America, Africa, and Paris (Hilton)

by Cliopatria

How is this for a sad, disturbing, factoid?: In 2004 the New York Times gave substantially more coverage to Paris Hilton than to the humanitarian crisis in the Sudan.

Sean Jacobs' story in the Mail & Guardian is one of the better I have seen on the American indifference toward Africa. It may not get it right in all of the particulars, but it is more sophisticated than simply crying"racism," though there should be no doubt that racism plays a role.

There is some quality debunking here, and one can never rebunk without the debunk. One of my favorites from the article? The response of a reporter for Bloomburg News when asked about the possibility that Americans simply cannot stomach the" cycles of violence" that seem to embroil Africa. He calls that"a laughable assertion considering major media can't seem to get enough of [Israel and Palestine] and always find compelling ways to retell that story."

Of course the media should never need or have"an excuse" to cover news. And"it's not what the people want" should never drive the news cycle. Newspapers, magazines, television, radio, and yes, bloggers, all need to do a much better job of deciding what is news, what is important, what matters, and not what will sell. Africa may not sell. But it does matter.

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Derek Charles Catsam - 1/23/2005

I cannot wait to see Hotel Rwanda, but am not certain when it will hit the Odessa-Midland Metroplex. My hope is, soon. I've heard that it may actually be better as a document of humanity than it is as a film. But I'll certainly be writing about it when I get a chance to see it.
dc

Greg Robinson - 1/22/2005

Derek,
Speaking of American indifference to African atrocities, have you seen Hotel Rwanda? If so, please give your opinion of it from an historical perspective? Does it do justice? I saw it and thought it very good, but I am admittedly ignorant about the topic. Unfortunately I also saw it on a first date. Not really a date-type movie.

Greg Robinson - 1/22/2005

thanks.

Derek Charles Catsam - 1/22/2005

One source (which you can access from Rebunk's links) is the maiol and Guardian is South Africa, which will have more than most any US source about the Sudan, but about other African situations -- crisis and otherwise. http://www.mg.co.za
dc

Greg Robinson - 1/22/2005

Part of the problem with the Sudan crisis is simply getting the word out. I've shown the adequately-done 60 minutes special that aired a few weeks back to both my US History class and my World History class and both classes were captivated by the horrific story and have since asked me numerous times for updates. Providing updates has proven to be tough as there simply has not been much, that I've found, follow-up to the story. I've found a couple of articles regarding the tenative peace agreement that has been reached, but nothing more about the humanitarian crisis (not Paris Hilton's) that remains, I assume, a great threat. My point is, though, that my students, when provided the opportunity, were equally offended and horrified by the genocide as they were enraptured with Paris Hilton's pathetic existence.

Stephen Tootle - 1/21/2005

Good line: "...Paris Hilton's sex life, which may qualify as a humanitarian crisis...."

Jan TinnerHudgins - 1/21/2005

It is extremely disturbing that Americans had rather hear about Paris Hilton's sex life, which may qualify as a humanitarian crisis, but one in which she has firmly under control. On the other hand Sudan is a real problem one in which as "champions of human rights" (the U.S. and its citizens) should jump on with all four feet if we are to stay true to form. Then too, could skin color fit into the picture of disinterest. Let us all hope not.

Thanks for listening to my ramblings.