There are multiple crises occurring around the globe of late, including climate change, the Ebola virus and terrorism, but a particular issue that has been brought to the forefront recently is the matter of inequality. While this is not as pressing an issue as terrorism and climate change may seem, it is however highlights a severe need for humanity to address.
Often, what we hear about these global crises is regulated or highly mediated by the media which presents the events to us ( 2014). For example, inequality is very rarely reported in the media, or as a news piece.
British actress Emma Watson presented a speech on gender equality to the United Nations. She highlighted that while she was growing up, especially in the public eye, she was affected by how society perceived her and women alike; “when at 15 my girlfriends started dropping out of their sports teams because they didn’t want to appear ‘muscly’” (UN Women 2014). The rights to be paid equality between genders for example should be considered human rights, and she also called for the perception of the word ‘feminism’ to change (UN Women 2014). This greatly emphasised the dire need for these issue to be addressed as they are affecting women around the world every day.
Another example of inequality was also pointed out on Q&A recently by Josh Thomas and Bob Katter. Katter was questioned by an audience member about suicide rates and mental health issues amongst homosexual youth (Kembrey 2014), however he responded with the notion that it was not a priority. By doing this he dismissed the validity of people’s illnesses, creating an unequal stance.
These issues, which have made it into mainstream media, have finally conjured up debates about these serious issues, which constantly occur and affect people in a very negative way. Global crises are not always revolving around climate change or conflict, and it is important to address issues which personally affect people.
References:
Dreher, T 2014, ‘Global Crises and Global News: Pacific Calling Partnership’, lecture notes, BCM111, University of Wollongong, delivered 8 October 2014.
Kembrey, M 2014, ‘Bob Katter Struggles for Words on Q&A About Mental Health Problems Faced by Gay Community’, Sydney Morning Herald, 7 October, viewed 13 October 2014, <http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/bob-katter-struggles-for-words-on-qa-about-mental-health-problems-faced-by-gay-community-20141007-10r5n2.html>.
UN Women 2014, ‘Emma Watson: Gender Equality is Your Issue Too’, UN Women, 20 September, viewed 13 October 2014, <http://www.unwomen.org/en/news/stories/2014/9/emma-watson-gender-equality-is-your-issue-too>.
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