Friday, April 15, 2005

Globalization of News Media: I do not want to be conspiratorial, but if you look at the Google news selection of news reports about the new prime minister-designate in Lebanon, (or if you google his name, Miqati) notice how they all--all news sources worldwide--uniformly refer to him as "moderate" pro-Syrian, although the former prime minister `Umar Karami was more "moderate" and less close--far less close--to the Syrian regime than this corrupt fellow. But it only indicates that the "international community"--read US and France--have approved this appointment. Incredible. As Pierre Bourdieu observed, the multiplicity of media voices and forms all send the same message. (PS: no, I am not a supporter of `Umar Karami. I do not support any Lebanese politician. But I will endorse Lebanese restaurants, if asked). By the way, I recommend Abu Rasheed restaurant near Portland State University in Portland, Oregon for Arabic food. On Saturday, they even bake Manaqish on Saj. Unfortunately, they have a picture of Hariri on the desk.