If i were a tear in your eye
In order to be ahead of the game we must always facilitate an approach in which we austerely follow to avoid falling into unknown traps and awkward situations. The theoretical approach which I will be referring to in this Blog comes from the highly renowned “Mary” well known for her mesmerising upon many other intellectual & Philosophical talents. Mary’s theory takes an imminent comparison into dating and a Job Interview. Mary’s insights us in her theory that both processes (Dating & Job Interview) are very much the same.
In order to get yourself in the appropriate mind set you must think of this as
taking a Job interview only this time you are the interviewer. So let me break it down for you...
To begin with, your 1st date should be treated as if conducting a 1st interview.
Theory goes “So you go for the “first interview” which is your “first date”. The idea is to find out all the information you “need”. You mine the information from the person of interest. The objective is to perceive if the individual fits the Job requirements, referring to your personal requirements.
Taking into consideration the first impression which beings from the moment of initial entry of the individual (Your Date). As the rendezvous progresses so does the amount of information that is collaborated. Using this information you would have an understanding of the individual’s compatibility for the position (Yourself). If the individual passes all cerebral tests you have put forth and the information & individual presented to you checks of your list, subsequently you may consider alluring to a second interview.
Second Interview comes and goes, the individual passes with flying colours, next comes the audition or three month trial where you put them to the test and real intentions are discovered.
If all seems to be well then you have no reason not to offer them the Job.
As time goes and effort is put in and it seems to be working out, you promote them...
If Not... You get RID of them!!!
This is just a concise summary of Mary’s comparison theory.
The focal idea is that applying and obtaining a Job is little dissimilar than dating. The effort and process we put into educating, applying, maintaining and progressing in our careers should be reflected in how we employ in an accelerated emotionally charged relationship.
Soon to be a dominate technology in the home entertainment arena, is creeping its way into the market place. Rapidly being developed is known as interactive TV (iTV). The average Westerner spends quarter of his waking life in front of the TV set, perhaps saying like having someone in the room. Meanwhile, because of television, we are becoming less involved with other people as it is a passive medium. People who are spending a majority of time watching television are engaging in fewer conversations and are interacting with fewer people.
A new technology to be adapted to televisions is being developed. Millions of dollars are being spent in development devices that will initially change the passive television to an interactive device. The technology will provide a high interactivity in which the audience member affects the program being watched. Some of the features include;
We can see the medium's impact on content in traditional news media. Radio and television news make audiences tune in at specific times. Internet news uses short video clips of recent news. The file compression process used to make video files small enough for efficient Internet transmission favors images with minimal movement and detail. For this reason, video created specifically for the web usually consists of the proverbial talking head with a monochrome background.
On the other hand, the emerging medium of interactive TV (iTV) holds the promise of new options in a broadband environment. The viewer has the ability to choose what they want to see, when they want to see it, and access to full-motion TV-quality video. ITV also offers new ways of organizing content providing an opportunity to deliver news from multiple sources.
When it comes to forecasting the future of any emerging new media technology (and any product really), it's easy to see the final product but NOT the problems that will pop up along the way. Microsoft is a good example as has been Apple in the past. They know what the product will end up looking like, but they don't allow for
unexpected bumps along the road.
IPTV (IPTV being the technology that is used in iTV) has the potential to revolutionize the television production. The word revolution entails taking the current system in use and replacing it with something completely new. Interactive TV can be seen as a change in western society’s cultural landscape and become a dominate feature in our homes.
More information visit: http://www.itvt.com/, http://informitv.com/
Entertainment is big business! As a society we endeavor to be entertained, amused, aroused, intrigued and most importantly feel apart of something, whether it’s physical or emotional/psychological. As the world is such a large place it is impossible to know what is happening across the globe, understand, witness or be apart of it, what ever it might be. The media industry in most societies facilitate by delivering the happenings of the world to comfort of a persons facilitations, wether it be by, television, newspaper, magazines, radios, internet mediums; Blogs, forums, websites and social networks plus various other alternatives. As viewers when watching news & correspondents we are represented with what we are led to believe is reality of what is actually happening and absorbed into it as a notion of what is being represented to us is fact. How much of what you are is seeing are actual real scenarios and how much of what you are watching is manufactured?
