{"id":991,"date":"2011-05-13T14:35:21","date_gmt":"2011-05-13T14:35:21","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/mauritiustimes.com\/mt\/2011\/05\/13\/nita-chicooree-42\/"},"modified":"2020-03-22T17:58:55","modified_gmt":"2020-03-22T13:58:55","slug":"nita-chicooree-42","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mauritiustimes.com\/mt\/nita-chicooree-42\/","title":{"rendered":"How powerful or manipulative is the media today?"},"content":{"rendered":"

\u00a0By Nita Chicooree-Mercier<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Up to now international press agencies owned by powerful western countries have had the financial means and the responsibility to broadcast information across the world. Notwithstanding that journalists of high calibre undertake their mission with a deep sense of professionalism to ensure objectivity in news assessment, the world views they put forward may be influenced by several factors pertaining to their specific intellectual make-up in a western context.<\/span><\/p>\n

The commentary and analysis of world news may find a response in western audiences as they are mainly addressed to them, but very often they fail to address the sensibility and concerns of people living in the non-western world. On this account, it is imperative that different international agencies be set up by emerging countries, Asia, Africa and the Arab world. Al-Jazeera is one such major TV network that has gained credibility and popularity but allegations that the Quatari channel has been drifting from its moderate stance towards a more radical outlook have to be checked before we consider introducing it to Mauritius.<\/span><\/p>\n

What is the primary role of a journalist? To inform, investigate and put the questions that the public might want to ask. To a journalist who is intellectually demanding and hard-working, journalism can be a spiritual calling, a way to carry out a mission with a high sense of duty and honesty for the benefit of the country at large. In America, TV channels have been bought by big corporations, and since September 11, 2001, journalists have mixed up journalism and patriotism. Some of them sport the American flag to present the news, which may be alright for an American audience but may be perceived as not being neutral in other parts of the world.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Silence of the Media<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

The other point is that since media groups have been bought by big corporations, they have become more powerful and manipulative. Their integrity and impartiality may be questionable. For instance, if world leaders can afford to indulge in blatant lies about major issues, on what basis can the public trust international media groups? Do they have the will to conduct proper investigations and divulge the truth to the public? Tony Blair had no qualms about dismissing the oil conspiracy theory prior to the invasion of Iraq and brandished incorrect evidence about the existence of chemical weapons — both arguments have been proved to be erroneous.<\/span><\/p>\n

Recently, there has been ample evidence indicating that there have been discussions and negotiations with oil companies before Britain gave its support to the US. Colin Powell tried to fool the world into buying the story of weapons of mass destruction in Iraq by displaying a sample of chemical components at the UN. More recently, the media sided unequivocally with the US government after the killing of Osama bin Laden and did not venture into further analysis as to whether a civilized democratic country should have opted for a trial rather than committing cold-blooded murder. Should human rights champions act as brutally as their enemies in settling scores? As far as we know, deaths are inevitable in wars, and this was not a war.<\/span><\/p>\n

Several questions that the public might want to ask have not been considered by the press. Iran was compelled to accommodate huge masses of refugees after the invasion of Iraq. It has had the biggest number of refugees on its soil compared to the rest of the world. How much financial aid has the UN granted to Iran to tackle the flow of refugees? As from 1990, thousands of Iraqis, children, men and women have lost their lives when the western alliance starved the country through an embargo till the invasion of Iraq. What is the scale of the damage and losses inflicted on Iraq? This question seems to be of no interest to journalists.<\/span><\/p>\n

Years after the Bay of Pigs attack on Cuba during the Kennedy administration, the erstwhile US ambassador in Cuba stated that the Soviet threat to America from Cuba was widely exaggerated by the Americans. What right does a powerful country have to impose economic sanctions and isolate a small country like Cuba?<\/span><\/p>\n

Widespread starvation in North Korea also raises the question of the legitimacy of embargoes imposed by foreign powers on a country. People have to be informed about the tragedy that is taking place in Zimbabwe and the fall in life expectancy among its population. Are the mainstream media doing their work? Or do we have to rely on the works of sociologists, historians or economists? Are journalists not so free after claiming unlimited freedom for themselves? Or are they silenced by the corporations that keep them afloat?<\/span><\/p>\n

Media stars, Private Radios and TVs<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

