Hi guys
I recently watched the movie Blood Diamond, which for those of you who dont know is a relatively new movie set in the midst of Sierra Leone's 1999 civil war.
During the brutal civil war in Sierra Leone from 1991 to 2002, the Revolutionary United Front forced civilians to work in diamond mines, then found ways to smuggle the gems to Europe and America, where they were bought with money that made its way back to the rebels.
The movie illustrates some of the disturbing torture and bloodshed that occured over diamond mining and the value that was placed on the rocks. Child soldiers and brutal rebel forces were great in number and power.
Blood Diamond got me thinking... why do we not use the media more frequently to expose issues such as these??
The media is a great way to influence a great proportion of people in a short amount of time. The more people that know about important issues, such as these, the more they will do about it.
Although ignorance is no excuse, it is convenient!! When people are forced to notice things that need changing or people who need help, they will feel more responsible to help.
I think movies are an especially effective means of getting the messages across. Veiwers really get to understand the situation. I know when I watch a movie I often almost feel as though I am part of the movie, like I am there in the situation myself. You can really get a great understanding of the story.
The use of media can provide great education and exposure of important issues. Any support that can be generated, whether that be financial support, medical aids, commuity awareness, decreasing stereotypes or prejudice reduction (depending on what the issue is) could make large differences in the lives of many poeple.
I do think the proportion of movies and media exposure being dedicated to more important issues rather than trivial themes is increasing currently but I think it would be beneficial to see this proportion rising even further.
Any thoughts or comments are welcome
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3 comments:
Hi jane,
Very interesting point, and i agree completely.
It's fairly well proven that the media, particularly news media, is one of the best ways to highlight atrocities such as those in 'blood diamond', and change people's attitudes.
It's hard to say how much influence the media would have on those buying the diamonds in europe to lock them away to control supply and demand, but continual coverage would definately have an impact on the attitudes of comsumers buying the diamonds. I believe it's now possible to buy diamonds that have been certified as non-blood diamonds, and the media could certainly encourage people to buy them.
As you mentioned the media is excellent way to promote awareness and encourage action and funding from a range of places.
I think the media could also be more effective by emphasising more positive aspects of life around the world.
Much of the fear and hatred that has developed around the muslim population in the world has stemmed from the negative media focus around this group and it has greatly effected many people's attitude's around the world, and in doing so stigmatised a number of social groups. If the media found more of a balance and demonstrated how the majority of these groups are positive and active memebers of the community, much of the fear and hated could be changed.
It's definately true that movies are effective in promoting ideas, in the way they drag us in emotionally... If only they didn't cost so much to produce, meaning box office takings were so high on the agenda. Maybe if they weren't movies could concentrate on more important issues more often.
I really want to see 'blood diamond' again now...
great post.
Cheers,
Dave
I agree with everything said! the media is an effective communication tool that is underutilized in influencing people on important matters...
I was personally wondering whether this movie had a negative impact on the sale of diamonds because as we saw in the movie certificates can be faked! Perhaps the sale of man made diamonds will increase now!
I haven't seen the movie, but it struck a chord with an interview I read recently with Ishmael Beah, a former child soldier from Sierra Leone who has been getting increasing publicity for sharing his story.
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