If we use War as an analogy to what is represented to us in the media. War is considered a situation of widespread conflict between large factions of people which involves the use of violent, physical force between soldiers/fighters or civilians. How much of what is actually happening within conflicts is actually being presented to us in it full entirety? Journalists have to be aware when televising war reports with what is happening on the battlefield and the response it will receive from its audience and viewers. How the depiction of the good and bad will be represented.
In recent times and even currently during conflicts i.e. Iraq (Gulf War 1 & 2), Afghanistan, Kosovo, Somalia and others we have seen misleading information and images. There are many reasons to why this occurs one being that journalists who are embedded with soldiers to cover stories have a conduct to abide by. “There are rules of engagement which journalist were to swear to abide by, some of these were that the
details of military actions could only be described in general terms and there was to be no writing about possible future missions and weapons or sensitive information” (Cardell, Politics in the Wires). This can be seen as reasonable actions by military organizations as
the information that is being protected and kept under the covers, if was released can endanger the lives of soldiers and civilians.
Manipulation and control of the media by military and governments is becoming common course of action, "The first casualty when war comes is Truth"— U.S. Senator Hiram Johnson, 1917. If we take a look at the Pentagon, it currently has its restrictions on what media can be released to the public this includes what Journalists are allowed to report on and includes restrictions on soldiers & Personnel posting pictures, Blogs and online discussions relating to the war or conflict zone
they are in. If a journalist is broadcasting material deemed inappropriate for release the Pentagon has the power to jam all satellite transmission. Journalists, Pe
rsonnel and soldiers who are publishing or sending to authorized personnel material which is seen unfit by the Pentagon are receiving letters warning them to stop or face consequences. The Pentagon “By restricting or managing what information is presented and hence what the public are told. For them it is paramount to control the media. This can involve all manner of activities, from organizing media sessions and daily press briefings, or through providing managed access to war zones, to even planting stories. This has happened throughout the 20th century. Over ti
me then, the way that the media covers conflicts degrades in quality, critique and objectiveness."
So the Pentagon is putting restrictions on what can be published but the media organizations still need to make it look good to be able to sell it to its audiences. Candall tells us that “real life is where the action is at”. So this is where the barriers of truth becomes stretched to sweeten the taste of 
society yearn for action. The truth is Peace is boring most of us rather go and watch an action or a thriller movie then watch it again then have to sit through a boring documentary on the Discovery channel. (Not that all documentaries on discovery channel are boring but you get where I am coming from.) What we have happen is media organizations bending the truth to make it more interesting. Is the essence of story still there? Would you rather the truth or what every CNN has to offer?
So what is happening to the media that we are receiving?
It’s been restricted from the government agencies, The Media organizations are manipulating it, and so what are we ending up with? We are in cases receiving doctored and manufactured images of war. Is this giving us a false perception of what war really is like? Glorifying The Allies and deviling the enemies.
Crandall asked the question, What is more powerful images or bullets?
Let’s look at this way; In order for a countries bullets to be shot on foreign soil > Soldiers need to be there > for the soldiers to get there and continually receive funding to continue their campaign governments needs to authorize all measures > In order for governments & politicians to come into power they require funding and support > Political Funding - majority is provided by big business>big business own media organization > Media organizations entertain and have an influence on society > Society support politicians and elect them to government. So you tell me what do you think is more powerful images or bullets? Images are doing the influencing, illustrate the right images and you are able to shift a public opinion. This with most people in society the power to influence is seen more powerful then the power of the bullet.
The Lebanese Diaspora
With an estimated figure of 15 million citizens living abroad for an inside population of 4 million, Lebanon is one of the only countries to have more citizens living outside its boundaries.
