Media Coverage of the Death of Ariel Sharon

With the passing of Ariel Sharon, it is interesting to compare the responses from the Arab and Israeli, or pro-Israeli, community.  Looking at articles from many Western and news sources, primarily BBC, FOX News and CNN, Sharon was a dignified Prime Minister of Israel.  Fox News’ article was tiled, “Ariel Sharon eulogized as Israel's 'military legend,' 'warrior.”  The New York Times and BBC reported on the leaders from across the western world who spoke at the burial. Tony Blair referred to Mr. Sharon as “bold, unorthodox, unyielding” and “warm-hearted, humorous, charming and passionate.”  Joe Biden stated,  “The security of his people was his unwavering mission.”  http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-25708082.  With the United States heavy reliance on maintaining positive relations with Israel, it is no surprise the coverage was very pro-Sharon.  Arab News covered the death from a far different perspective.  The article discussed the celebrations that occurred in Khan Yunis in Gaza Strip, Palestinian’s dismay that he was never prosecuted in the 1982 massacre of Palestinians in Beirut refugee camps, and the belief by many Arabs that Sharon was responsible for the death of Yasser Arafat http://www.arabnews.com/news/507576.  This is interesting when thinking about the article that we read regarding Palestinian and Israeli Women and the complexity of the situation in the region.  I think the coverage accurately represents "the ways that contradictory histories, governmental and military representative, and educational institutions positioned them (Israelis and Palestinians) as Others as well as opened spaces for resistance" (Collier 345).

Announcement

Hi everyone,

Here are two links to MLK day events.

Marade on Monday, January 20th

http://www.denver.org/events/detail?e=842

An opportunity to knock on doors to offer a greener lifestyle

http://groundworkcolorado.org/event/martin-luther-king-jr-day-of-service/



In addition, here is a link to the IIC Dept. Facebook Page

https://www.facebook.com/DUIIC


See you all in class.

~Sam

Is China the New Idol for Emerging Economies?

In our first class, on Monday, the issue of ethnocentrism was raised. Often the US is scrutinized for acting in a way in which the national culture takes precedence over any other. The US government has a reputation of acting with authority (or power over) in diplomatic dealings with other nations. This could be framed as an issue of western privilege that has allowed this country to act in such an ethnocentric manner. For example, the US has been diligently promoting democracy around the world. Yet, is democracy truly the best way for a country to operate? Or is it the best way to operate because it is the way that the US operates? Martin and Nakayama state that the “refusal to expand cultural horizons or to acknowledge the legitimacy of cultural practices different from your own can lead to conflict (5).” Is how a country is ruled a source of conflict in the world because there is a right or a wrong way to rule? Or is it a matter of cultural relativity? Dambisa Moyo, an international economist, raises some intriguing questions as to whether or not the US idea of democracy is being challenged by China as a legitimate means of government in the developing world. Follow this link to view Moyo’s Ted Talk: http://www.ted.com/talks/dambisa_moyo_is_china_the_new_idol_for_emerging_economies.html