Egyptian Riots

Do not think that I am underestimating the situation currently brewing in Cairo, Alexandria and Suez, but I cannot help thinking that there is a degree of shortsighted reporting in the UK press. Personally, I think that the main perpertrators of the simplistic, sensationalist and one-sided coverage of events in Egypt is the BBC. It's almost as if they want the whole region to go up in flames.

Last night I was was listening to BBC Radio 4 and let's lay out the bare facts as currently being reported. These are the three main reasons the BBC states for the recent uprising in Tunisia and demonstrations in Egypt. When I say main reasons I really mean only reasons put forward by the reporter.

1. Rising unemployment - especially in the under 25 age group
2. Government corruption
3. Rising cost of living

Now, let's take a step back, replace Tunisia and Egypt with the UK and highlight the differences. Exactly, there are none. We have the highest under 25 unemployment since records began. MPs and a Lord are in court (or have just been convicted) of stealing public money through falsified account claims. VAT has increased to 20% and petrol is through the roof. We've also demonstrated recently and correct me if I am wrong but some of the student protests were fairly violent.

I think what I am trying to say is that in my eyes in many respects the current reporting on events in Egypt from our UK media is tantamount to the pot calling the kettle black. Maybe Egyptians are just fed up. The difference is if people in Egypt protest they are portrayed as rebelling against some evil omniscient ruler. This may be true but it is also a very simplistic argument. In contrast when we protest, the whole event is dumbed down and quickly swept under the carpet by all concerned. This contrast is not only patronising but to my mind is also wrong.

The First Blog

This is my first ever blog so I think I'll keep it short. I'm sitting here on the sofa watching Michael Portillo on a steam train thinking (and wondering) what exactly it is I hope to write about on this blog. The more I think about it the more I understand. The point is to write. I just want to write. I can't wait to get started.

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