Beware of the Media

   Media played a big role in the Rwanda genocide.  The newspapers were involved in anti-Tutsi campaigns while radio broadcasts urged the killings.  Kangura, a state owned newspaper in Rwanda, was famous for much of the hate speech.  In one article, “10 Hutu Commandments,” it published how Hutu’s were to treat the Tutsis.  On April 6, 1994 radios specifically authorized commands to carry out the killings.

   In one famous quote by Bill Clinton, “We come here today partly in recognition of the fact that we in the United States and the world community did not do as much as we could have and should have done to limit what occurred.”

   After learning more about the media’s involvement with the 1994 Rwanda Genocide I was very much disturbed.  I understand the impact the media has on socialization and hope the United States does not lose control of it.  I hope that, like Clinton’s apology to Rwanda, we don’t overlook, underestimate, or ignore our way of words and influence the media has on society and how quickly things could unravel.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/1288230.stm

http://www.globalissues.org/article/405/media-propaganda-and-rwanda

~ by plwitte on October 7, 2009.