Recent tragedies have highlighted continuing problems in society, but the massive overreaction by the media will only confuse the situation and exacerbate the problem.
The cases of Madeleine McCann and this week Rhys Jones have been propelled into the public consciousness. The media-endorsed campaign to 'find Maddie' came complete with exhaustive coverage of every minute-by-minute development. Posters were installed in international airports and promises of massive awards pledged by rich persons of note. Yesterday we were witness to the undeniably moving but nevertheless spectacle-like quality of the Jones' family's appearance at Goodison Park before Everton's home game.
Also this week a number of figures have come out and criticised media coverage as excessive and damaging, not least Gerry McCann in his speech yesterday at the Edinburgh Television Festival. So, are we the subject to ever increasing sensationalization and what might be the effects of a media with an increasing tendency to emphasize emotion over hard facts and views over news?
Shock value and emotional appeals for action have come to dominate certain parts of the British media. One of Tony Blair's parting shots at his last Labour conference was aimed directly at the media, his now infamous 'feral beast' speech highlighting the falling standards and lack of reliability in the press. He discusses:
''...a media that increasingly and to a dangerous degree is driven by "impact". Impact is what matters. It is all that can distinguish, can rise above the clamour, can get noticed. Impact gives competitive edge. Of course the accuracy of a story counts. But it is secondary to impact. It is this necessary devotion to impact that is unravelling standards, driving them down, making the diversity of the media not the strength it should be but an impulsion towards sensation above all else. ''
Upon publicisation of the speech, inevitable criticisms from media outlets were levelled interestingly on Blair himself, not the overall subject of his speech.
Jeremy Paxman has also weighed in this week with criticisms of availability of stories over gravity of content and what he referred to as the ''media circus''. The coverage of Paris Hilton over the flooding in the UK was highlighted alongside the massive gathering in Portugal's Algarve over the disappearance of Madeleine McCann. Of that Paxman said: "everyone was there because everyone else was there", and, "at times like this, when the television hurricane hits a story, it too often sucks good sense and consideration out of the brains of those involved."
Which brings us back onto Gerry McCann himself, this week saying how unpleasant the massive media interest had become and how it was not necessary for the media to "bombard people on a daily basis with Madeleine's image".
In the light of such views Mr Blair, Paxman and McCann must be prepared to field some criticism regarding their own shrewd use of the press. However, the claims ring true and much is at stake. Editorial choices and the setting of the news agenda now broadly define daily life in the UK and furthermore is coming to have an increasing effect on our leaders. TV news editors work viewers into a frenzy and then demand politicians' or police action with immediate effect. Faced with the daunting prospect of going in the face of such popular outcry, leaders are bound to make snap decisions and implement scarcely-considered laws that will in the end affect all of us. An argument therefore must now be made for a full debate on the accountability of the press in public life.
Sunday, 26 August 2007
Friday, 27 July 2007
Cuba part two: Revolution!
The story of the Cuban revolution is one you couldn't make up. Fidel Castro Ruz, a young student radical, organises his first strike against the corrupt pro-American regime of Batista on 23rd of July 1953 at the Moncada barracks near Santiago de Cuba. After the raid, which goes disastrously wrong, Castro escapes but is eventually captured and hauled before a military court where instead of meeting his end he delivers the now famous 'History will absolve me' speech:
'' I warn you, I am just beginning! If there is in your hearts a vestige of love for your country, love for humanity, love for justice, listen carefully... I know that the regime will try to suppress the truth by all possible means; I know that there will be a conspiracy to bury me in oblivion. But my voice will not be stifled – it will rise from my breast even when I feel most alone, and my heart will give it all the fire that callous cowards deny it... Condemn me. It does not matter. History will absolve me. ''
What should have been a routine trial and sentence of death is turned into a defining moment by the legally-trained Castro. Sentenced to prison for 15 years, Castro and his immediate entourage devoted themselves to planning further the revolution. Released after 2 years through political amnesty, Castro, fearing assassination flees to Mexico where he begins in earnest his preparations for war. Here he meets for the first time Ernesto 'Che' Guevara, and prepares to cross the Caribbean. A recreational yacht, the Granma, is used to take 81 revolutionaries over to Cuba from Tuxpan in Mexico.