We all agree that the media should act as a counter-power to establish the right balance of power in a free country. In a context of corporate-sponsored media, the inevitable trend is to expand the business in applying the ‘content and fill principle’. What journalists fill their papers with may not always be satisfactory to the public specially in an era when news can be obtained quickly through social networks on the internet. As intellectuals retreat to their study and research, journalists tend to substitute themselves for intellectuals and write about everything under the sun. Their role of questioning politicians and intellectuals in interviews on TV or radio and limiting the time of speech has led some of them to feel superior and to propel themselves as media superstars.<\/span><\/p>\n

Education has enabled people to develop a critical mind and they may not subscribe to the sensationalism that is being dished out to the audience instead of real news. For instance, on the radio, the higher the ratings, the higher the charges are for the commercials that are broadcast at intervals, the higher the profits.<\/span><\/p>\n

How does the public fit in? Very often, the media does not consider it necessary to publish or talk about ordinary people who are struggling to make ends meet. They would rather mediatize the ones who have lost all dignity and live among trees or in sordid slums. That’s news! It catches attention and probably makes the audience feel guilty. Murders are another favourite topic to whip up emotions; where it bleeds, it leads to bigger sales and higher ratings. Voyeurism is another base instinct that is encouraged in the public exposure of private lives. Not to mention all the gossip that is aired at random.<\/span><\/p>\n

The presenters master the art of harping on any trivial political incident and keep the populace excited and angry for days. Constantly distilling poison in the people’s minds can turn out to be counter-productive in the long run.<\/span><\/p>\n

In the context of media groups whose ambition is more power and profits by spreading their influence on newspapers, private radios and claiming private TVs, one is entitled to ask a few questions. Can the total freedom in policy that is adopted in big democratic countries with a wide consumer market apply to any sovereign country? What if the public considers that poor quality reporting and biased commentary disqualify big media groups to claim further liberalization to enable them to invade the media market?<\/span><\/p>\n

France is often referred to as an example of freedom of the press. Yet, rightist governments who felt attacked by journalists constantly dragged them to the tribunal until 1981 when a Socialist government came to power in France. It is barely two or three decades that there has been real press freedom in advanced countries; nonetheless we have learnt to be wary about the views that are presented to us. What urgency is there for developing countries to rush into full liberalization?<\/span><\/p>\n

* * *\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Carnet Hebdo<\/u><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

La v\u00e9rit\u00e9 qui blesse<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

C\u2019est une mode de nos jours. Comme des enfants g\u00e2t\u00e9s, personne ne supporte une r\u00e9flexion faite \u00e0 leur \u00e9gard. Ces adultes enfants se vexent \u00e0 la moindre critique, tapent des pieds et grincent les dents. D\u2019un narcissisme d\u00e9bordant, ils sont juges de leur performance et veulent \u00eatre consid\u00e9r\u00e9s comme un bloc monolithique irr\u00e9prochable. Allons donc.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ainsi les m\u00e9decins exer\u00e7ant dans les h\u00f4pitaux publics se disent vex\u00e9s par les propos de Madame la ministre de la Sant\u00e9 qui les invite \u00e0 plus de s\u00e9rieux et de professionnalisme au lieu de se laisser motiver uniquement par l\u2019app\u00e2t du gain. Dans le pass\u00e9, Kishore Deerpalsing avait attir\u00e9 la foudre du personnel hospitalier lorsqu\u2019il avait d\u00e9cid\u00e9 de mettre de l\u2019ordre dans ces paniers \u00e0 crabe o\u00f9 chacun trouvait des combines pour faire le moins possible dans le service public afin de se consacrer davantage aux interventions plus lucratives dans le priv\u00e9. Et \u00e7a continue. Comme dans l\u2019enseignement public, c\u2019est la m\u00eame mentalit\u00e9 corrompue.<\/span><\/p>\n

