Faking It

While your natural reaction to this article is to laugh, it does point to something a lot darker and deeper about the state of the media and what they'll do for a 'story'.

The uproar over the phone hacking scandal in the UK has deservedly been loud and vocal and all involved have been roundly condemned. It has bought a media empire to its kness and may even bring down a Government in time.

But I'm guessing the sort of thing outlined in the article happens quite often and its only reported on when another news outlet happens to catch them. A pretty sad reflection then on the fourth estate and the role they're meant to be playing in our democracy.

Based on your readings of this blog over the last nine months, you've probably got the feeling I am deeply disappointed in the mainstream media these days and their lack of riquor and application to the things that really matter rather than their current focus on trivial matters and the cult of personality.

Well, I think it stems from my journalism degree which I went into with quite an idealistic view and ended up coming out of with quite a cynical view. Pretty sure that's where it all began as I saw so much potential in the 'informing/educating the public' facet but have seen things to deteriorate to the point where they'd rather entertain than inform.

I'm not sure of any solutions though. It seems all of society is moving to an entertainment focus with reality TV shows and the like, so it's getting harder and harder to track down real analysis and real discussion on the things that should matter to us all.

And the story on the search for Daniel Morcombe's remains does matter and is important for a number of reasons, but trying to claim a helicopter is above the search area while its actually sitting on the station helipad...well, that just erodes even further any trust and faith in the media's reporting.

Yes, my first reaction was a smirk and a laugh as well, but the more I think about it, the more disappointed I become. A sad day indeed but as I said before, it probably happens more often than we think.

What's next then? Journalists copying press releases word-for-word? War correspondents 'reporting' from their cosy hotel rooms? Feature writers plagiarising ideas and words from bloggers?

Hang on, that already goes on doesn't it. Oh well, as long as there's a story in it hey? Or maybe we just need the return of Frontline?

EDM.

Weekend Beckons

It's Friday afternoon and I've just realised its been a while since I last posted. Thought I better log in and write something as the clock ticks down toward 5pm and the end of the working week.

So, what to write about? Well, in the absence of anything more interesting, my weekend ahead looks a little like this:

- Night-in tonight (aren't they all) so probably some PVR shows and an itunes session on the laptop. Just wish I could watch the footy (bloody Channel 7). Should be a cracker tonight.

- Usual Saturday morning breakfast early on at Coaldrakes in the Valley. There's a CD title in there somewhere I reckon.

- Family photos session on Saturday afternoon for the mother-in-law's birthday. Hoping I pick the 'right' shirt for the occasion.

- Wife out Saturday night, although she has also talked of a dinner party at her sisters. Will have to confirm.

- Sunday morning no doubt a park session with the son. He's learning how to ride a bike so better have my running shoes on.

- Lunch at the Albion Hotel before a few hours on the 'green' at Windsor Bowls Club for my farewell for up the coast. Cheers to the boys for organising.

- Probably an easy dinner Sunday night with a nice glass of red. Although I might also be in 'hydration mode' and smashing down the waters after an afternoon of bowls and beers.

So there you have it. Funny how the weekends fill up so quickly but some fun stuff in there that's for sure.

Perhaps not that interesting to the rest of you though. Promise next post will be far more complex, intriguing and thought-provoking.

Til then my friends,

EDM.

The Clash's Prophecy

You've all done it. Pretty much all of you anyway. Given me that glazed look of confusion when I try and explain my interest in political science and my degree. 'What does it mean?'...'What do you actually study?'

Well, Mr Birmingham has given a sort of explanation in this piece. It's not about party politics and the in/outs of that as some may think. Political Science is a look at how we construct and structure our societies and the conventions we uphold in the name of the 'social contract'. That tacit agreement where citizens give up 'total' freedom to governments in exchange for protection against anarchy and disorder.

Yes, in the eye of the London riots and more global financial misery on the cards, the fabric, or lack thereof, that holds a society together is back in focus. The handwringing and analysis has already started in asking why, asking how. But the simpliest of answers is that the social contract broke down, for whatever reasons, and those that felt powerless and with little control over their lives went out to get themselves some power and get themselves some control.

That's the tenuous balance that all civilised societies must manage. To be inclusive and to enfranchise its citizens. To ensure they feel part of something bigger than themselves. Otherwise, that society will fracture and there'll be a slowburn of angst and unrest from those who do not feel included. All before the inevitable explosion of anarchy and mayhem. And the fact these riots have occurred in one of the oldest democracies in history just goes to show how fragile that balance is.

But of course there's many elements to this. Some obvious and easy to explain. Most not so though. The mass of human thought and emotion is just too damn complicated to come up with the exact answer and an exact remedy. But the tweets below quoted in Birmingham's piece certainly allude to some of the feelings and views I have:

@BrandonCarroway: "You all want the army and cops turned loose on destitute black kids but white thieving bankers are okay by you."

@dazzazza: "Sorry but this is not a "revolution". In a revolution you bring down a corrupted elite,not your hard working neighbours!!"

@VickyAnscombe: "Wow, these rioters are really sticking it to the man - those newsagent owners and shopkeepers can't oppress them any more!"

And for a more personal take on it all, this piece is well worth a read. Having lived in London before, the names of suburbs being torched and looted are all too familiar. But just as the floods in Brisbane earlier in the year compelled me to write and discuss, there's no point of view like that of someone living in it and living through it.

Til next time,

EDM.

GFC Round 2?

Just to prove I'm not a braindead jock:

http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/business/this-time-its-serious-20110805-1ie4t.html

"In round one, governments bailed out the private sector. The financiers who engineered the problem got away scot-free. But who will bail out the governments?"

And this:

http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/opinion/blogs/blunt-instrument/the-us-hasnt-prevented-armageddon-just-delayed-it-20110804-1ic9c.html

"The whole world economy is feeling more and more like a pyramid scheme."

Might be time to grow that vege patch and build that chook pen I reckon.

EDM.