Migration has long been a tradition for the Lebanese, starting as early as the Phoenicians who sailed the seas. The modern Lebanese Diaspora began in the 19th century. At that time the country was under ottoman domination and the Lebanese, especially Christian, had to bear an ottoman policy of second class citizens and oppression. Later on a civil war broke out between Druze and Christian. This only helped in intensifying the migration process touching Lebanese of all faiths.
Another wave of dense migration happened during and after the First World War. As the population "perished from hunger in a land rich with milk and honey"[1], a new wave of migrants decided to join their family members, or village peers, wherever they settled. Migrating "with nothing but courage in their hearts and strength in their arms [to] return with wealth in their hands and a wreath of glory upon their heads."[1]
These migrations were reinforced by the 1975 civil war, when hundreds of thousands of Lebanese left a country under fire and economic depreciation.
Integration in the host country has not always been an easy task for the new migrants. In countries such as Argentina or Australia they found themselves on the margins of the host society. In Argentina, where they were referred to as 'Turcos' -as they were immigrant of an Ottoman Turkish Province- they found themselves as "a stigmatized immigrant group within a strongly assimilation national culture." Michael Humphrey,
Lebanese identities: between cities, nations and trans-nations (Winter 2004). In Australia, they "assumed a ... position on the economic margins as petty traders, were referred to as 'Syrian,' and were often resented for their success. ... their Ottoman imperial origin meant they were classified as Asiatic and consequently kept under close surveillance by local police." Id. In Africa, Lebanese communities have often been targeted as scapegoats for economic crisis.
Yet, one of the impressive factors about the Lebanese Diaspora, apart from the high number of
migrants, is the faculty the children of the Cedars have to adapt, integrate and succeed into a new environment usually unknown and sometimes hostile. Indeed, Lebanese usually "appear to have integrated comfortably with the various societies and diverse cultures, ... many have excelled in these new environments and become notable in the fields of entertainment, politics, sport and academia." Impressions Staff, Lebanese Diaspora (2006). "Throw a Lebanese to the sea and he will come out of it with a fish" states a Lebanese adage.
Lebanon has known three important waves of migration. Starting in the late 1800s the first wave of emigration was a disorganized one. In villages, the means of subsistence were limited, families were large, and land was scarce. The young had no prospects but to emigrate. Often clandestine (as the Ottomans initially prohibited emigration) the early migrants, usually poor and uneducated villagers, would board a boat, any boat, and embark into a journey without knowing where they would end up.
The second wave was more organized, following the First World War and the hunger and poverty that stroke the land of milk and honey, many Lebanese, still poor and, often, uneducated villagers would join family members, or fellow villagers, who had already settled in foreign countries. Often hearing of the success of their peers they also decided to give it a chance.
Some have left to never come back, making a life in their host country, their children "whose roots were plucked from the hills of Lebanon"[1] are "deeply rooted"[1] in their host country.
Nonetheless, many have grown up maintaining strong ties with Lebanon, in many cases members of the family such as parents, siblings or cousins were still there. The young man leaving Lebanon very early in his life would go back there to find a wife and start a family. Those who were living in difficult countries in Africa or Latin America would send their children to Lebanon so that they could receive a proper education or for health reasons. The father would stay in the host country to work, send money to his family and shuttle between his working country and Lebanon. This was, and, somehow, still is, a usual pattern for families in the Diaspora, a father
who earned enough money to place his family in their home country which has a better educational system and conditions are easier.
The fifteen years civil war that struck the land of the cedars will change those rules. Now parents would keep their kin next to them or send them to Europe, Australia or the U.S. for them to get a proper education. Lebanon being too dangerous was not an option anymore.
The civil war has also intensified emigration and is the third phase to the modern Lebanese Diaspora, seeing a metropolitan migration as well.
Many of those who left during the civil war came back home during the 1990s. The usual pattern of sending your wife and kids to Lebanon while you were abroad started anew. Nevertheless, because of an occupied country, a stalling economy, bad salaries, unemployment and an unstable political and regional situation; many hesitated in returning and kept living abroad.
