Facebook as Alternative Media

My customized Google page includes many newsfeeds among them Aljazeera and the BBC conveniently positioned one on top of the other. On a daily basis I compare the headlines of both feeds in terms of the information provided and the news stories covered. What I have always noticed is that when it comes to news concerning Israel the headlines are always contextually different. For example, on Saturday I woke up to the horrible news from Aljazeera of “271dead in an Israeli raid on Gaza” meanwhile just below, the BBC reported “Massive Israeli raids on Gaza.” While both headlines imply Gaza under attack, one doesn’t quantify the magnitude of the attack. AP on other hand reported that “Oil jumps above $39 as Israel-Gaza conflict widens.” Notice the use of the word conflict to imply two equals, and the misleading use of the word “widens”…but I digress.

I think it’s in times like these where alternative media resources like blogs really shine. If you’re looking for a great video coverage of the terror attacks against Gaza I suggest you visit The Real News Network. On the other hand blogs like International Solidarity Movement, In Gaza, as well as a blog to which I have a personal connection, Eva’s oPt. Eva is a friend of mine who is doing all she can to get the word across, I have never met a more dedicated person. She’s currently in Gaza and wrote to us after the rocket attack saying “please don't worry for me, worry for Palestinians.”

Although blogs can excellent source of unfiltered information, people who read them are generally ones who are aware of the media bias. Facebook on the other hand is a great way to get the message across to those who never check the news by using groups, sharing news links and videos, as well as writing notes. But there’s one more method to inform through Facebook. Status updates intended to spread information. They quickly read, and can be used to deliver informative headlines viewed by hundreds of people who would have otherwise been oblivious to their surroundings. I can safely say that most of Facebook users spend more time updating themselves on their friends than keeping up with news, let alone going out to seek accurate news. So why not use the tools available at hand to show the world the extent of suffering whether it’s in Gaza or elsewhere. In a time like this when we feel paralyzed and unable to help, the least we can do is relay the suffering of the individuals stripped bare of the politics, rhetoric and the blame game that we are so sick of hearing.