Internet Censorship Around The World

Google has released a new transparency report which shows the censorship levels around the world by detailing how often countries requested data or removal from Google and Youtube. You can also click on an individual country to see the removal requests which were complied with. There is also a traffic graph which, according to the website, "visualizes disruptions in the free flow of information, whether it's a government blocking information or a cable being cut". While the information isn't yet the easiest thing for a novice to make sense of, its symbolism is clear to all.

Internet censorship is an issue many are ignorant to - and one that many states would arguably want us to be. Internet censorship clearly contradicts many human rights like freedom of expression and while there may be many grey areas (should racist or terrorist content be censored for example?) it is still something we should all be advocating for.

In 2009, Reporters Without Borders published a list of the 12 "enemies of the internet", thus named because "all of these countries mark themselves out not just for their capacity to censor news and information online but also for their almost systematic repression of Internet users." These enemies are not a particular surprise being ones with matching repressive political systems, including Burma, China, Iran, South Korea, Syria and Vietnam.

But Google has shown there are no angels in this world as even the democracies that supported, insisted and legislated freedom of information have been caught out requesting the removal of data and blocking information. What is as yet unclear is what information these different governments were trying to prevent us seeing. I don't think any of us would mind if they were blocking paedophilia or political extremist websites but something tells me that there is more to it than that and no doubt there will be at least one government that has promoted freedom of expression while secretly blocking political websites that are against them.

Information from:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-11380677

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Internet_censorship#Pervasive

http://en.rsf.org/web-2-0-versus-control-2-0-18-03-2010,36697

http://www.google.com/transparencyreport/governmentrequests/

Today's celebrations 21st May

Today is...

Independence Day in Montenegro

National Waiter/Waitress Day in the United States of America

Naval Glories Day (Battle of Iquique) in Chile

Sheep Festival in Cameroon

World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development

What is Yuri's Night

Yuri's Night is an international celebration held on April 12 every year to commemorate two separate space exploration milestones. Firstly 45 years ago, when Soviet Cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin became the first human to enter outer space. Then 20 years later the USA launched the Space Shuttle which was designed to carry a larger crew and large volumes of cargo to orbit.

The goal of Yuri's Night is to increase public interest in space exploration and to inspire a new generation of explorers. Driven by space-inspired artistic expression and culminating in a worldwide network of annual celebrations and educational events, Yuri's Night creates a global community of young people committed to shaping the future of space exploration while developing responsible leaders and innovators with a global perspective. These global events are a showcase for elements of culture that embrace space including music, dance, fashion, and art.

On 2010 event there will be 162 parties in 57 countries on 7 continents and 2 worlds. You too can set up a party here: Start a party

Information taken from:

http://yurisnight.net/about/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yuri's_Night

Political Ideas: Collectivism and Individualism - Using examples distinguish between individualism and collectivism

Here is an essay that I wrote in 2009 while studying political ideologies

Robyn, UK

Using examples distinguish between individualism and collectivism

Collectivism is the belief that collective human endeavour is of greater practical and moral value than individual self-striving, whereas individualism is the belief in the supreme importance of the individual over any social group or collective body.

Collectivism reflects the idea that human nature has a social core. Egotistical individualism, however, believes that individuals are essentially self-interested and self-reliant.

As well as egotistical, individualism can be broken down into methodological and ethical individualism. Ethical individualism implies society should be constructed to benefit the individual and methodological suggests the individual is central to any political theory. Collectivism on the other hand implies that social groups are meaningful political entities and the state should work to benefit society as a whole.

The principle to which they subscribe can greatly affect an ideology’s ideas. Classical liberal’s belief in egotistical individualism has led them to believe society is atomistic, composed of an collection of largely self-reliant individuals. Modern liberals have advanced a developmental form of individualism that prioritises human flourishing over the quest for interest satisfaction. Socialists have used the collectivist idea of human nature to support their belief in community and the capacity of human beings for collective action. Anarchists have embraced both principles with collectivist anarchists stressing the human capacity for social solidarity and individualist anarchist extending individualism with the idea of individual sovereignty.

