Your site certainly serves as a good model of how new media has enabled the emergence of a cyber community focused on the events unfolding in Fiji as well as its relationship with Australia, New Zealand and the rest of Oceania. The diversity of news and commentary is refreshing and thoughtful for many of us who spend a lot of time analyzing and exploring issues pertaining to governance, institutions and public policy in Oceania.
While creating a community engaged in political discourse is a substantive achievement in a fickle age, the continued use of anonymous comments undermines essential prerequisites for communal dialogue, which are transparency, sincerity and civility. Central to the democratic project is our capacity for dialogue as a means to negotiate, compromise, explain and disagree on the proper ordering of society, politics is ultimately a conversation of mankind, to borrow Michael Oakeshott’s lovely phrase. How difficult it is to have a conversation over substantive matters with people behind hidden doors and faces unencumbered by the virtues that make political discourse purposeful, civilizing and humane.
It is possible that on rare occasions a nom de plume is prudent and even necessary, but I am not convinced that the current situation in Fiji merits that privilege. What are needed among all interlocutors are transparency, courage, wit and humor as we struggle in our own ways to make sense of the world we live in. You have created an excellent forum for a robust exchange of ideas and issues; it would be nice to know whom we are having an exchange with.
kantsudarsan@hotmail.com
Note: I agree with almost everything Sundarsan has said, and I'm delighted with the growing number and quality of (most) comments. They often exceed the value of the post on which they are commenting. Blogs really can serve a truly democratic purpose.
But I think Sundarsan underestimates the possible consequences, for some readers, of revealing their real names. Fiji is essentially a "small society" where events are acted out on a small stage. And where the actors know each other, there is always the possibility of retribution. That said, write anonymously if you must but please do use a pseudonym (pen name). Genuine discussion does not need a real name but it does require some name. Croz
Note: I agree with almost everything Sundarsan has said, and I'm delighted with the growing number and quality of (most) comments. They often exceed the value of the post on which they are commenting. Blogs really can serve a truly democratic purpose.
But I think Sundarsan underestimates the possible consequences, for some readers, of revealing their real names. Fiji is essentially a "small society" where events are acted out on a small stage. And where the actors know each other, there is always the possibility of retribution. That said, write anonymously if you must but please do use a pseudonym (pen name). Genuine discussion does not need a real name but it does require some name. Croz
Cartoon: www.clipartof.com
5 comments:
How right you are, Professor Walsh, and how utterly off beam is Sudarsan Kant. He appears not to appreciate the necessity for access in Fiji if anyone is to achieve a modicum of dialogue based on disclosure which is truthful and removed from deceptive or manipulative spin. This society is far from a society able to engage in a Michael Oakshott-determined conversation especially one concerning political discourse. Indeed, even within the safety of a university campus many constraints and self-censorship would prevail for family, cultural,personal safety and reasons of necessity: access, once gained, may easily be withdrawn if a perceived betrayal of the Culture of Silence is determined or suspected. Once access is denied, it is unlikely to be easily regained. Trust, especially after an upheaval in such a small society, is the most precious commodity. Far more valuable than elevated and purposeful political discourse (of the Oxbridge variety). And this is based on a common sense of humanity that is alive and well-evolved in Fiji. Fijians are a humane and a generous people. But a betrayal of trust is not easily to be forgiven or forgotten. So robust exchanges of ideas are unlikely except in the most private and sheltered of circumstances. Survival is the name of the game. One of the oldest motivating factors since time began? The choreography of dialogue is at all times to be carefully moderated. That is why those who participate must be free from unwelcome baggage. Ask the Israelis about this. They seem well aware of the difficulties and nuances particularly as most have served in the military.
Sundasan Kant is only interested in stroking his own ego. He typifies the ilk who have left Fiji for greener pastures, made names for themselves in the land of milk and honey, and now want to tell people who live in glass houses that they should start throwing stones. From the comfort and safety of their adopted country they get their rocks off by stroking their egos. Wimps.
I appreciate what S.O.E. said in response to Kant's article. Though there is room to disagree with the former's view, I am at a complete loss when it comes to understand what the next two Anonymous writers are talking about. In regard to the first Anonymous, can he specifically point out the exact paragraph, sentence and words that led him to his unwarranted, stupid and off-target conclusion? If not, may I suggest him to learn the rules of Logic and only then venture on the Internet to make comments? Finally, the only stroking of ego at work here is the Anonymous'very own (incidentally, in his comment one could detect nothing but petty envy and resentment for being "stuck" in a place where he does not want to be...And if that is the case, how pathetic!)
And now, to the second Anonymous who must be an eleven year old; "Does your mommie know you go on the Net and cuss people out? Get off this site, because this is for big people...Go watch Spunge Bob on TV or something, while we adults talk about substantive issues... Scram...Go play in traffic!"
Any one who is in Fiji and blogging is aware of the risks not only to themselves but to their family. The regieme has from the start in 2006 threatened violence to family as a way of controlling people. I have had first hand experience of this.
Blogging anonymously is important if you are in Fiji but it should be the quality of the post that is important not the ID. Pseudonyms make following the discussion easier when there are several anonymous contributors.
We believe the biggest hurdle to good blogging is the inability to confirm information offered.
We had information last week of the military having a blogger in custody but have heard nothing more. At the same time Raw Fiji News stopped posting and it would be easy to connect the two but we have nothing but coincidence to run on.
I have deleted the second Anonymous's comment. Foul language.
Post a Comment