P.D.A at G.O.D

One of my friends who had just returned from Canada asked me to take her around the most happening places in Kathmandu. Naturally, the first place that came to my mind was Thamel. With its colourful ambience and foreigners setting the place abuzz, this place is definitely hard to ignore by. So, I took her around and finally after stopovers at different local shops, we settled for Garden Of Dreams. Garden of Dreams is located in Thamel chowk. Originally, it belonged to the Ranas who ruled the country for 104 years. About six years ago, it was opened to public.

The moment a person steps into this garden, it is difficult not to get enthralled by its beauty. From the magnificent fountains to the colourful floras to the exquisite sculptures, this garden truly stands by its name for it indeed is a dream garden. Apart from its beauty, the thing that caught my eye was the number of lovers drooling in the garden. The place was filled with young teenage lovers to old married couples, all trying to get their share of privacy. What amazed me was not the number of such couples but their willingness to display P.D.A.

Many of the people may not be familiar with the term P.D.A which stands for Public Display of Affection but most of us have seen it either on T.V or other mass media. Basically, in a country like Nepal it is rare to see P.D.A being displayed at all (and no, we don’t count the foreigners’ snogging in open). It may be due to our culture or our respect for others, Nepalese have always been hesitant in displaying affection in public. Small things such as holding hands, sharing a kiss or just a hug is looked down by the society. But this was clearly not the case in Garden of Dreams.

In every nook and corner of the place, some sort of affection was being shared. The onlookers didn’t pass any strange gazes neither gave a second look. This was so not the society I was used to living in. A part of me felt glad that our society was becoming more open minded but a part of me also felt that we may be heading toward the road to indecency which bothered me. It is not only in garden of dreams but many secluded areas where couples often forget their virtues and put the by-stander in an awkward position. I am not against P.D.A at all. Believe me, I’d be the last person to oppose it but I strictly believe there is a thin line between cute affection and raunchy P.D.A.

Journalism1- Assigment1

Why journalism and democracy are considered interdependent? Discuss with suitable examples.

Journalism and democracy are closely related. It is only in the presence of democracy that journalism can achieve its goal of communicating news freely and objectively.Also, journalism has in many cases helped bring about democracy to countries and it has also helped in sustaining democracy.

When we look into the history of our country Nepal we find that the first newspaper in Nepal, the Gorkhapatra was established in 1901 which acted as the mouthpiece of the government. After the introduction of democracy in 1951 there was growth of newspapers including vernacular weeklies, which expressed different political views and ideologies. But this growth came to halt when King Mahendra dissolved the elected parliament and Panchayat system came into being. This system which lasted for 30 years is well known for its hindrance towards press freedom and restrictions on media in private sector. Therefore, it is considered the darkest period in the history of Nepali media. Although Nepali press started to enjoy some liberties in 1979 after the nationwide pro-democracy movement, it was only after the re-introduction of democracy in 1990 that it was guaranteed its freedom. This led to a revolution in the media scenario of Nepal which has seen a massive growth since 1990.

In the democratic equation there are three types of identities: the politicians, the public and the publication. These three p’s of the democratic process which, through their correlation with each other , make modern democracy unique compared to other political philosophies. The relationship between the politician and the public, through the media and journalism particularly is distinctive in a democracy and has a very special connection with the electoral process, which separates true democracy from imitations. We can take the example of USSR which also had elections but that certainly didn’t make them a democracy. Liberated media is fundamentally crucial in genuine democratic societies because it practices the theory of including the public in governmental affairs, and commemorates the democratic idea that reality can only be relative and truth and facts are to be deemed authentic by individuals, not administrators.

Journalism is necessary because direct democracy is obsolete. People do not really have a say in modern democracy except for their vote. Journalism serves as a mirror to socio-political reality. It informs people about what really is going on and involves them in decision-making processes. In a democracy most of the times an average person is gone unnoticed and it is through journalism that average people are able to have a say and influence on things. The only real reason there is journalism in democracy is to make people aware. Had it not been for newspapers and media we wouldn’t be aware of the events taking place in the world. We wouldn’t be informed and cautious as we are now. Due to journalism we know about elections and candidates and we vote accordingly to what we hear and see through T.V, newspapers.

