Let's talk Twerk

There is a new trendy phenomenon that has changed the world for dance in every corner of the earth. It can be described as a female ritual used to attract the male species by moving her rear end in a specific way to grab attention. It has been on the earth for a long time but evolved each year with different names. Some would classify it as a ratchet dance, classy talent or just a traditional movement. Well whatever it is, it is one trendy dance that is most talked about in today’s youth culture. I am talking about Twerking.

This craze has even made it to the oxford dictionary (2014) being described as "twist," "twitch," "work" and "jerk.  Famous celebrities such as Miley Cyrus and Nicki minaj are the ones to who contributed to bringing this twerking obsession into the spotlight for the past years. However there is a difference between Miley Cyrus twerking and Nicki minaj. Oh yes, a HUGE difference if you know what I mean. But it is more or less the same dance yet Nicki can get away with it for being classy whilst Miley Cyrus is just called trashy and ratchet just because she has a smaller behind.

Twerking is a dance that should be R rated in my opinion. It went from being a native dance in some African and Caribbean countries to being the sexy overexposing and overrated dance move on TV today (Mbakwe, 2013). West African women blessed with such big behinds would rotate their bums and move it up and down down when they would do their celebration dances. The Mapouka dance from Côte d'Ivoire can be seen as a form of twerking. The dance represented a cultural expression of joy, with its function being primarily celebratory rather than for sexual provocation. 

However nowadays Twerk has taken a stance as a sexual and voluptuous dance. Women are allowing themselves to become subjects of sex symbols in the media twerking explicitly infront of cameras. Nicki Minaj’s ‘Anaconda’ video is the mother of all twerking videos. It involves girls in outfits that leave nothing to the imagination shaking their behinds in quite a number of positions. The lyrics to the song are also very unacceptable- “My anaconda don’t want some unless you got buns huns”. Is this what we want to teach our kids out there? ; That it is acceptable to dance in revealing clothing and shake your booty for all public to see as sex symbols.

I really don’t what is classy about this video. Sure it has a lot of ratings but all for the wrong reasons. This form of twerking surely isn’t the same as it was from when it first originated in West Africa. The media has somehow turned it into a sexual and erotic dance which happens to be acceptable. As viewers of the media we need to be able to filter out what is right and wrong, call a spade a spade and not beat around the bush. Let’s be real, Twerking cannot be classified as classy, but it seems to be a trend that is here to stay. As media viewers let us not promote the idea that it is ok to dance in revealing clothing because it is just down right dirty and degrading to women.

Refernces links:

http://www.xojane.com/issues/the-origins-of-twerking

http://www.fuse.tv/2013/08/brief-history-of-twerking

A RISING STAR

He has played basketball for seventeen years for 4 different teams in 3 different countries. The thirty four year old Public Health student chats to us about his career in Basketball and how he continues to rise to the top.

A Loving Father, husband, student and basketball player, cheerful Chikondi Andrew meets with us at the comfort of his living room. This young man is currently doing his PhD in public health at the University of Pretoria, yet he is only 34 years of age. Weighing ninety-five kg and six feet tall, his build evidently spits out basketball player. It is no doubt that this tall masculine star lives and breathes out basketball. Chikondi has certainly come a long way. Born and raised in Malawi, the rising star takes us on a journey through his life as a basketball player.

With a graceful smile on his face, Chikondi describes himself as a fun loving person who enjoys meeting new friends. During his free time when he is not chilling with friends or family you can mostly find him on the courts. Growing up as the only boy in his family of four kids, basketball became his 1^st love. His Mother Ruth Chirwa said ‘as a child Chikondi would switch to the basket sports channel and watch it the whole day’. Chikondi also has a large collection of basketball sneakers. He began collecting them since he was a child.”…First thing he thinks of buying is basketball equipment, he has a lot of boots for playing basketball…” said Mrs Chirwa.

Chikondi started playing basketball seriously in 1998 for a college team in Malawi. It was called the poly bobcats. Since then, he played basketball for a couple of international teams. Once he finished his degree his family moved to Swaziland, but that didn't stop him from shooting hoops. He continued to play basketball for the Sonics team and became their star player.

There after he moved back to Malawi to further his studies in a Master’s degree. There, he played for ‘Bricks’ one of the top National basketball teams in the country. Five years later Chikondi moved to South Africa to do his PhD and is currently playing for the TUKS basketball first team. It seems that joining a basketball team for him is no hard task. But what keeps this rising star on top of his game?

He practises 5times a week and believes that keeping fit is most crucial. ‘I have to makes sure that I am always on top of my game. I have to keep fit and train hard.’ Chikondi tells us.

