Global Quickies: The Reaction to White “Saviors” in Africa, “Hunger Games”-Inspired Activism in Thailand, and Warnings for Teachers in China

AFRICA

In pictures: A male feminist’s view on African women – “Photographer, blogger and poet Nana Kofi Acquah uses his travels around Africa to chronicle the lives of women at their most accomplished and at their most vulnerable. A self-declared male feminist, he says his mission is to change the narrative around African women where they are often portrayed as victims of circumstance. The artist was interviewed by BBC Africa’s Vera Kwakofi for the 100 Women series.”

Africa Nears Eradication of Polio – “A rigorous vaccination campaign has nearly eliminated the crippling infectious disease from Nigeria and the continent at large, according to a new CDC report.”

‘We got this, Bob Geldof, so back off’ – “As Western stars re-release 1980s charity hit, many Africans say it’s a demeaning relic that can do more harm than good.”

BRAZIL

Creationist legislation in Brazil – “A bill introduced in the Brazilian Chamber of Deputies would, if enacted, require creationism to be taught in the country’s public and private schools.” Why can’t religious people ever be OK with creationism being taught in church, where it belongs? From CriticalDragon1177.

CUBA

Cuba’s health diplomacy in the age of Ebola – “Amid the worst Ebola outbreak of our time, it has been the small island nation of Cuba that has provided arguably the most impressive policy response. Instead of offering financial assistance to those West African nations most in need, the Cuban government has focused on providing skilled healthcare workers passionate about helping Ebola victims.”

CHINA

China calls for enhanced dialogue to resolve conflicts – “China’s Defence Minister, Chang Wanquan, says he wants to enhance dialogue to manage disputes with neighbouring countries. Speaking at a security forum in Beijing, Mr Chang said China was considering opening defence hotlines with South East Asian countries. Four of them, including Vietnam and the Philippines, are involved in territorial disputes with Beijing.”

China Sends Chilling Warning To Teachers Speaking Critically Of Government – “During visits to more than 20 schools, the regional paper wrote last week, it found exactly what it said it was looking for: Some professors compared Mao Zedong, first leader of China’s communist government, to ancient emperors, a blasphemy to party ideology upholding Mao as a break from the country’s feudal past. Other scholars were caught pointing out the party’s failures after taking power in 1949. Some repeatedly praised ‘Western’ ideas such as a separation of powers in government.”

HAITI

Eating Domino’s Pizza in Haiti – “Ahead of a recent trip to Haiti, I was surprised to learn that there is only one American fast-food joint in the country, which is a mere 700 miles from the coast of Florida. Turns out, it’s a Domino’s located on the outskirts of the capital, Port-au-Prince. Tim McIntyre, Domino’s vice president of communications, told me that the company expanded to Haiti in 1997 and used to have four stores there, but that three were destroyed by the country’s devastating 2010 earthquake.”

MEXICO

Good Mexico vs. Bad Mexico – “A young Mexican president assumes office and surprises the world, not least his own nation. He proposes unprecedented reforms that don’t just clash with the entrenched ideologies of his party, the ever-mighty PRI (Institutional Revolutionary Party), but also with some of the country’s most powerful interests: hitherto untouchable economic titans, union bosses, and local chieftains. International observers laud the potential of the reforms to make Mexico less corrupt, and more prosperous and just. But at home, the reforms are met with distrust and seen by many as just another ploy that will benefit the greedy elites who build fortunes on the backs of the poor.”

THAILAND

When Life Imitates ‘The Hunger Games’ in Thailand – “While we continue to measure the ideological scope and reach of dystopian cinema on its young acolytes in America, elsewhere, life is beginning to imitate art in a very real way. Earlier this year, protestors in Thailand cribbed the gesture of resistance featured in The Hunger Games following a coup in May.”

UKRAINE

Palace Of Ousted Ukrainian President Yanukovych Is Now A Museum – “As crowds of Ukrainian protesters seized control of the public spaces and government buildings in Kiev this past February, embattled former President Viktor Yanukovych made a hasty moonlight escape from his opulent palace. He left behind an absurd treasure trove on the 340 acre estate — from exotic animals to a fleet of luxury cars — that in the aftermath of the revolution served as an indictment of his corrupt regime.”

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