The main difference between a democratic and non-democratic country is not determined by elections, but by how free their journalists are. Journalism fails to serve its purpose in the absence of freedom. The essence of journalism is lost when it faces barriers and pressure from authorities. Democracy guarantees journalists that freedom and encourages them to have and publish their own opinions. In the absence of democracy journalism becomes futile and tools of propaganda or rather the mouthpiece of the authority in power.

Journalism is an anarchist dimension where individuals choose to relay the truth, or make their own. Government don’t need free press, but free journalism needs democracy. Free journalism is simply impossible without one. A democracy would be unattainable without attempting to include the public into government affairs. Free press can be good or bad but without freedom the press will most certainly be bad. Journalism for better or worse is the best example of the freedom of individuals and the importance of free thought in a democracy.

We can take the example of china where there is no democracy and hence no free journalism. The Chinese government has the full authority over the media there. They are known for censoring those media which are inappropriate to them and endanger their prestige among the Chinese people. The Chinese television channels and newspapers always broadcast and print newspapers in the favour of their government. During the 2008 Olympic Games which was held in Beijing, China; the government didn’t broadcast any news about the protests happening world wide against it. When questioned by foreign media about it to the people there, they were unaware and didn’t have any idea about it. This is one of the few instances where the Chinese government has violated the citizens’ right to freedom and expression.

In modern, democratic societies the press is considered the fourth state. Although democracy ensures press freedom but it also makes sure that the freedom given is not unlimited. Therefore, the government drafts law and acts regarding press freedom. This is done in order to assure that the freedom given is not misused in the field of journalism.

Journalism provides a forum of public debate about different issues and articulates public opinion. It forces government to take into consideration the opinion of people. It also provides an independent channel of communication between different groups in the society. Thus. It becomes an agent of private citizens being reconstituted as a public body exercising informal supervision of the state.

The inter-relationship between Journalism and democracy is undeniable. One cannot function properly in the absence of other. Journalism makes sure that democracy is being exercised in the proper way. Journalism ensures that people become public and they have a say in politics. It is through journalism that the people gain power and journalism becomes a voice through which people speak. Likewise, journalism also advocates for the importance of democracy. It speaks against injustice, inequality and authoritarian rule. Similarly, democracy facilitates journalism. It gives them the freedom to do their work without interference from any parties.

Hear Us Out

"Yesterday you owned the sun

But today it is mine"

The above two lines are taken from a Tibetan poem titled “We the six million Tibetans.” The poem describes the Tibetan spirit and speaks of the love they have for their nation. Until few days back I was living a normal teenage life. With a “who cares” attitude I didn’t really think much about the independence of Tibet. All I cared about was I. An average college student; I spent my days attending lectures, hanging out with friends or simply reading a book.

Since I was always surrounded by Nepalese I felt I belonged with them. But deep down I knew I was different. Unlike them I had my roots entrenched in Tibetan soil and my link to the country was inevitable. Despite not having visited the country even once I shared a strong bond with it. It maybe because of the language I speak, the culture that I follow or because of my typical Tibetan family.

After reading and watching the ongoing Tibetan protests I felt deeply saddened and glad at the same time. Sad because I wasn’t being able to be a part of it and glad because finally Tibetans were speaking out. Since I stay in a University hostel I couldn’t take part in the demonstrations but I wasn’t going to sit idly either. I thought to myself at least I could write about it and let people know what actually is happening in Tibet.

It has been more than 6 decades that china took over Tibet and destroyed its independence. During 1950s the Chinese began their invasion and in the process killed, abused and injured thousands. Tibet with a meager population of 6 million was not able to resist to the Chinese power. Hundreds of children orphaned and many others displaced. Monks and nuns were tortured and all monasteries demolished. The Chinese not only took our land but also our freedom: freedom to live freely.

As Chinese became more and more brutal, Tibetans had no other choice but to flee their homes.Many sought shelter in the neighboring countries. I am so appreciative of all the host states that welcomed and provided us roof over our heads. But as we all know how much ever luxurious a hotel may be we would always prefer returning back home.

