Artists such as Britney Spears, Tim McGraw, Faith Hill and Michael Jackson set out on world wide tours to spread their music throughout the world. These artists have realized the caliber and sheer numbers they can produce by not just focusing on one area. As site by Farley (2001) artist sometimes do not conquer a civilization completely, but help to create a hybrid form that has been formed using aspects of a person’s own culture and incorporating foreign attributes. For example, within Jamaica, there is a form of music known as “ragga”, which is a rap-influenced form of reggae. This is a perfect example how music can have somewhat of a positive affect. However, there are negative affects which come with such an influence. Along with the influence of the lyrics from rap came a lot more than Jamaica bargained for. They find that with local ragga star “Elephant Man’s” lyrics such as “Badman nah run from police inna shootout/ Whole crew a government see dem pon di lookout….” they have incorporated violence and hate. At recent concerts their have been fights, injuries, gunfire and death. So as positive as it seemed to incorporate foreign aspects into their music, it turned out to be a horrid influence. Artists also have had a key role in promoting “world music”. World music is defines as music that was written by artists from a foreign country in a native tongue. Nowadays nearly every music retailer – from the old fashioned bricks-and-mortar kind, through the online CD vendors, to the completely virtual iTunes Music Store – has a major section called “World Music” or “International.” U.S. based artists such as Paul Simon, Peter Gabriel and David Byrne are seeking to improve relations between U.S. and world music artists. One of the major fears associated with the globalization of music is the creation of a global monoculture. Monoculture is destroying local tradition, knowledge, skill, artisans and values. Specifically artisans have been affected through the fact that the product that they have tried to market has been outdated and overrun by the pop star garbage that has taken over the world and destroyed cultures. One of the main causes for the affects that music has had globally is the open-mindedness of the people that have accepted it. For example in 1959, Richie Valens hit the top of the charts with his song “La Bamba”. After this large hit, it was forty years before the world accepted another Latin rocker – Santana. With Santana’s worldwide success sparked room for artists such as Wyclef Jean. Wyclef formed a new hybrid formed of Haitian Creole and English. Even U.S. based Christina Aguilera recorded an entire CD entirely in Spanish. Within transitions to create a global market, these artists have found not only how to make money and survive in a capitalistic world, but how to satisfy more than one cultural group.

Ambush journalism

Ambush is the act or instance of lying concealed so as to attack by surprise. Journalism is the occupation of reporting, writing, editing, photographing, or broadcasting news. Ambush journalism refers to aggressive tactics practiced by journalists to suddenly confront with questions people who otherwise do not wish to speak to a journalist. Ambush Journalism is commonly seen in American public affairs and tabloid programs. The practice has particularly been applied by television journalists, conducting investigations. The practice has been sharply criticized by journalists and others as being highly unethical and sensational but it appears to be continuing in the future.

Some journalists use this technique to obtain the latest and hottest news. The outcome can sometimes be damaging or viewed as unethical. Other journalists refuse to use this technique because they feel that it violates the basic journalistic standards of balance and fairness. However others defend it as the only way to attempt to provide those subjects to it an opportunity to comment for a report. Journalists sometimes use the element of Ambush Journalism as a surprise technique to get the real story or news and raw emotions. This can sometimes be good because the persons true emotions are not hidden, as mentioned before, but usually the person being interviewed or ambushed does not have time to prepare and tends to have not well-reasoned answers.

It has been a serious issue whether Ambush Journalism is ethical or not. This is a very hard question to answer because each case is different. Also who decides what is ethical? That judgment is left in the hands of both journalist and the public. The public on the other hand wants to know everyone's private business so much that they sometimes do not care how it might affect the person or persons that the news is about. However if they were to be the subject of Ambush Journalism themselves they would most likely not like it at all.

One good example of Ambush Journalism was carried out by Tehelka.com in 2001 which had begun it's publication in 2000 as a news website. a reporter Mathew Samuel posed as a representative of the fictitious large arms supplier of a company named "West End" and successfully had a major expose on corruption in defense procurements. "Operation West End" as it is popularly known made then minister in charge of Defense, George Fernandes of Samata Party resignfrom his post although he was reinstated later. Tehelka.com was also forced to close down temprorarily. in their 2004 book, "international Communication: A Media Literacy Approach", Art Silverbatt and Nikolai Zlobin described Tehelka as a "muckraking site".

An Indian movie, “Breaking News” released in 2007, directed by Vishal Inamdar also tries to show the aspects of Ambush journalism with general details on its pros and cons successfully covering the issues of ethics, sensationalizing in media and the thin line between Ambush Journalism and Yellow Journalism.

A Memorable Trip to Bhaktapur

The memorable trip to bhaktapur began with the traditional "Dhau baji" (curd and beated rice) and the multinational Coca-cola. we entered the Bhaktapur Durbar Square with Tejeshowr Sir and got enchanted with the beauty of the arts and the description by Tejeshowr Sir. The Nyatapola Temple was our final destination.