Again disaster strikes at the landing. Che Guevara later referred to the revolutionaries' arrival as ''not as a landing, but a shipwreck.'' Attacked and dispersed, and sustaining heavy losses the remaining revolutionaries are forced to take to the Sierra Maestra mountains to seek shelter and regroup. There Castro begins to transmit radio messages to the population advocating the downfall of Batista and gathering supporters in preparation for the breakout. Finally, by 1 January 1959, Castro's guerrillas had won several important victories, overwhelming Batista's weakening troops and removing the dictator himself. From the point of defeat Castro managed yet another momentous reverse, this time leading to the formation of his new government: a government that this time, owed nothing to no-one.
'' I warn you, I am just beginning! If there is in your hearts a vestige of love for your country, love for humanity, love for justice, listen carefully... I know that the regime will try to suppress the truth by all possible means; I know that there will be a conspiracy to bury me in oblivion. But my voice will not be stifled – it will rise from my breast even when I feel most alone, and my heart will give it all the fire that callous cowards deny it... Condemn me. It does not matter. History will absolve me. ''
What should have been a routine trial and sentence of death is turned into a defining moment by the legally-trained Castro. Sentenced to prison for 15 years, Castro and his immediate entourage devoted themselves to planning further the revolution. Released after 2 years through political amnesty, Castro, fearing assassination flees to Mexico where he begins in earnest his preparations for war. Here he meets for the first time Ernesto 'Che' Guevara, and prepares to cross the Caribbean. A recreational yacht, the Granma, is used to take 81 revolutionaries over to Cuba from Tuxpan in Mexico.
Again disaster strikes at the landing. Che Guevara later referred to the revolutionaries' arrival as ''not as a landing, but a shipwreck.'' Attacked and dispersed, and sustaining heavy losses the remaining revolutionaries are forced to take to the Sierra Maestra mountains to seek shelter and regroup. There Castro begins to transmit radio messages to the population advocating the downfall of Batista and gathering supporters in preparation for the breakout. Finally, by 1 January 1959, Castro's guerrillas had won several important victories, overwhelming Batista's weakening troops and removing the dictator himself. From the point of defeat Castro managed yet another momentous reverse, this time leading to the formation of his new government: a government that this time, owed nothing to no-one.
Sunday, 22 July 2007
Cuba, part one: Die Hard With A Vengeance
Fidel Castro, at almost 81 years of age, having been in charge of the Cuban state for almost 50 years (the world's longest serving political leader) is still breathing fire. Below is a translated extract from his radio discourse to the people of Cuba,17 June 2007. It is entitled ''No Tendran jamas a Cuba!'' (''They will never have Cuba!'')
'' In spite of everything, we will keep growing the necessary and possible means.
'Liberty costs a great deal and it is necessary to buy it at the price it costs or [if not,] resign oneself to living without it', said Marti [a revered figure of the 19th century Cuban wars for Independence].
'Whoever tries to appropriate Cuba will pick up the dust of its earth drenched in [their] blood, if they don't perish in the attempt', proclaimed Maceo [another revolutionary figure].
We are not the first revolutionaries to think this way! And we won't be the last!
A man can be bought, but never a people.
For many years I have survived, through luck, the killing machines of the [North American]empire. Soon it will be one year since I became ill, and when I was between life and death I expressed in the Proclamation of the 31st of July, 2006:
''I do not harbour the least doubt that our people and our revolution will fight until the last drop of blood.''
Do no doubt it, Mr Bush!
I assure you that you will never have Cuba! ''
So much for the notion of feeble old age. One can almost imagine Fidel, in an imaginary US invasion, strapped to a heavy machine gun opposite the beach head, blasting away at the terrified Marines until he was removed by a tactical Patriot missile strike.
Against all odds socialist Cuba has survived the nineties and trudges on in the new century, beleaguered yet seemingly resolute. Yet it is hard to countenance the project having functioned even half as long as it has done without the devastating force that is Fidel. He is the be-all and end-all of the continuing Cuban revolution. Forget Che Guevara, Camilo Cienfuegos, Raul Castro, and the Soviet Union: it was the charisma of one remarkable man that provided the dynamo for a society standing apart.