Until today the Lebanese Diaspora plays a role in Lebanon, keeping its ties with their homeland. They have brought a persistent support in all matters and have contributed to the Lebanese society and economy. Often successful Lebanese abroad give back to their
country by helping in the construction and/or reconstruction of their villages' infrastructures. The Diaspora also contributes to the economy sometimes through investments and often through remittance sent to their family back home as well as through tourism by their visits to the homeland. Many, still, hope to return and settle there at last as more young Lebanese seek professional alternatives abroad as hope in home grows faint.
[1] Khalil Gibran
Free Cedar
Thanks/No Thanks to the internet we have seen a new phenomenon in the midst of extremisms diversion to eExtremism.
To interpret what extremism means in the western society we ought to ask ourselves a few questions. What comes to mind when you first hear this term ‘Extremism’? You are most likely thinking it has nothing to do with you and people who are extremists are people who we perceive to be the rebellious/troublemakers in society.
What is an extremist? Who are the extremists? Why are they so extreme? Where do they come from? Gardner (1997) tells us that “Extremism is characterized by dogmatic intolerance, expressed mildly or violently, and inclines toward an inflexible obedience to an accepted authority, shaped by a common ideology or sense of group unity”.
This definition tells us these extremists are individuals or groups whose ideologies or actions circulate outside the mainstream politics of society. They are usually considered unethical and unmoral violating common standards upheld in society.
People in society classify groups or individuals whose actions or ideas don’t fit in with the norms as extremists / extremism, but the people who are taking part in these groups don’t actually think of themselves as such. They usually have a belief what they are doing is the right thing and would strongly disagree with the term as misapprehension of their intentions and goals.
“What drives extremist groups?
The following points are most common driving forces behind extremists;
• Racial Purity
• Anti-Semitism
• Political Hegemony
• Anti-Liberal
• Anti Government (Conspiracy Theorists)”
So what are the extremist groups that are out there?
We can commonly identify with two types of extremists, hate groups and terrorists/ terrorist organizations. What is the big difference between them? They both hate and terrorize….
Hate groups are organized groups, movements or organizations, campaigning hate, aggression, or violence against people who would belong to a particular selected segment of society for example; ethnicity, race, gender or sexual orientation. They believe the people who they are targeting are harmful to society, hateful, don’t deserve to be a part of society or believe are operating a hidden faction. They usually have inaccurate, unsatisfactory evidence to support their claims that are generally rejected by society. They aim to target groups and individuals rousing other people in their motives by continually to circulating declarations, myths, stories, and rumours in order to construct fear, blame, jealousy, or racial intolerance.
Some of the type of hate groups which exist are; Anti-gay groups, Black supremacist groups, Holocaust 
denial groups, Militia groups, Latin American Supremacy groups, Neo-confederate groups, Neo-Nazi groups, Racist skinheads, White supremacist groups, Immigration reform groups, Jewish armed groups and others.
I recommend the following links if you like to find out more information on the activities of Hate Groups;
Terrorism is seen by most society as another form of extremism. According to terrorism-research.com “Terrorism has been described
variously as both a tactic and strategy; a crime and a holy duty; a justified reaction to oppression and an inexcusable abomination. Obviously, a lot depends on whose point of view is being represented.”
| Personal Note: | Terrorism is a large Topic and I will not be going to in-depth detail in defining terrorism as according to strategicstudiesinstitute.army.mil, there have been more then one hundred definitions of the word “Terrorism” that have been used and exist. Depending on which perspective and the terrorist group you are focusing on, Terrorism can be seen as tool to engage
in hate crimes or as an organisation to fight for a belief, political liberty, national sovereignty, wealth or freedom & aspersion. Either way terrorism is seen as an extreme action, association or assemblage. For more information on terrorism visit, http://www.terrorism-research.com/
The internets popularity as brought with it new revelation giving Extremists organisations and groups a global territory to communicate their beliefs. The internet has allowed for extremists to communicate their messages using various mediums such as News groups, chat rooms, bulletin boards, Blogs, websites and many other forms. Using the internet they have been able to manifest the use of other media technologies to broadcast messages and information to followers and potential new comers. The internet has allowed extremists to attract new members and followers to their ideologies. Members have the ability to actively contribute via the internet where ever they are in the world. The evolvement of eExtremists has occurred.
