How convenient that Kenya’s richest man (who coincidentally was also Finance Minister), the son of Kenya’s first President Jomo Kenyatta - Uhuru Kenyatta has won the elections by .07%. Yes, I know that people are `innocent before proven guilty` but the man has been accused by the International Crimes Committee for crimes against humanity - this is not something to bat an eyelid at, especially when that man is now President! Even if he wasn`t involved in orchestrating the violence which erupted after the 2007 elections, he is still being investigated, surely that would make people weary enough of giving him power?
"I am woman, hear me roar" are the first lyrics of Helen Reddy`s song, which became a popular anthem for Second-wave feminism in the 1960s. International Woman`s Day celebrates equality and the fight of women through the decades to obtain and maintain that equal standing. The reason why there is so much emphasis on a day to celebrate woman is because historically we have been seen as the inferior sex and unfortunately even today there are countries and cultures which still practice this primitive bias. ---- I`m side stepping here but can`t help think of this song: `Sister Suffragette` from Mary Poppins.
From the 1900s women`s movements began to gain real momentum and International Women`s Day (IWD) was first observed across the USA on 28 February 1909 as part of a declaration signed by the Socialist Party of America.
In 1913, it was agreed that IWD would be celebrated across the globe on the same day- 8 March. One of the most powerful woman`s movements was in 1917, when Russia woman led a strike calling for `bread and peace`. This strike lasted four days and is a significant part of the February Revolution which ended with the abdication of Czar Nicholas II. The UN signed a Charter in 1945, declaring support for equality. Article 1 of this Charter is “To achieve international co-operation … in promoting and encouraging respect for human rights and for fundamental freedoms for all without distinction as to race, sex, language, or religion." Additionally, each year the UN comes up with a `theme` to address problems still facing women, for example: In 2012 the theme was `Empower Rural Women - End Poverty and Hunger.` This years theme is `A Promise is a Promise: Time for Action to end Violence Against Women` - you can have a look at the proposal here.
2012, NYC
Gloria Steinem, one of the most well-known advocates for women`s rights said: “A feminist is anyone who recognizes the equality and full humanity of women and men.”
In that case, it could be argued that Plato was one of the earliest feminists to speak out. In fact this argument is still of great debate today.
"Nothing can be more absurd than the practice that prevails in our country of men and women not following the same pursuits with all their strengths and with one mind, for thus, the state instead of being whole is reduced to half." (Plato)
Dan Pallotta is an American activist and fundraiser, he is passionate about charity, which is a topic close to my heart. There are many skeptics out there when it comes to giving money/time away, even when it is for someone who desperately needs it. I thoroughly enjoy the factual and passionate manner that he presents his views/argument. It also puts a few things into perspective. Have a look...
Mutli-talented Josh Whedon has created a 21st century, American suburbian adaptation of Shakespeare`s play, Much Ado About Nothing. Apparently using most of the text from the original play, Whedon filmed the entire movie in just 12 days, at his home in Santa Monica, California.
Set to be released on the 7th June , let`s just hope that a classic has not been massacred.
The `21st century socialist`, Hugo Chavez, 58, has died of cancer.
For such a charismatic and rather dramatic man, you can`t help but feel sightly disappointed that he didn`t kick the bucket in a more eccentric manner.
The opinions of Mr Chavez both in Venezuela and especially internationally have always been divided but there is no denying that he was a character from whom you wanted to hear what he had to say (even if it took him a long time to say it) It`s no wonder that Venezuelans are upset, Chavez was their president for 14 years. Getting his political career going with a failed military coup in 1992, Chavez rose to power rather quickly and was happy to change laws, constitutions to assist him. Vice-President Maduro (United Socialist Party) is set to assume the presidency until an election is called - within 30 days. His biggest opponent will be Henrique Capriles (who Chavez defeated in October 2012) Known for some arbitrary commentary, in his memory, here are a few of his absolute gems: - On capitalism destroying life in Mars: "I have always said, heard, that it would not be strange that there had been civilization on Mars, but maybe capitalism arrived there, imperialism arrived and finished off the planet." - On former President George Bush: "Yesterday the devil came here. Right here. And it smells of sulfur still today." - On former UK PM Tony Blair: "You are an imperialist pawn who attempts to curry favour with Danger Bush-Hitler, the number one mass-murderer and assassin there is on this planet. Go straight to hell, Mr Blair." And my personal favorite.... On Bush: "I nationalized strategic companies and get criticized, but when Bush does it, it`s OK." .... "Bush is turning socialist. How are you, Comrade Bush?)
Kenya`s general elections commence today and concerns are high due to past experiences. The two main contenders are Mr Oginga and Uhuru Kenyatta. After the last elections, 2007-2008, Kenya erupted into post-election chaos, accompanied by extreme violence-Over 1000 people were killed and hundreds of thousands were displaced. Incumbent President Mwai Kibaki (The National Rainbow Coalition), won the elections but was accussed by his main opponent Hon Raila Odinga(Orange Democratic Movement) that the outcome of the votes had somehow been rigged in Kibakis favor. Thus sparking off the rampage.
Influencial persons across Africa assisted in brokering peace between President Kibaki and Hon. Odinga which lead to the signing of The National Accord and Reconciliation Agreement. The Agreement amended that structure of the Government by introducing new posts such as Prime Minister. The most important result of the NARA was the formation of the Grand Coalition between the Presidents party and the Orange Democratic Movement Party. Most believe that these elections will be peaceful but travel alerts have been issued.
You know that feeling of slight resentment when you have been a fan of a band/artist for years and then all of a sudden they become popular and everyone knows about them? Well that has happened with `70s rock icon Rodriguez except I could not be happier that he is finally getting the world wide recognition that he deserves.
The documentary Searching for Sugar Man tells the story of Sixto Diaz Rodriguez, an American singer from Detroit whose musically career never amounted to much anywhere in the world except in South Africa.
This Swedish-British production is based on the search for information about Rodriguez in the `90s, who was rumored to have committed suicide on stage.
In 1997, Stephen "Sugar" Segerman set up a website called "The Great Rodriguz Hunt". Rodriguez was so important to South Africans because in a time of severe government control, the Apartheid regime, Rodriguez offered an alternative, he sang of anti-establishment and freedom.
Even though the Apartheid government was scratching records, the popularity of Rodriguez never died out but intensified. It is said that in South Africa in the `70s he was even more famous than Elvis and Bob Dylan, selling an estimated 500 million copies. At the 2013 Oscars, Searching for Sugar Man won Best Documentary and finally people are aware of one of the greatest musicians. I have seen him live once before in London town and it is still one of the best performances that I have ever see. I am so excited to see him again in June at the Hammersmith Apollo and you should too.