Et on sait aussi comment ces quelques ann\u00e9es de m\u00e9decine leur monte \u00e0 la t\u00eate. Qui n\u2019a pas un incident \u00e0 raconter o\u00f9 il s\u2019est trouv\u00e9 personnellement impliqu\u00e9 ou avec ses proches \u00e0 l\u2019h\u00f4pital ? La froideur de l\u2019accueil, ces infirmi\u00e8res qu\u2019on d\u00e9range, les appels \u00e0 l\u2019aide qui restent sans r\u00e9ponse, les m\u00e9decins et infirmiers qui s\u2019endorment dans la salle de repos et s\u2019introduisent dans la salle de consultation, le visage tout \u00e9bouriff\u00e9. Et l\u2019attitude de certains m\u00e9decins qui vous regardent de haut et signent de mani\u00e8re exp\u00e9ditive telle ou telle prescription. D\u2019autres qui renvoient les patients de l\u2019h\u00f4pital vers les consultations priv\u00e9es\u2026 On conna\u00eet il va sans dire – le business des c\u00e9sariennes.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00c7a fait des ann\u00e9es que \u00e7a dure, apr\u00e8s avoir pr\u00eat\u00e9 serment, pour certains, la conscience professionnelle s\u2019effrite tout doucement. Cette rigueur leur manque pour exercer leur profession avec discipline et droiture. Faut-il encore une g\u00e9n\u00e9ration pour nettoyer cette mentalit\u00e9\u00a0? Les sup\u00e9rieurs hi\u00e9rarchiques, \u00e7a existe. Il faut savoir accepter la critique lorsque celle-ci est bien fond\u00e9e.<\/span><\/p>\n

Et tout ce beau monde exige des excuses. Grognons et capricieux comme des ados attard\u00e9s\u2026 Il faut peut-\u00eatre grandir! Non seulement les ob\u00e8ses mais aussi les diab\u00e9tiques et les alcooliques demanderont des excuses publiques bient\u00f4t.<\/span><\/p>\n

Le syndrome de victime<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n

\u00c7a aussi, c\u2019est une grande mode. On est cens\u00e9 s\u2019apitoyer sur tout le monde maintenant. Sans doute, ceux qui sont allergiques \u00e0 la MBC regardent trop RFO ou la t\u00e9l\u00e9 fran\u00e7aise ! D\u2019o\u00f9 cette propension \u00e0 s\u2019\u00e9riger en victime \u00e0 tout bout de champ. Cette vision bipolaire de tout et de rien; diviser le monde entre bons et m\u00e9chants, entre dominants\/domin\u00e9s, forts\/faibles, exploiteurs\/exploit\u00e9s. Et cette obsession de races en permanence, race dominante et arri\u00e9r\u00e9e (sous entendu, la majorit\u00e9) et les pauvres victimes parmi les minorit\u00e9s \u00e9clair\u00e9es et progressistes, \u00e0 en croire certains, surtout les expats qui s\u2019excitent en Australie, en France, au Canada, en Angleterre, au Singapour et ailleurs… dans les blogs que leur offrent les m\u00e9dias, qui se r\u00e9sument souvent \u00e0 jeter en p\u00e2ture des personnalit\u00e9s publiques.<\/span><\/p>\n

Et toute cette mont\u00e9e d\u2019adr\u00e9naline, de lynchage m\u00e9diatique \u00e0 la radio priv\u00e9e\u2026 d\u2019excitation du peuple en permanence, moins pire que la Radio Freedom \u00e0 l\u2019\u00eele s\u0153ur toutefois o\u00f9 toute une population m\u00e9tiss\u00e9e est consid\u00e9r\u00e9e comme \u00e9tant ignare et arri\u00e9r\u00e9e et longtemps n\u00e9glig\u00e9e par la France, ceux-l\u00e0 qui pataugent dans une mis\u00e8re sociale et morale qui n\u2019a pas son \u00e9gal dans d\u2019autres \u00eeles.<\/span><\/p>\n

Eh bien, ceux-l\u00e0 vocif\u00e8rent en permanence \u00e0 la radio priv\u00e9e et se positionnent en victimes tout le long de l\u2019ann\u00e9e en racontant leur vie quotidienne avec un doigt accusateur pointant vers l\u2019Etat. \u00c7a fait marcher les affaires\u2026 de la radio priv\u00e9e, cette manipulation des pauvres gens!<\/span><\/p>\n

Arr\u00eatez le d\u00e9lire!<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n