'' In spite of everything, we will keep growing the necessary and possible means.
'Liberty costs a great deal and it is necessary to buy it at the price it costs or [if not,] resign oneself to living without it', said Marti [a revered figure of the 19th century Cuban wars for Independence].
'Whoever tries to appropriate Cuba will pick up the dust of its earth drenched in [their] blood, if they don't perish in the attempt', proclaimed Maceo [another revolutionary figure].
We are not the first revolutionaries to think this way! And we won't be the last!
A man can be bought, but never a people.
For many years I have survived, through luck, the killing machines of the [North American]empire. Soon it will be one year since I became ill, and when I was between life and death I expressed in the Proclamation of the 31st of July, 2006:
''I do not harbour the least doubt that our people and our revolution will fight until the last drop of blood.''
Do no doubt it, Mr Bush!
I assure you that you will never have Cuba! ''
So much for the notion of feeble old age. One can almost imagine Fidel, in an imaginary US invasion, strapped to a heavy machine gun opposite the beach head, blasting away at the terrified Marines until he was removed by a tactical Patriot missile strike.
Against all odds socialist Cuba has survived the nineties and trudges on in the new century, beleaguered yet seemingly resolute. Yet it is hard to countenance the project having functioned even half as long as it has done without the devastating force that is Fidel. He is the be-all and end-all of the continuing Cuban revolution. Forget Che Guevara, Camilo Cienfuegos, Raul Castro, and the Soviet Union: it was the charisma of one remarkable man that provided the dynamo for a society standing apart.
Monday, 28 May 2007
Impressions of Japan
The piece below was written after returning from a trip to Japan, December 2006.
''One of the things that most impressed me was the tremendous attention to detail the Japanese seem to have afforded everything. The everyday routine of life is made so much easier and pleasant in Japan, toilet seats being warm in winter for example! Gifts are delicately and beautifully wrapped, food is presented as a form of high art and people work tremendously hard to do a good job.
The innovation and drive for excellence impressed me greatly. Never have I seen such cities, such buildings and such incredible design. I took endless photos of cars. In the UK,we are just about beginning to grasp the ideas of economy, compactness and low emissions in vehicle design. The Japanese, however are ten years ahead. Vehicles over there look futuristic. In actual size they are very small but manage somehow to provide plenty of space for passengers whilst looking incredibly stylish.
When we went up to the viewing platform of the Tokyo Tower (one of the tallest free standing steel structures in the world) I was reminded of the manga cartoons I had seen: acres of flashing neon, skyscrapers like something from Star Wars, highways extending as far as the eye could see, nothing but lights and city. Whereas in other countries I have visited, where technology seems either aging or imported, Japan seems to have wanted to reinvent everything, going one step further in innovation, efficiency and design. Getting back to the UK almost seemed like stepping back a century in terms of technology and organisation.
Providing a contrast to all this human endeavour, is the wonderful beauty ofJapan’s natural environment. Although we were visiting in late December, winter had come late and the autumn colours were at their best. Driving up the valley towards the volcanic spring town ofHakone, the autumn colours and landscape were simply breathtaking. Early in the morning I went to do some exercise on our hotel roof and Mount Fuji could be seen, crowned with snow and with a dramatic walnut-whip swirl of cloud around its base. Japanese landscapes are wild and yet at the same time delicate and incredibly aesthetic.
Harmony between ones surroundings and a sense of perfection and wellbeing is emphasised in cookery and traditional architecture. Sashimi represents the freshest and best cuts of raw fish, presented with shavings of Japanese horseradish, Japanese delicate vegetables and fruits cut into perfect shapes of flowers: many courses, many flavours, freshnes sand beauty. Using chopsticks allows the person to select a single morsel and enjoy that particular flavour before the next.
Famous Japanese social etiquette was at first slightly daunting but rapidly became a pleasure. Bowing when receiving things or meeting people quickly becomes second nature and great importance is stressed on ones bearing and relationship towards people and environment. Although the young people we met seemed to be less inclined to cling to the old ways, Japan still emanates centuries old culture and tradition through everyday contact.