Every star has its shining moment, and for Chikondi that moment happened at a young age. Back in 2001, Chikondi once went on of the biggest matches of his life as substitute; the All Stars National Competition which occurred in Malawi. Nevertheless he managed to win the most valuable player award as well as player with the most baskets scored in the game. Despite being a rookie he brought his team to victory as they ended up winning the National Competition. “Back then I was just a youngster and when I came in, I changed the game…” He says proudly. Chikondi is certainly a rising star.

When asked what his biggest challenge as a basketball player is, he said having to meet new teams especially on an international level. “My main challenge is when I meet new teams from other countries” says the player. “But eventually that motivates me to play focused and play on my game.”

As a sports player especially in basketball, one is bound to get injured once in a while, and Chikondi is no exception. He recently injured his knee whilst jogging but other than that Chikondi has never had any major injuries on or off court. Such a talented star must have some inspiration that he draws from. When asked what was the best advice he has ever received, Chikondi says was to never give up and to make sure that you work hard and you will end up realising that you can be able to do anything. Chikondi also lives by the motto ‘Never undermine yourself. When you have the potential, you have something nobody can take away.’ The player also imparts a few words to youngsters travelling his journey. He said “The main issue is to focus in life, if one is focused, you know what you are striving to achieve.”

Well Chikondi is definitely a player to watch out for. In the future Chikondi plans on proving himself more and more to the TUKS basketball team. He hopes to help them win the league and become recognized as a top Basketball team in the country. No doubt he’ll shine his light and continue to be a rising star here in South Africa.

Is Journalism A craft or Profession?

In today’s society information holds a high source of power and knowledge. Collecting, compiling and publishing this information is known as the art of journalism. With that being said, anybody could easily be a journalist whether one can take it up as a part time skill or an actual profession. Therefore this essay will look at the controversy surrounding journalism as a craft or profession and which term best describes journalism.

The debate on journalism being a craft or profession has been argued for many years now. There have been many opinions and ideas on what journalism really is. The art of journalism began many years ago BC. In Egypt they used papyrus paper made out of water plants to write on. Later the Chinese discover paper from trees and people were able to print large amounts of information (chinaCulture.org 2003). Since then journalism has been evolving in our society and will forever continue to exist. As long as time shall stand there will always be something to report on, events to attend and stories to tell.

To question whether journalism is to be seen as a craft or profession is entirely debate-able. There is not one right or wrong answer as long as it is justified. I for one believe it depends on what type of journalism you do because the art of journalism is a very broad field of study. It incorporates all parts of communication and research. Greer. G (1999:2) states ‘journalism is the profession or practice of reporting about, photography or editing news stories for one of the mass media.’ My understanding of this definition is that journalism is a profession that allows one to collect, compile and report about events or news with mass media so that it reaches a large number of people (For example newspapers, radio and the internet.)

To establish the difference between journalism as a craft or profession, one needs to define both terms. A craft as defined by oxford dictionaries online (2014) is an activity skill that involves using ones hands. This definition easily relates to journalism as a craft because when we practice journalism we write stories and articles which involves the use of our hands. For example blogging is a type of craft journalism that many people take up as a hobby.

Journalism as a craft allows for people to earn some extra money part time. Others practice journalism as a craft because they enjoy writing whilst they fulfill their careers in other fields. Smith.S (1970) a well-known journalist, argued that journalism is not a profession but is a craft. He stated that it depends more on perception, skill, empathy and honesty of the journalist practitioner rather than on the acquisition of technical knowledge and skills. This means that one could do journalism as a craft if they had journalistic qualities rather than the skills one learns at educational facilities. Some people learn to write whilst others were born to write.

If one acquires journalistic qualities and skills does that automatically make the person a journalist? Well to understand and answer this question one would have to look at how a person can become a journalist. These days many companies are interested in knowing your qualifications and experience. Therefore it is very important for a field such a journalism to be studied at higher education.

As a passionate journalism student I believe the art and practice of journalism should be a profession. According to Oxford dictionaries ‘a profession is a type of job that needs special training or skill especially one that needs a high level of education.’ With that being said, we can establish that journalism is a Profession. If it were just a craft then there would be no need to teach journalism at higher education or tertiary levels; People could simply be journalists straight after completing high school.

Becoming a journalist is easy; it is becoming a great one that takes years of experience. I believe that a world without journalism is a world living in utter ignorance. Journalism is the key that connects each and every part of the world together. It allows people to know what is happening around the world. People no longer have to go out to look for news, the news comes to them. Television, internet, radios, newspapers and any other media makes it possible.

Before you decide that you want to be a journalist, you need to decide whether you will take it up as a craft or a full time profession. You also need to consider what skills you need to acquire to become a good journalist. Clear. A (2011) suggests that to be a good journalist you need to know how to craft stories or reports, detect and gather newsworthy information to present it to the people via media organizations. Hence it is a skill which needs to be trained and experience is what determines the outcome of your writing.

