Something a little lighter from my part too (i.e. someone's too busy to write her usual wall of text)... This funny little piece of news made me ask myself: could I imagine a statement like this to be made in Finland? Are public speeches of this kind on behalf of someone in Chavez's status only typical for the straightforward Latin temperament and their culture?
When thinking about it, Chavez' worry is not very unusual and the headline in all its silliness is about the same quality as we sometimes see in Finland too. But is the context still a bit different and thus more shocking, when we hear some-man-in-the-lead-of-a-country-that's-going to-a-war-with-its-neighbour make such a statement? Do we give his words some more "oh dear he must be dead serious about this"-value than we would otherwise?
One thing that keeps me wondering too while reading news from South America, is why does _everything_ seem to happen during televised political meetings? Sure, we televise meetings in Finland too, but in our country it's considered a part of democracy. What is it in Venezuela? An attempt to answer the global demand for transparency? ...Or just one way to keep the nation's ruler in the limelight and portray him in the wanted way?
Oh, transparency reminds me of one more figure that will probably help you with getting some perspective on corruption matters. It's from 2006, but I guess no drastic changes have taken place. From what I've heard, Brazil has moved up a few steps though.
http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0781359.html
Written by: Iina J.
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All good things have to come to an end
15 years ago
In Australia it is also important issue to save water e.g. taking short showers. I haven't seen there statements quite like this, even though there is encouraged not to shower every day. But in Down Under there is Savewater! awards, which is a competition for organisations and individuals. Winner is naturally the participant who has done the most outstanding efforts to save water. (If interested, see more from here: http://www.savewater.com.au/programs-and-events/savewater-awards )
ReplyDeleteI think this is good PR for organisations participating this competition but also great way to make people do actual actions to decrease water consumptions.
By the way, in this years Corruption perception index Brazil is on place 75 when in 2006 it was 72nd. So not a drastic changes has taken place as you thought... Australia is on place 8.
And Brazilians are urged to pee in shower to conserve water. PR people and country leaders need to tackle many issues at the same time - like wars and environmental issues.
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