I became aware of the determination of the Japanese people to renew and reinvent themselves.Two significant places we visited were Hiroshima,where the first Atomic weapon was used, and Kobe, struck by the great earthquake in 1995. Visiting these modern and vibrant cities today, it is as if the Japanese used such terrible events almost as tools for regeneration, improvement and growth.
A supremely pragmatic and practical people, the Japanese, throughout history have learned quickly from the world around them and responded to challenges quickly and courageously.''
''One of the things that most impressed me was the tremendous attention to detail the Japanese seem to have afforded everything. The everyday routine of life is made so much easier and pleasant in Japan, toilet seats being warm in winter for example! Gifts are delicately and beautifully wrapped, food is presented as a form of high art and people work tremendously hard to do a good job.
The innovation and drive for excellence impressed me greatly. Never have I seen such cities, such buildings and such incredible design. I took endless photos of cars. In the UK,we are just about beginning to grasp the ideas of economy, compactness and low emissions in vehicle design. The Japanese, however are ten years ahead. Vehicles over there look futuristic. In actual size they are very small but manage somehow to provide plenty of space for passengers whilst looking incredibly stylish.
When we went up to the viewing platform of the Tokyo Tower (one of the tallest free standing steel structures in the world) I was reminded of the manga cartoons I had seen: acres of flashing neon, skyscrapers like something from Star Wars, highways extending as far as the eye could see, nothing but lights and city. Whereas in other countries I have visited, where technology seems either aging or imported, Japan seems to have wanted to reinvent everything, going one step further in innovation, efficiency and design. Getting back to the UK almost seemed like stepping back a century in terms of technology and organisation.
Providing a contrast to all this human endeavour, is the wonderful beauty ofJapan’s natural environment. Although we were visiting in late December, winter had come late and the autumn colours were at their best. Driving up the valley towards the volcanic spring town ofHakone, the autumn colours and landscape were simply breathtaking. Early in the morning I went to do some exercise on our hotel roof and Mount Fuji could be seen, crowned with snow and with a dramatic walnut-whip swirl of cloud around its base. Japanese landscapes are wild and yet at the same time delicate and incredibly aesthetic.
Harmony between ones surroundings and a sense of perfection and wellbeing is emphasised in cookery and traditional architecture. Sashimi represents the freshest and best cuts of raw fish, presented with shavings of Japanese horseradish, Japanese delicate vegetables and fruits cut into perfect shapes of flowers: many courses, many flavours, freshnes sand beauty. Using chopsticks allows the person to select a single morsel and enjoy that particular flavour before the next.
Famous Japanese social etiquette was at first slightly daunting but rapidly became a pleasure. Bowing when receiving things or meeting people quickly becomes second nature and great importance is stressed on ones bearing and relationship towards people and environment. Although the young people we met seemed to be less inclined to cling to the old ways, Japan still emanates centuries old culture and tradition through everyday contact.
I became aware of the determination of the Japanese people to renew and reinvent themselves.Two significant places we visited were Hiroshima,where the first Atomic weapon was used, and Kobe, struck by the great earthquake in 1995. Visiting these modern and vibrant cities today, it is as if the Japanese used such terrible events almost as tools for regeneration, improvement and growth.
A supremely pragmatic and practical people, the Japanese, throughout history have learned quickly from the world around them and responded to challenges quickly and courageously.''
Thursday, 24 May 2007
Champions League Night: The Wrong Reasons
Below is my response to the BBC's 606 debate on the trouble at yesterday's Champion's League Final in Athens.