It can be argued that it is these two contrasting principles that create rivalries within and amongst different political ideologies. Socialism and liberalism can arguably be defined as society versus the individual and modern liberalisms advocation of an interventionist state led classic liberals to excuse them of abandoning individualism and enhancing collectivism.

A Song of True Motivation

If You're Out There by John Legend is a powerful song with a powerful message. Listen, be inspired and act

BNP Video: Multiculturalism FAILING in Burnley

A Global Citizen

Cortez A., US

What do you think it means to be a global citizen? Be specific, and use imaginative examples or illustrations. Surprise us.

A global citizen encompasses a broad definition; it branches from ethical issues to international conflicts. Some believe that a global citizen is a person who is abreast of international news. Others believe that a global citizen as a moral obligation, which can create understanding between people of different groups. The aspect that I find intriguing and believe is a global citizen is being able to merge both definitions; in addition to taking action to change the world. It is through recognition and creating action that we are able to solve global issues. Merging the broadness of these two definitions form a more realistic perception of what a global citizen is. Being a global citizen is more than knowing statistics, it is more about trying to create change.

The recent tragedy that has befallen Haiti has brought a lot of collective action. Individuals from around the world, such as entertainers, athletes, political figures and the working class have come together to help the country of Haiti. They have come together to help a country that is truly in need. When looking at this information I consider these people as global neighbors more than a global citizen. A global citizen will be concerned with Haiti years from now. The concept of helping people does not stop after the media has stopped filming, the war against poverty, violence, disease, and economics still continues.

A global citizen is someone who works tirelessly to make international issues known. They promote international dialogue which can break down negative perceptions of different people and their country. A global citizen does not allow bias to consume his or her actions; he/she knows that as this happen someone is being hurt or misrepresented. A global citizen is concerned with every aspect of international equality from war, healthcare, to basic living necessities such as food and water. For example, statistics show, a total of 350,000 South Africans died from HIV/AIDS which is reported from UNAIDS. A global citizen would find ways to make this number known across the world via media, building coalitions, or organizing fund raising events. A global citizen would try to solve the problem by educating South Africans on the danger of unprotected sex and even implement programs to increase awareness. Doing this will help get to the root of the problem instead of idly sitting back and watching numbers increase.

A global citizen is not concerned with personal gain, but is instead concerned with the personal well-being of others. A global citizen knows that as he sits back lives can be possibly lost. A global citizens knows that he/she has unlimited potential to change the world and works tirelessly to do so. A global citizen knows that the end justifies the mean, and any help, aid, or support is welcomed. We must realize that we are an interconnected world that works hand and hand; it is bigger than the clothes on our backs and the business deals that are made internationally. A global citizen works tirelessly to fix issues that they see globally.

What do you think it means to be a global citizen? do you agree with Cortez? comment and let us know!

Welcome to the Breaking Perceptions Blog!

In the summer of 2009 Cortez Alexander from Chicago and Robyn Williamson from London both took part in a programme that involved bringing together groups of young people from London, the USA and Iraq to learn about each other's cultures and break down any stereotypes and misconceptions.

This programme was a life changing experience. We learnt not to judge each other based on what we see in the media and how to fully accept each other for who we are, not for the stereotypes that society places on us. All of those on the programme remain friends despite the miles of ocean between us and we know that young people from anywhere around the world can speak to one another and build positive relationships. We may be from different countries but we all want connect together to change the world.

This blog aims, in a formal sense, to enhance international relations between young people from all over the world. Together we will improve understanding, education and perceptions of each other's countries through debate, dialogue and digital media.

We will answer many questions you may have about other people's countries by posting information on different topics ranging from the small things like food and clothing to the larger ones like politics and economics. We will also have video and audio with people of different countries debating different topics and telling you about their country and culture. This is where YOU can play a part. We want you to email us at:

breakingperceptions@gmail.com

with your articles, audios and videos all about you, your country, your culture or maybe just you and your friends debating different topics.

So here is to the start of a groundbreaking journey!

See you later, salaam, Fir Milenge, à plus tard, hasta luego, Auf Wiedersehen, じゃね and Goodday mate!