|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2010: South Africa's International image in the Media
Hey!
I'm interested in how the world sees South Africa - especially with the oncoming soccer world cup in 2010.
Whether you're a local watching international news, a South African abroad, a foreigner who has visited SA or is just interested in visiting us - what do you see of SA in international news?
Please share your experiences with me and where possible, give me a link to the photo/blog/website/video/article where you got the information from.
I'd love to hear your stories and opinions
An interesting article to read is: The Media and Africa: who is failing whom, by Ian MacDonald.
http://www.sagoodnews.co.za/newsletter_archive/the_media_and_africa_who_is_failing_whom_.html
A segment from the article:
Thanks for your time.
Cheers[/b]
Last edited by Student4Life on Wed Sep 30, 2009 12:07 pm; edited 5 times in total
I'm interested in how the world sees South Africa - especially with the oncoming soccer world cup in 2010.
Whether you're a local watching international news, a South African abroad, a foreigner who has visited SA or is just interested in visiting us - what do you see of SA in international news?
Please share your experiences with me and where possible, give me a link to the photo/blog/website/video/article where you got the information from.
I'd love to hear your stories and opinions
An interesting article to read is: The Media and Africa: who is failing whom, by Ian MacDonald.
http://www.sagoodnews.co.za/newsletter_archive/the_media_and_africa_who_is_failing_whom_.html
A segment from the article:
| Quote: |
| The media and Africa: who is failing whom?
Does South Africa and Africa as a whole only receive negative international news coverage and, if so, is the international media is failing us? Although it is clear that South Africa and Africa as a whole don't only receive negative press, I was interested in exploring the second part of the viewpoint - whether the international media was perhaps failing the continent. Perhaps, then, local media is failing South Africa? (The debate whether South African media have a role, or even an obligation, for nation-building over and above their responsibility to keep citizens informed, is one for another day.) So who is failing whom? I think that Africa is actually failing itself. Africans, African Governments and African businesses should take the lead in presenting to the World a different face of Africa, one that highlights the successes, ingenuity and progress of the continent. The responsibility lies with us. As Tina van der Heyden of Rhodes University says "As long as bad news sells (and it most certainly will for a long time to come), we shouldn't hold our breath waiting for the Western media to realise that their images are not an accurate portrayal of Africa's reality. As Africans, we need to stop seeing ourselves through the eyes of the Western media and find a way to make them see us as we see ourselves." By Ian Macdonald |
Thanks for your time.
Cheers[/b]
Last edited by Student4Life on Wed Sep 30, 2009 12:07 pm; edited 5 times in total
I think the people who make or break South Africa's image outside the country are South Africans themselves. Great numbers have left the country because of the very high and very violent crime against people. When they emigrate from the country, they give all their reasons to the people abroad, in their new countries. Word by mouth. Also news from South Africans by e-mail. And then also just reading the South African press, daily occurrences of violent crime against people. Not being safe on the roads because of fear of carjackings, rapes, HIV, real ugly stuff. All of it is fairly common knowledge. When people decide on destinations of where to travel, and South Africa comes up, people usually hesitate as they wonder whether they would be safe travelling the country.
Maybe the media has a role to play, but usually they have to report the truth, or at least as close to the truth as they can. Violent crime is a fact of life in South Africa, not only in the big cities, but everywhere. Added to this in the present moment, the economy is pinching as well. Usually when that happens, it makes all the other constraints even worse to deal with.
If you are wondering about the soccer game next year though, I think some fans would be willing to just close their eyes and hope for the best. Also, it would be common sense that at least for the soccer game that the South African authorities would invest heavily in security everywhere. For the last two years in my own experience the Oliver Tambo Airport in Johannesburg has been upgraded in quality and especially security. I have been very impressed with the improved quality there. The only part that would worry me a little is rowdiness, as once the soccer fans get out of control, it could also lead to ugly stuff. I think I would feel lots safer watching the games on a TV somewhere and stay out of South Africa during the soccer games, not only because of security issues, but I just hate big crowds.
Maybe the media has a role to play, but usually they have to report the truth, or at least as close to the truth as they can. Violent crime is a fact of life in South Africa, not only in the big cities, but everywhere. Added to this in the present moment, the economy is pinching as well. Usually when that happens, it makes all the other constraints even worse to deal with.
If you are wondering about the soccer game next year though, I think some fans would be willing to just close their eyes and hope for the best. Also, it would be common sense that at least for the soccer game that the South African authorities would invest heavily in security everywhere. For the last two years in my own experience the Oliver Tambo Airport in Johannesburg has been upgraded in quality and especially security. I have been very impressed with the improved quality there. The only part that would worry me a little is rowdiness, as once the soccer fans get out of control, it could also lead to ugly stuff. I think I would feel lots safer watching the games on a TV somewhere and stay out of South Africa during the soccer games, not only because of security issues, but I just hate big crowds.
I can't vote on the poll..I only see the results. Is there a reason for that? (sorry if I am asking a silly question - just wondering)
Hey!
I tried to edit that...but can't seem to manage! I've asked the frihost help desk to help me out, but haven't received any replies yet
I can't delete the poll, so it may just have to stay where it is I suppose...
Please feel free to comment on the content on thread if you'd like.
Cheers,
I tried to edit that...but can't seem to manage! I've asked the frihost help desk to help me out, but haven't received any replies yet
I can't delete the poll, so it may just have to stay where it is I suppose...
Please feel free to comment on the content on thread if you'd like.
Cheers,
I think South Africa is pretty good country. Clean roads, good people, not very expensive. Crimes is the only major problem. There are solutions to this problem too but I think there is no proper planning for that. There sould be better schooling and education. The country is gifted with so much natural resources. They can do a lot better. It is already good in my opinion.
Related topics
 |