You can find this story at:http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/606/A23024198?s_fromedit=1
And my original comment at: http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/606/F7373856?thread=4186669&skip=180&show=20
''Mr Gaillard uses the issues of fake tickets and people jumping barriers to blame travelling Liverpool fans. In the first instance we cannot but condemn such alleged actions. Any fan entering with a fake ticket or forcibly entering the stadium has deprived someone else who has legitimately prepared for a match of a lifetime. However, this is irrelevant when dealing in terms of reality when it comes to English football fans and massive occasions such as this. Any stadium and host nation in this day and age which puts itself forward for big events MUST be 110% firm on organisation and security. Thought has to go into ticket checking systems upon entrance, adequate space to allow for bottlenecks and perhaps even a cordon several hundred metres from the perimeter of the stadium to allow an initial ticket check. It is clear the Greek authorities and Uefa did not afford sufficient planning and thought to this event. English fans love their football fiercely. Fact. They will do anything to support their team on a big occasion. Fact. Implement proper systems, have a suitable venue and a well-organised security force to deal with non-payers. ''
You can find this story at:http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/606/A23024198?s_fromedit=1
And my original comment at: http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/606/F7373856?thread=4186669&skip=180&show=20
''Mr Gaillard uses the issues of fake tickets and people jumping barriers to blame travelling Liverpool fans. In the first instance we cannot but condemn such alleged actions. Any fan entering with a fake ticket or forcibly entering the stadium has deprived someone else who has legitimately prepared for a match of a lifetime. However, this is irrelevant when dealing in terms of reality when it comes to English football fans and massive occasions such as this. Any stadium and host nation in this day and age which puts itself forward for big events MUST be 110% firm on organisation and security. Thought has to go into ticket checking systems upon entrance, adequate space to allow for bottlenecks and perhaps even a cordon several hundred metres from the perimeter of the stadium to allow an initial ticket check. It is clear the Greek authorities and Uefa did not afford sufficient planning and thought to this event. English fans love their football fiercely. Fact. They will do anything to support their team on a big occasion. Fact. Implement proper systems, have a suitable venue and a well-organised security force to deal with non-payers. ''
Thursday, 17 May 2007
Aid to Africa or Another Nail in the Coffin?
Aid agencies typically assault our emotions in commercial breaks by showing African children crying and emaciated people wandering around hopelessly to the sound of a mournful classical soundtrack. And why not? I suppose the considerable public relations machines that foundations possess these days overexert themselves to provoke feelings of collective guilt, that citizens of richer western countries should have so much when others have so precious little. It's a similar psychological tactic to the one used in tabloid newspapers; basically shock tactics equals sales. Create a reaction by getting someone to think in a certain way and you've got them hooked.
Anyway that's the subject of another discussion. Africa is a continent shrouded in myth and stereotype. Ask people for three words associated with Africa and they will probably say something like famine, genocide and AIDS. How has this come about? Without doubt Africa has experienced a litany of woes since the years of Independence. But here I wish to make the point that Aid donors and Aid Agencies have, although well meaning, created more problems than solutions.
The problems arise when agencies begin campaigns by painting too simplistic and bleak a picture in order to secure funding from the public. The message sent out is that bombarding a particular crisis with money will lead to relief. The media finds itself working on behalf of agencies, seeking out the worst most horrifying stories on the ground.
Bonanzas of aid have been shown to undermine developing countries' self-reliance, encourage dependency and perpetuate damaging regimes and failing economic policies. When a country is flooded by cheap foodstuffs local producers' prices will inevitably be driven down. There is the danger of food aid being pilfered and sold on the black market as happened in Somalia in the 1990s, or even used as a weapon, withheld from certain parts of the population for political motives. It may even be sold to buy weapons.
Among other perverse incentives governments may learn how easily obtainable aid is and therefore make no effort to institutionalise tools leading to self-reliance and reform. Any strong economy must create an environment where people are free to be productive and what produces this is sound domestic policy.
Doug Banlow* points out that few programs have consumed as many resources with as few positive results as foreign aid to economically less-developed countries. With little evidence to suggest long-term aid promotes stability and growth, in many cases it has perpetuated the regimes of brutal dictatorships (see France's steadfast support of the Hutu regime during the genocide of 1994). In truth aid, in many instances, has amounted to little more than bribery to ensure hegemony in political and geographical spheres of influence.
Instead of dwelling on the disaster scenarios the media should be encouraged to take a more balanced view of individual crises and move away from the quick-fix aid solution. Contrary to what we may think, a quick donation may ease our conscience but will not solve a long-term problem. Aid needs to be targeted in crisis scenarios as much as possible and needs to be delivered in a measured way. Most importantly trade barriers to developing nations should be lowered and nations encouraged to learn to feed themselves rather than becoming accustomed to an aid-dependent economy.
