Clues in the Labyrinth

Yesterday’s blogosphere storm of criticism on the MSF video hit a soft spot in the humanitarian aid crowd. MSF wanted to change the way they’re showing what they’re doing. Some links to where the discussion took place: Osocio, The Road to the Horizon, Duckrabbit, Aidwatch and Aidthoughts.

MSF was aware of the change in portaying their work and asked for feedback, which they dealt with through engaging in the blogosphere. I myself largely agree with the criticism that MSF has crossed a line towards cheap tearjerking, but I especially like the point made in Aidthoughts that this is not the way we should talk about crisis zones.

Although I am critical towards the video, as far as I am concerned the real criticism should not target MSF alone, but also those who decide to donate to MSF because of cynical videos like these. After all, listeners and senders tune in to each other.

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Original uploaded to Flickr by: leshumainsassocies

The recent Twitter storm on the developments in Iran shows Twitter’s enormous potential for independent news and communication. But with great power comes great responsibility. At some point media attention dies out, and we all go back to normal business. What happens then to the people that are on the streets right now? I severely doubt that the big contender Mousavi stands for a much needed democratic change. Isn’t he just a better choice between bad ones? There may be a lot in store for the Iranians still.

I asked myself a couple of questions:

The events in Iran, and Moldova earlier this year, show that the social media support makes confontation much faster. Are we prepared to take responsibility for the speed of events social media seem to support?

Is there a way social media can support a longer process towards constructive confontation, or does it rather stay with the thrill of the clash?

What we can do in the longer run? Is there a ‘we’ that is able to organize an inclusive sustainable glocalized approach to support change in Iran – local activists and international actors alike? And is there a role for Twitter or other social media in it?

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