Also, the day Simone stops screaming “FUCK ALL THE BASTARDS IN THE UNIVERSE” is the day I pack up and go home. I would request that we not see that as an over-simplification, and more a desire that all the bastards in the universe fuck off. It is a statement with which I can find no quarrel.

I have started a blog that will be a part of the gallery show, extending it into the blogosphere.

You’re most welcome to comment on it, email with links and media-bits.

I am going out to shoot in the protest today and will post the clip shortly after.

http://amendicons.blogspot.com/

Shiri.

Instead of being excessively concerned with terminology and personal ofenses we all, and I include myself too, should try to look at things from a broader perspective.

Simone, I think you’re referring to some of our complaints about Gekko’s comments. There may have been personal offense taken, but I stand my disappointment at his use of age-old falsehoods about Jews. Regardless of who’s right or wrong in this or any war, things are more complicated than “fuck all the bastards in the universe.” I’m especially disappointed that, when it was clear that a some Jewish people on the listerv were offended, Gekko offered no apology. Instead he was smug and self-righteous, congratulating himself for making us talk about the war. I’ve been talking about the war plenty and didn’t need his pseudo-anti-semitism to make me think about it more.

That’s our challenge and I am trying to find out how. Maybe, less hypocrisy and cynicism would be a good start. I truly believe that the debate that we are having in the listserve is a great step. Do you have any idea about how important this is now, coming from an university?? It is beautiful and I don’t think we should stop it. However it is a learning experience for all of us. Instead of being excessively concerned with terminology and personal ofenses we all, and I include myself too, should try to look at things from a broader perspective. How to do that?? This answer I have: just keep doing what we are doing, meaning interacting, exchanging ideas, sharing, debating and of course trying to be fearless critical media makers every damn day as journalists, web designers, teachers, filmakers, artists…It’s up to us. You might ask: so what?? What’s going to change because we have been debating in a damn listserve?? I don’t know but we have to try, anyway, perhaps just for the hell of defying the repressive power system we live in. In the meantime, the 5 year old legless girl crying because of a bomb, as James mentioned in his comments, will still be without her leg FOREVER!!!! And we have to see the fucking president of this country saying to the world that Israel has the right to defend itself. FUCK ALL THE BASTARDS IN THE UNIVERSE!!!!!

Having said, I am going to show you my optimistic side: Listen, I know we’ve been talking about the dark side of the world here. On the other hand, there are so many interesting things going on right now regarding Media Reform and Human Rights activism in this country without bullshit such as fake balance or neutrality. Seriously. There are so many new possibilities coming out from this new media world…but maybe all I just said is only in my mind. So you can disregard it if you feel like. And to tell you the truth I think I already live in a different planet in my disturbed mind.

Thank you to all of you who are serious and concerned people. This is precious!!!! Si

in the meantime … book me on that flight to another planet

I agree with Bernard when he says we should go beyond the small universe to make a change. That doens’t mean though we shouldn’t try to talk and influence our neighbors. I truly believe this is important too. The anti-war demonstrations during the Vietnam War were a great example, but back in the 60’s things were very different. Now, we live in a time that the senate found a way to pass a resolution that allows punishment for journalists considered enemies of the state. There is a similar law approved recently in Egypt as well. It’s getting harder and harder to be a critical journalist everywhere. However, instead of complaining about the future of my profession, I would like to say that in my view there should be a combination of efforts involving the whole society for a change. In this case, we are talking specifically about the current war situation. The equation would be: real critical education to form a conscious society able to demand real representation from the media system. Not simple, but possible. I have to believe that while I pack my stuff to go to another planet. Thanks Si