Tibet is my home and I cannot stand Chinese destroy it. The Chinese have time and again tried different tactics to defame Tibetans. The recent news about Tibetans planning suicide attacks is yet another Chinese tactic of showing Tibetans as violent and dangerous. It is indeed sad to read that such inhuman act is being linked to the Dalai Lama who stands for peace and non violence.

Tibetans have suffered enough from the hands of Chinese and the world needs to listen to our unheard voices. It is time we stand up and stop the Chinese from hurting more of our fellow Tibetans.

Do you Bunk?

Students in uniform hanging out in the public during the school/ college time are not an unfamiliar sight to us. No, it’s not a sign of increasing educational excursion by academic institutions but the growing trend of bunking. So, what do we exactly mean by bunking? To bunk is basically to skip the classes and go someplace other than school. In fact this trend has become so common we rarely find any student who hasn’t bunked his/her school or college at least once. Likewise, I too have bunked my classes. In my case it was more like hiding within the school compound. I and my friends would basically conceal ourselves in the bathroom or the basketball court.

There are many reasons why students choose to bunk school. To some following the same routine everyday gets tedious whereas some may feel that attending classes is worthless. The endless assignments, teachers’ complaints and a desire to break free from all these often leads a student towards the path of bunking. Earlier it was more common among the college students but now it is equally prevalent in the middle schools as well.

The trend of bunking has reached a height where the students often organize mass bunking. This new form of bunking requires everybody in the class to be absent thus showing the mass participation of students. It is organized in cases where the students want pre-holiday or post-holiday.

So, where do the students go if not to school. Well there are lots of hubs set up for this very purpose. From the early morning movie shows to early breakfast in restaurants or simply lingering the town the students have found different ways of indulging themselves to pass the time which actually was meant for school. Many of you might be astonished to know this but the horizon of bunking is very broad. It merely doesn’t mean few naughty pupils not attending classes but the whole class or even the college may be a part of it. Personally, I have seen the largest group of students of a particular college occupying the whole accommodation of a movie hall during college hours.

When the students get bored doing all the above mentioned stuff they choose to go partying. Different dance clubs have even shifted their opening time for students to enjoy the pleasure of clubbing early morning. But all these pleasure is not attainable without an amount of risk involved. There is always fear of being caught either by the parents or the school.

The immense increase in the rate of bunkers has called for firm action from school/college officials. They are obliged to impose strict rules and take bunking more seriously. It is not a bad thing to take break from studies once in a while. After all we are humans and we need rest. But when that rest exceeds too much and for too long then a person often fails to do his prime job as in the case of students –they fail to educate themselves.

GLAMOUR TAKING THE WORLD BY STORM

As the times have changed so have the people, their ideas and priorities. What I am talking about is the strong impact that glamour has in people's life. I am here not to criticize glamour based industries and neither to show any ill effects of it. But just to talk about the amount that people are wasting in wrong ways of glamorizing themselves. Being a teenager, I would like to write this article from the viewpoint of a teenager. Anybody would be ignorant not to have noticed the impact that glamour seems to have in today's world. It surely seems to have taken the world by storm. People's activities are all based for the purpose of beautifying and ultimately getting the tag of a glam doll or that of a stud. To speak of the entire world my article would be very long so I stick only to the Nepali context.

As I walk the roads of thamel, new road, durbar marg I see a lot of youngsters dressed trying to look like their favorite celebrity. From their hair to their clothes to the attitude they carry everything resembles the foreign celebs. They are constantly trying their hardest to keep up with the changing style statement. I do not think it is wrong to try and look good but I know it can be pretty harmful when you spend your whole time planning what to wear next. I have seen and personally know some people who keep doing that.

It is sad to see that people have become more shallow and materialistic. I strongly believe clothes do not make a person beautiful but it is the person who is capable of beautifying the clothes. But most people especially youngsters seem to have forgotten this and they take it vice-versa. Especially in high schools and colleges fashion is brain storming the youngsters in all wrong ways. This is visible through the kind of uniform that students prefer wearing these days. From the very short and close fitting skirts of girls to guys baggy and choose pants, misfit uniform has become one new trend. It is understandable that young boys and girls prefer looking smart and their best but it should not be done at the cost of spoiling the decency of a uniform. One should always respect one's uniform because it gives a certain identity.