Like any other profession, journalism allows one to be awarded certificates and prizes for the best practitioner. Journalism award ceremonies are held in many countries to honour prestigious men and women who dedicate their lives to informing the people about worldwide stories. In Africa we have the annual CNN Multichoice African Journalist award which takes place in South Africa (CNN online1999). It honours the best stories and journalism professions whose stories have impacted the world or shed a light about certain issues.

With such an award taking place each year surely it is not there to honor those who take up journalism as a craft. There are hardworking men and women who take up journalism as a profession. They risk their lives day after day travelling to remote areas and places; expose themselves to dangerous situations just to bring the news to you as a viewer, reader and listener.

Journalism is also a profession just by the mere fact that you earn an income or salary from your work. Mr Hein De Vries a journalism lecturer at Midrand Graduate institute said ‘Journalism is more than a skill; it is an art and profession because you get paid for it.’ Unlike crafting which depend on how many items you produce or make. Journalism also involves more than tangible writing material. It encompasses on one’s values, morals and ethics. Therefor as a professional journalist you need to be aware of the certain ethics or code of conduct which binds the profession together. (SouthAfrican Press code, 2011)

In conclusion Journalism is a profession which starts off as a craft. As one gains more experience and dedicates their lives to the art of journalism it can be defined as a profession. Journalism is what makes the society what it is today with the compiling, collecting and reporting of newsworthy information. This is what makes journalism a very important profession that will always and forever be in demand.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

China Culture 2003. About China Culture.org. Available: www.chinaculture.org/gb/en_aboutchina/2003-09/24/content_26514.htm [Accessed 24 Feb. 14]

Clear. A. 2011.Dynamics of Public Relations and Journalism. Juta and company Ltd.

Greer. G. 1999. A new Introduction to journalism. Juta and company Ltd. 2-5pgs. SouthAfrica Creda Communications.

oxford dictionaries online . 2014. Defining Craft. Avalable: http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/english/craft [Accessed 20 Feb. 14]

Smith.S. 1970. Why journalism isn’t a profession. Journal article available: http://www.intellectbooks.co.uk/journals/view-Journal,id=220/ . DC Gazette [Accessed 20 Feb. 14]

South Africa CNN. 1999. African Awards. Available: www.edition.cnn.com/world/africa/9903/africanawards/1999 . [Accessed 24 Feb. 14]

South African presscode. 2011. Park Town

Stovall. J.G .2005. Journalism who, what, when, where, why and how. Library of Congress Cataloguing-in-publication data. USA

President J. Banda of Malawi.. for or against?

http://www.afrimind.org/article/73/president-banda-corrupt-president-or-upright-citizen.html

Corruption In Malawi! A Must Read

http://www.maravipost.com/national/society/4905-%E2%80%98licence-to-loot%E2%80%99,-a-must-read-report-released-by-researcher-and-barrister-of-middle-temple-z-allan-ntata-on-cash-gate-scandal-in-malawi.html

Case study: Vavi’s alleged extra marital affair scandal- Ethics in the work place

According to a study done by the NY Daily news(2013) nearly 55% of participants admitted to having sex in the work place and 14% had slept with the boss. I feel that it is outrageous to even be sleeping with a co-worker. These statistics may not reflect the truth in African workplaces where people have strict values and morals. However it is slowing becoming a reality in our society where people exploit each other through sexual relations just to obtain a place of power. But where does one draw the line between mixing business and pleasure.

Recently our very own General Secretary of the Congress of South African Trade union (COSATU) was involved in a scandal of having an extra marital affair with a younger co-worker. Mnguni.L (2013) describes Vavi as a well-respected, an outspoken politician who carries himself as a champion of all the downtrodden on all issues of oppression, including that of patriarchy in our society. He was suspended off the board after they found out he was having sex with a younger co-worker. It was also found that Vavi had employed this lady (Phooty) without taking her through normal employee procedures such as an interview.

According to my understanding taken from the online dictionary (2012), work ethics refers to doing the things which are seen as morally right or good in the work place. They could be a set of norms or certain values of a company which are meant to be followed. Values such as respect, intergrity, punctuality, honour and professionalism. Well I for believes that Vavi did not represent any of these qualities regarding the scandal he was involved in. From an ethical point of view I believe his actions were beyond wrong. What kind of example does a person of such high power set by breaking the company’s codes, values, principles and not to mention his marital vows to his wife? It is very unethical and unprofessional. Such scandals give men the right to abuse power and corrupt others. The lady is also to blame for allowing the affair to continue. I think she has just opened a door to people seeing women as nothing but sex toys in the office if she can exchange sex for a higher position in a company. It is very appalling. I do not know Vavi at a personal or even social level, but I assume it is safe to say that he is an abuser who does not think about the consequences of his actions on his life and how it has tarnished the good name of COSATU.