Acknowledgements
''Can Aid Do more harm Than Good?'' Henri Astier
''The Selfish Altruist'' Tony Vaux
*''Help or Hindrance: Can Foreign Aid Prevent International Crises?'' Doug Banlow
''The State of Africa'' Martin Meredith
Anyway that's the subject of another discussion. Africa is a continent shrouded in myth and stereotype. Ask people for three words associated with Africa and they will probably say something like famine, genocide and AIDS. How has this come about? Without doubt Africa has experienced a litany of woes since the years of Independence. But here I wish to make the point that Aid donors and Aid Agencies have, although well meaning, created more problems than solutions.
The problems arise when agencies begin campaigns by painting too simplistic and bleak a picture in order to secure funding from the public. The message sent out is that bombarding a particular crisis with money will lead to relief. The media finds itself working on behalf of agencies, seeking out the worst most horrifying stories on the ground.
Bonanzas of aid have been shown to undermine developing countries' self-reliance, encourage dependency and perpetuate damaging regimes and failing economic policies. When a country is flooded by cheap foodstuffs local producers' prices will inevitably be driven down. There is the danger of food aid being pilfered and sold on the black market as happened in Somalia in the 1990s, or even used as a weapon, withheld from certain parts of the population for political motives. It may even be sold to buy weapons.
Among other perverse incentives governments may learn how easily obtainable aid is and therefore make no effort to institutionalise tools leading to self-reliance and reform. Any strong economy must create an environment where people are free to be productive and what produces this is sound domestic policy.
Doug Banlow* points out that few programs have consumed as many resources with as few positive results as foreign aid to economically less-developed countries. With little evidence to suggest long-term aid promotes stability and growth, in many cases it has perpetuated the regimes of brutal dictatorships (see France's steadfast support of the Hutu regime during the genocide of 1994). In truth aid, in many instances, has amounted to little more than bribery to ensure hegemony in political and geographical spheres of influence.
Instead of dwelling on the disaster scenarios the media should be encouraged to take a more balanced view of individual crises and move away from the quick-fix aid solution. Contrary to what we may think, a quick donation may ease our conscience but will not solve a long-term problem. Aid needs to be targeted in crisis scenarios as much as possible and needs to be delivered in a measured way. Most importantly trade barriers to developing nations should be lowered and nations encouraged to learn to feed themselves rather than becoming accustomed to an aid-dependent economy.
Acknowledgements
''Can Aid Do more harm Than Good?'' Henri Astier
''The Selfish Altruist'' Tony Vaux
*''Help or Hindrance: Can Foreign Aid Prevent International Crises?'' Doug Banlow
''The State of Africa'' Martin Meredith
Wednesday, 25 April 2007
Australia's pride
Recently I was talking to an Australian friend about Aussie sport. Why have the Australians, a nation of a mere 21 million, come to dominate so many of the world's sporting endeavours? (I write this as the Australian cricket size bulldoze their way towards the final of the Cricket World Cup.)
My Aussie mate suggested two reasons. The first was to do with experiencing nationhood and the second with space, planning and investment.
A young country, Australia gained independence from Great Britain in stages, with 'constitutional independence' coming in 1901 and the Statute of Westminster (which formally ended most of the remaining constitutional links between the two countries) in 1931. Yet even after these formal events Australia remained very much a satellite of Britain, looking to her for rule.
The experience of war was the first time Australia gained an awareness of nationhood, suggested my friend. Thousands died first in Gallipolli then in the trenches for the empire during the Great War. The Second World War saw Australia itself threatened by Japanese aggression. Having seen the British Empire crumble under the might of the Japanese advance Australia in some part turned to America as a new ally and in itself found the resources and strength to successfully stave off the strikes looming to the north.
Thus was established the Australian spirit of indomitability and rugged confidence. This spirit continues today in sport and is why Australian stars have an unshakeable belief in themselves as equal to any challenge presented from those outside.