Eating Dhau baji to kick start the trip

The statue of Siddhi Narsingha Malla

Narsingha:Half man and half lion

Bhagawati: the Goddess of Power

Nyatapola in Tamadhi Square

To see more, click here

When in pain

Take my senses, burn my belief
Shed my skin, to your relief

Break me into pieces, make me fall
Steal my sunshine, take it all

Kill my soul, I won’t mourn
I don’t want my life, I need none

"Radha"- Her way

Krishna Dharabasi’s extraordinary novel Radha is a strong example of presenting mythical texts from a different perspective. He has completely changed the characters of Radha and Krishna as they are in the religious texts, challenging the traditional mores. Throughout ‘Mahabharata’, a Hindu epic, Radha has a minor role and she is portrayed nothing more than Krishna’s plaything but Dharabasi in his novel portrayed Radha as a brave, responsible and dignified woman. One of the novel’s strongest point is the way it explores the viewpoint of women, which Ved Vyas, the writer of ‘Mahabharata’ has totally ignored.
The novel begins with an incident where the author, Krishna Dharabasi, reads a headline in the newspaper, stating that an important archeological object has been unearthed during a dig in Kichakwadh, Jhapa. Dharabasi and his colleges hurry to Kichakwadh to find an ancient slate written in unknown characters. However they find an ascetic sage who can read those slates and from here on, the novel progresses into the realm of fiction.
Whenever we remember Radha from the mythical tales, we never imagine her without Krishna but Dharabasi has explored Radha’s life without Krishna. Through Radha and many other women like Dropadhi, Kunti, and Krishna’s wives Dharabasi has raised the issue of women independence. Dharabasi further illustrates the selfish nature of men through Krishna. The book shatters the sense of devotion the gopinis, including Radha, are said to have towards Krishna, even though he treats them merely as playthings and has no respect for them.
Dharabasi has also given practical reasoning to all the events not relying on the supernatural explanation of Mahabharata. He has emphasized on the bonds between love and marriage. Love has been compared to many things and thus, examined. The novel provides lessons for all those who need to deal with the obstacles that arise in love, the circumstances in which love should be taken further which is especially relatable to the young.

The Real World

He loved her and loved her very much. He had made promises to marry her and make her his forever and those were like unbreakable vow to both of them. But he had never thought that suddenly everything would change so fast that everything would go opposite in his life. People say cigarettes kill but it seemed like only cigarettes were making him alive. He would empty the cigarette pack and fill up the ashtray and not a second he’d stop that as not a second he would stop thinking about her.

She was always brilliant in studies unlike him. He never had good academics and he never cared. He gave a thought about it only twice, first when he liked her and made his poor academics reason to meet her after classes and now when he has to fight the world and prove himself and make his love survive. Every time when he would lose his energy, she would hold his hand and look into his eyes which meant that no matter what, she believes in him. And now, also for her, to prove that she was not wrong to trust him, her hero is not a loser. But everything seemed so without a solution because with his certificates no one would hire him. His dad always storms at him and his mom kindly gives him money enough to buy him cigarettes and fuel his bike. He was always around the shore and now when he has to get into the sea, he realized that he should have thought of learning swimming.

It all started when he received a phone call from her at midnight a month ago. She was crying on the phone,
“What happened?”
“Please take me away. I don’t want to do this.”
“Do what?”
“I don’t want to marry.”
“What?”
“My parents are making me marry some other guy. I love you. I can’t do this.”
“Tell them you won’t marry him, you don’t like him.”
“They won’t listen. They say that this is the best for me but I know its all wrong. I don’t love him. Please take me away. I love you.”

He couldn’t sleep any night from that night on. He loves her very much and she loves him too. He knew he had to do something. He looked around him, at himself, conscious of his life, the place where he lives, the food he eats, the clothes he wears and most importantly a job he does not own. He had a hard time to look into himself, to realize that his dad was right. His life was a mess and he is good for nothing.

Again the other night she called,
“My family agreed to them even when I said no. Now there is no other way. But first tell me do you love me?”
“What sort of question is that?”
“Please, answer me.”
“Yes I do. I love you.”
“Then that’s it. If they are doing what they want they want then we are doing what we need to.”
“Do you mean……..”
“Yes. I love you and I will marry you, only you, no matter what. Please take me away. I am always ready when you are.”

After that phone call his mind was numb and his senses, senseless. He would be only thinking about her, the phone call and his life. And today was the day when she planned that they would run away and marry. But he hasn’t packed his things yet, no money in the wallet and nothing at all. When I entered the room he was staring at nothing, sitting in his messed up room in his messed up clothes and smoking. I hurriedly snatched the cigarette from his hand and threw it outside the window.
“What were you thinking ha?? Smoking inside your room?” I gasped.
“I don’t know”, he said.
I knew something was wrong,
“What happened? Did you call her?”
“Yes”
“What did you say?”
“I said I love her”
“And?” I knew that wasn’t it.
“I said that I love her but I’ve also realized that love does not keep us alive and plus there are also other people who love her, like her parents. Actually her parents are right; they know what is right for her. I can’t let her enter my trash life.”
He took a deep breath as if some heavier objects were coming out from his mouth and said in a low and sore voice,
“I told her to marry the guy her parents have chosen for her.”
I didn’t know what I should have said or may be he just wanted me to listen; we were silent for rest of the hours. I could see him in pain, carrying the guilt and then slowly accepting. I had been thinking if she was doing the same.

Like him, I had no the courage to see her so instead of going at her place I took a long way to my home. On my way, thousands of thought were streaming through my head; how can everything finish with all these everything, how will they move on with their life, where will they throw their memories? I thought of their love and this situation. Being their common friend, my place was where they always used to meet and go for their date and I was left to make reasons when her parents called at my place. I was someone who has lived through their love story. I had thought I had never seen such lovers and never ever thought they would part this way. It was a sad and silent death of their love and I was the single witness. Lovers may keep promises to be together afterlife but it’s hard to get it applied in this world. It was easy to love but hard to keep it; they were indeed real lovers parted by this real world.

When I got home, it was already dark. I went directly to my room, on the table were two envelops. I reached for them; those were for me and for him. I opened the one with my name; they were the invitations card for her marriage. I sat there numb, not having a single idea what would I say when I’ll meet him to give the invitation card or meet her on her marriage.