Also, I would like to extend my thoughts to the growing consciousness in girls and women as a whole about their appearance. It may be due to the negative effect of entertainment world that people have become so very conscious. I feel like it has become some sort of law to be thin and look fabulous all the time. Otherwise you end up being the girl with the bad body and terrible sense of fashion. I have seen that my friends too have been infected by this growing disease of looking perfect.

What I am trying to say is we are not models and therefore we don't need to have a perfect10. We are just ordinary people and wearing the latest Chanel boots or carrying a Loui Vuitton bag is not going to make us extraordinary. Instead it will just leave a hole in our pockets.

Street Life

Food anyone????????

My friend

Let's dig in!!!

I smell Something!!!

My belongings

Home Sweet Home

This way please!!!!

Media, Culture and Society

Introduction to Culture

Some of the definitions given by the students in the class:

Culture is a way of living. It is something that connects us with the previous generation. It is a mirror of life. It is a set of values that gives someone a certain identity. It is a reflection of society in terms of norms, values, tradition and development. It is an invisible regulatory mechanism varying from one society to another that has brought human civilization thus far. It guides our behaviour and shapes our lifestyle.

Culture can be defined as all the ways of life including arts, beliefs and institutions of a population that is passed down from generation to generation. Culture has been called "the way of life for an entire society." As such, it includes codes of manners, dress, language, religion, rituals, games, norms of behavior such as law and morality, and systems of belief as well as the art.
Culture is manifested in human artifacts and activities such as music, literature, lifestyle, food, painting and sculpture, theater and film. Although some scholars identify culture in terms of consumption and consumer goods (as in high culture, low culture, folk culture, or popular culture),anthropologists understand "culture" to refer not only to consumption goods, but to the general processes which produce such goods and give them meaning, and to the social relationships and practices in which such objects and processes become embedded. For them, culture thus includes art, science, as well as moral systems.

Characteristics:
• Choir
• Social but not individual
• Idealistic
• Total social heritage
• An integrated system
• Language as its chief vehicle
• Transferred from old generation to new generation and has tendency to go further

Society:
It can be defined as a combination of several communities.

Community:
It can be defined as a group of people sharing the same language and ethnicity. It cannot be multi-cultural. It is an extended form of family.

Association:
It is an organization or union having certain objective, strategy, course of action and written rule. There is a body of people governing it and media is used by association to gain publicity.

Factors of social change:
• Technology
• Education
• Media and communication
• Information communication technology
• Globalization
• Politics
• Mobility
• Industrialization
• Assimilation
• Human nature

2. Role of Media in defining and representing culture

Media Representation:
It refers to the combination of aspect of reality (people, events, places, cultural identity) in the media. The term refers to the processes involved as well as to its products. For instance, in relation to the key markers of identity - Class, Age, Gender and Ethnicity (the 'cage' of identity) - representation involves not only how identities are represented (or rather constructed) within the text but also how they are constructed in the processes of production and reception by people whose identities are also differentially marked in relation to such demographic factors. Consider, for instance, the issue of 'the gaze'. How do men look at images of women, women at men, men at men and women at women?

Conspiracy Theory:
A conspiracy theory is a hypothesis that alleges a coordinated group is or was secretly working to commit illegal or wrongful actions, including attempting to hide the existence of the group and its activities. In notable cases the hypothesis contradicts what was, or is, represented as the mainstream explanation for historical or current events. The phrase "conspiracy theory" is also sometimes used dismissively in an attempt to portray hypothetical speculation as being untrue or outlandish.

Gaze theory:
The concept of gaze theory describes how men view women or how women view other women and how women view themselves. Marxists believe that female bodies are representation of commodity. There is a debate about the representation of women in media. Some view it as exploitation whereas others believe it to be independence.

Queer theory:
It explores the representation of homosexuals as well as sexual orientation. Queer theory's main project is exploring the contestations of the categorization of gender and sexuality.

3. Media as a Cultural Institution
Cultural institutions are elements within a culture/sub-culture that are perceived to be important to, or traditionally valued among, its members for their own identity. Examples of cultural institutions in modern Western society are museums and the print media.The five cultural institutions as needed (at least in some way) in any society in order to survive: education, economic system, government, family, and religion.