Countries clamping down on media houses
AS THE world becomes more and more “nationalised”, borders close, walls raised and security measures increased far beyond normal reaction to paranoia, gagging of the media continues as more and more countries clamp down on journalists.
The world has already heard of how iconic Australian journalist, Julian Assange has been treated for “exposing” some “criminal” activities of various American government agencies.
Assange has been treated as if he were the most murderous genocidal villain of this century. Only because he attempted to present the world with some truth-filled shenanigans of this “democratic, most-civilised, freedom-loving, liberal” country in the world.
India is presently in the midst of elections. Elections that somehow seem precipitous to a variety of issues, including if this could possibly be the last election ever, in a country that once was a beacon of shining light, the greatest hope to an international community, and still is colonising land, country and mind.
Simple third-grade writers like myself, do not have to be heard or heeded about the issue. Many of the liberal thinkers of the world have vouched that this is actually already happening.
Clearly, the manner in which the Indian government has clamped down on various media houses that do not always agree with the ultraright-wing style of the BJP, for the last 10 years is clear evidence that the country is heading to be encapsulated totally, far away from a genuine secular, liberal, democratic state.
Journalism is all about presenting views, news, different angles and summaries.
Some right wing, many left wing. Others of moderate inclinations. Some with no opinion at all. Take your pick and make up your own mind.
The viewer or reader must decide for himself exactly what he perceives to be his own actual “truth”. Quite often, even truth seems relative. Not as absolute as once thought.
The Indian Government has refused visas for Al Jazeera – one of the biggest media networks in Asia – to enter the country. Any guesses why?