Australia has invested and grown its sporting talents. Nearly every town of a sizeable population has had investment either from government subsidies or corporate sponsorship in the form of pitches, pools and coaching. Over 25% of Australians above the age of 15 regularly participate in team sports. Wide open space and fine weather always lent itself generously to the cause of Australian sport.
Australian authorities have encouraged youngsters to compete, and coached talent to the highest level. In a media release of 8th May 2006 Senator Hon Rod Kemp, Minister for Arts and Sports states:
“Australia has an international sporting record that is the envy of most countries in the world. While we have a relatively small talent pool of high performance athletes, we are able to compete because our elite sport system is based on the delivery of high quality, innovative programmes that are both knowledge-based and built on the latest advances in sports science.”
A look at the aims of the Ministry for Arts and Sports have continuously meant Australians have excelled at Olympic Games, punching well above their weight:
''The Australian Government is also committed to delivering an effective national sports system that offers improved participation in sporting activities by Australians in general. Through the Australian Sports Commission, the Government is working towards:
*increasing the number of people participating in sport, in particular youth, Indigenous Australians, women and people with disabilities through a range of initiatives including Project Connect, Sports Leadership Grants for Women and the Targeted Sports Participation Growth Programme;
*increasing the number of school children participating in structured physical activity and sport; *boosting the active membership and reach of sporting organisations and local sporting clubs;
*building the awareness of the values of fair play, self improvement and sporting achievement.''
Sport is Australia and in many ways one of the glues that binds national pride together:
“Sport is an integral part of Australian life, and sports funding is an investment in the community in terms of national pride, improved health, economic activity and stronger communities.” (Senator Rod Kemp).
My Aussie mate suggested two reasons. The first was to do with experiencing nationhood and the second with space, planning and investment.
A young country, Australia gained independence from Great Britain in stages, with 'constitutional independence' coming in 1901 and the Statute of Westminster (which formally ended most of the remaining constitutional links between the two countries) in 1931. Yet even after these formal events Australia remained very much a satellite of Britain, looking to her for rule.
The experience of war was the first time Australia gained an awareness of nationhood, suggested my friend. Thousands died first in Gallipolli then in the trenches for the empire during the Great War. The Second World War saw Australia itself threatened by Japanese aggression. Having seen the British Empire crumble under the might of the Japanese advance Australia in some part turned to America as a new ally and in itself found the resources and strength to successfully stave off the strikes looming to the north.
Thus was established the Australian spirit of indomitability and rugged confidence. This spirit continues today in sport and is why Australian stars have an unshakeable belief in themselves as equal to any challenge presented from those outside.
Australia has invested and grown its sporting talents. Nearly every town of a sizeable population has had investment either from government subsidies or corporate sponsorship in the form of pitches, pools and coaching. Over 25% of Australians above the age of 15 regularly participate in team sports. Wide open space and fine weather always lent itself generously to the cause of Australian sport.
Australian authorities have encouraged youngsters to compete, and coached talent to the highest level. In a media release of 8th May 2006 Senator Hon Rod Kemp, Minister for Arts and Sports states:
“Australia has an international sporting record that is the envy of most countries in the world. While we have a relatively small talent pool of high performance athletes, we are able to compete because our elite sport system is based on the delivery of high quality, innovative programmes that are both knowledge-based and built on the latest advances in sports science.”
A look at the aims of the Ministry for Arts and Sports have continuously meant Australians have excelled at Olympic Games, punching well above their weight:
''The Australian Government is also committed to delivering an effective national sports system that offers improved participation in sporting activities by Australians in general. Through the Australian Sports Commission, the Government is working towards:
*increasing the number of people participating in sport, in particular youth, Indigenous Australians, women and people with disabilities through a range of initiatives including Project Connect, Sports Leadership Grants for Women and the Targeted Sports Participation Growth Programme;
*increasing the number of school children participating in structured physical activity and sport; *boosting the active membership and reach of sporting organisations and local sporting clubs;
*building the awareness of the values of fair play, self improvement and sporting achievement.''
Sport is Australia and in many ways one of the glues that binds national pride together:
“Sport is an integral part of Australian life, and sports funding is an investment in the community in terms of national pride, improved health, economic activity and stronger communities.” (Senator Rod Kemp).
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