Extremists are able to manipulate information and Media, delivering via various modes through the Internet. This includes the broadcasting of Video and Audio, manipulation of images, sharing of ideas & contribution between members, virtual meetings and initially what see forming is Virtual communities for these extremist groups. Using Security technologies available, such as secure login systems and encryption technologies, extremists are able to setup secure environments for members to collaborate without the intrusion of the unknown.
[We can only wonder what evil is being manufacturing behind closed doors]
This information that has been gathered has been taken from personal accounts from visiting the various groups that are currently active online; Take a look at the following URL and see for your self http://www.splcenter.org/intel/intelreport/article.jsp?sid=354
Extremists have also utilised the internet in order to attack their perceived enemies. One common way of doing is known as Cyberstalking. Searchsecurity.com tells us that “Cyberstalking is a crime in which the attacker harasses a victim using electronic communication, such as e-mail or instant messaging (IM), or messages posted to a Web site or a discussion group. A cyberstalker relies upon the anonymity afforded by the Internet to allow them to stalk their victim without being detected. Cyberstalking messages differ from ordinary spam in that a cyberstalker targets a specific victim with often threatening messages, while the spammer targets a multitude of recipients with simply annoying messages.” Extremists ganging up on internet against their enemies are just another way they able to cause harm and instability.
I would like to point out a particular group and political party within Australia who I believe their ideologies can
be classified as extremism is the Australian 1st party. To briefly describe; Australia is a multicultural society with a mixture of people ethnicities, cultures, religions and beliefs from across globe living together harmoniously under an elected democratic government. Australia was originally settled by the English settlers and since opened it door wide open its doors to migrants from around the world who have contributed greatly to the evolvement into what Australia is today. Australian First Party is a small political party that policies are generally nationalist, anti-multiculturalism and anti-immigration.
If we take a look at two of “The eight core policies of the Australian First Party” listed on http://www.australiafirstparty.com.au/;
4. Reduce and Limit Immigration.
Immigration mistakes can be big long term mistakes. Immigration policy must take into account social cohesion, employment opportunities, urbanisation and environmental issues.
5. Abolish Multiculturalism. End the divisive, government funded and institutionalised policy of multiculturalism.
Just by reading these two points we can sense a bit of “white supremacies”. Just like extremists groups a lot of
there actions (Example: Cronulla Race Riots which has occurred in NSW during 2005 was largely supported by Australian 1st Party; the evidence can be seen on their website.) ideologies and movements fall inline to what was previously mentioned with extremis and hate groups. They have effectively utilised the internet to form Bias propaganda information in order to generate support and spread their campaign message. What has to be asked as who are they to say who is Australian and who isn’t? Are not all people living in Australia immigrants to the country? Oh no wait the aboriginals are the natives? The country is a classified as western country and did not develop by it self over the past 200 years by it self. Australian First Party in any way you want to look at is an extreme organisation and its values do not have the support of majority Australians.
|Personal Opinion| A lot of what I have mentioned in my discussion can be debated on a number of grounds in
which I am more than happy for this to occur and I have only provided a brief over view from my personal perspective. Extremism is an issue that has fluctuated across the internet but should it be stopped? I believe that everyone has the right for free speech and especially when it comes to the internet, we should have the ability to express ourselves as we see pleased. It all reaches a point; Extremists however I believe take it too far and are crossing the line in many areas. I don’t believe people should have the right to discredit and cause harm to people because of their ethnicity, race, gender or sexual orientation. Only problem we in society
face is how do we control extremists and where do we draw the line? In the end of the day its majority rules! If people in society are observing these sorts of crimes against humanity, then we as society should speak up against it as one and do something about it…
Fall inline soldier, who are you following? The world doesn’t want Extremists!