As citizens of South Africa we need to take a stand to fight for justice and say no to corruption. In 2005 Zuma was on trial for a similar rape case against him. Yet look at him now, he is the president of South Africa. Who is to say that Vavi won’t suffer the consequences of his actions and may even get away with it because in his eyes he sees nothing wrong? I feel that people of high power easily get away with corruption or anything. The system is fraudulent and actions are not taken very seriously especially when someone of such high power is in the wrong. We must say no to corruption.

I believe the victims in this scandal are not Vavi or the co-worker, it is us as citizens of South Africa and his wife who had to deal with the embarrassment, disrespect and being cheated on.. We were fooled into thinking that we employed a man of such great respect an honor yet he turned out to be a man who is immoral and unethical. Sex is a natural human instinct given to us by God. However these days it is expressed in the wrong ways. Most people say that the younger generation is corrupt but they forget who raised us. If people of such high power and responsibility can engage in such un ethical acts such as having an affair with a co-worker, how does it reflect on the younger generation who look up to them?

Ladies and Gentlemen, in conclusion I urge you all to take a stand against corruption. What Vavi did should be a lesson to us all that we should be careful of the decisions we make because they affect us all. And it is unethical to have sex with a co-worker, a junior co-worker for that matter. We should not be afraid of correcting those in high positions just because they are of high power. You can either be part of the solution or part of the problem.

REFERENCES

Mnguni.L .2013. Vavi's affair is a sign of patriarchy: iLIVE. Available: www.timeslive.co.za [accessed: 16 August 2013]

Wynn. C. 2013. Vavi to hear his fate. Available: www.ewn.co.za [accessed: 16 August 2013]

2013. www.NYDaily.news.com/sexwithacoworkermostofussayyes [accessed: 16 August 2013]

Can money buy happiness?

The very question which has been debated about for years and years on.  ‘Yes, no, maybe or to some extent’ are the kind of responses one may think about. Something that has been the root of all power, wealth and violence in many nation. Is it money that makes man corrupt or he corrupts himself with it? There are many faces to look at regarding this question. However there is no right or wrong answer, it all depends on how people feel about it. This article also looks at the link between happiness and the amount of money one has as well as what other people think about it.

We live in a world surrounded by people who driven by a hunger for wealth and power. For many generations this been reinforced subliminally in our minds that money is a source of happiness. I remember when I was a little child in the 2^nd grade. The teacher made us write a composition about our futures. Many of the youngsters had written about how they would love to live in a big house, have many cars and be rich. No one would wrote about how they would love to live a peaceful happy life in the future. It is just always assumed that if you have money your happiness follows after. This proves 

that even a little children between the ages of 5-7 view money 

as a source of happiness.

But why has money always been seen as the one item that bring happiness? Of course we need it to buy the necessities as well as recreational items. Money also provides us with services such as healthcare, education, banking etc. However I feel people have gone overboard to the extent that they value money more than a human life. If you could steal, kill and destroy for the sake of money what does that say about what money does to people? Are you stealing, killing and destroying in order to buy your happiness or in order to buy material items that will one day depreciate and the cycle of stealing and killing others will repeat itself.

Upon interviewing a couple of my friends what they thought about money buying happiness many different responses were given. One of them said ‘yes money does buy you happiness because being broke is no joke.’ She stressed that when you live in poverty you experience many problems which make you unhappy. Whilst the other friend’s response was ‘No, money can only buy happiness but for a while.’ Her argument was that people use money to buy material items that they think can replace the feeling of emptiness inside. Instead of seeing that happiness comes from within, that is why many people live very lavish lives but are not satisfied because they lack a certain inner factor.

Therefore I think it can be concluded that there is a link between being rich and happy and being poor and unhappy. However to some extent this link can be proven. According to a CNN (2012) survey poll done about the happiest countries in the world Costa Rica, Vietnam and Colombia top the list. Not only are these countries the happiest but they are considered 3^rd world countries which refers to developing countries. This proves that we do not need money to bring happiness in our lives.

In conclusion I believe money does not bring absolute happiness. It is about finding happiness within yourselves because we can never be truly satisfied and happy with our lives until we are happy with ourselves. And we can never be happy with ourselves unless we accept what God has given us. Smile every day when you look in the mirror. Money may not buy happiness but it is something we should be thankful of because not many people have that opportunity to have money to buy what they would like, instead they live every day in order to buy what they need.

 References

CNN (2012). World’s new happiest country. Available:  http://travel.cnn.com/explorations/life/denmark-ousted-100-latest-worlds-happiest-country-561826