L\u2019an dernier, c\u2019\u00e9tait une jeune coll\u00e9gienne qui avait craqu\u00e9 lorsque ses camarades d\u2019un ton plus clair lui avaient fait une r\u00e9flexion sur sa pr\u00e9sence \u2018d\u00e9plac\u00e9e\u2019 dans l\u2019\u00e9tablissement. L\u2019incident avait rameut\u00e9 toute la clique m\u00e9diatique. Il faut croire qu\u2019ils s\u2019ennuient dans le m\u00e9tier et tout incident \u00e0 caract\u00e8re racial est bon pour faire monter le taux d\u2019adr\u00e9naline des auditeurs. On ne voit pas en quoi cet incident m\u00e9rite d\u2019\u00eatre promu dans la presse et sur les ondes comme information nationale. Il y avait eu de la surexcitation et on avait sorti Frantz Fanon et tout le blablabla.<\/span><\/p>\n

Cette fois-ci, suite \u00e0 l\u2019incomp\u00e9tence d\u2019un fonctionnaire habitu\u00e9 \u00e0 cat\u00e9goriser et classer les gens en moult cat\u00e9gories avec des places r\u00e9serv\u00e9es, le look de Madame la D\u00e9put\u00e9e a fait les frais d\u2019un m\u00e9pris, dit-on. Et on recommence. Les grands fr\u00e8res volent au secours et on sort Frantz Fanon, les oeuvres de celui-ci, et tutti quanti.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ce n\u2019est pas parce que c\u2019est une femme qui a \u00e9t\u00e9 \u2018victime\u2019 que toute la gente f\u00e9minine est cens\u00e9e monter au cr\u00e9neau et crier. On ne fait pas de diff\u00e9rence entre femmes et hommes politiques. D\u2019ailleurs, on n\u2019entre pas en politique comme lorsque l\u2019on rejoint la chorale de l\u2019\u00e9glise. Soit on a du cran ou on ne l\u2019a pas. Il fallait s\u2019affirmer et r\u00e9clamer sa place en tant que d\u00e9put\u00e9e.<\/span><\/p>\n

C\u2019est devenu un passe-temps que de jeter l\u2019anath\u00e8me dans les blogs des m\u00e9dias sur toute une communaut\u00e9 d\u00e8s le moindre incident, et dans ce pays libre, nombreux sont ceux qui ont d\u00e9vers\u00e9 leur venin \u00e0 coeur joie. C\u2019est dire combien de haine ils nourrissent en leur sein \u00e0 l\u2019\u00e9gard des autres. C\u2019est trop facile. Parmi eux, se trouvent surtout ceux qui jugent les autres \u00e0 travers le prisme de leur propre racisme. C\u2019est oublier qu\u2019au sein m\u00eame de ce qu\u2019ils consid\u00e8rent comme les leurs, il y a tous les tons et toutes les couleurs. Et, on conna\u00eet le d\u00e9dain que certains affichent vis-\u00e0-vis d\u2019un certain look rasta, culture qui m\u00e9rite d\u2019\u00eatre connue pourtant.<\/span><\/p>\n

On constate que certains Mauriciens souffrent d\u2019un manque de reconnaissance sociale et, certainement, d\u2019un probl\u00e8me identitaire. Ce probl\u00e8me m\u00e9rite d\u2019\u00eatre trait\u00e9 en profondeur. Mais avec d\u00e9cence. Entretemps, qu\u2019on arr\u00eate donc le d\u00e9lire!<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

* Published in print edition on 13 May 2011<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

\u00a0By Nita Chicooree-Mercier<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":23,"featured_media":6560,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":false,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[28],"tags":[11786,8848,4251,1790,9621,170,3150,22755,22753,17776,22754],"class_list":["post-991","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-world-affairs","tag-al-jazeera","tag-carnet-hebdo","tag-colin-powell","tag-frantz-fanon","tag-kishore-deerpalsing","tag-nita-chicooree-mercier","tag-osama-bin-laden","tag-private-radios","tag-quatari-channel","tag-rfo","tag-silence-of-the-media"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.mauritiustimes.com\/mt\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/MT-Logokk.jpg?fit=1200%2C880&ssl=1","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p8QzSF-fZ","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mauritiustimes.com\/mt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/991","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mauritiustimes.com\/mt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mauritiustimes.com\/mt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mauritiustimes.com\/mt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/23"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mauritiustimes.com\/mt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=991"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.mauritiustimes.com\/mt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/991\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mauritiustimes.com\/mt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/6560"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mauritiustimes.com\/mt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=991"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mauritiustimes.com\/mt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=991"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mauritiustimes.com\/mt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=991"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}