The Dangers of Reporting in Russia

This article from the Guardian discusses the struggles and problems of independent journalists within Russia.   Using the information in this article, develop a series of questions that you would ask Russian journalists regarding their work.  Remember to build and do additional research for an A.  

http://www.theguardian.com/media/2008/nov/24/anna-politkovskaya-russia-press-freedom

Freedom of the Press. The Dangers of Journalism in Russia

http://lens.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/10/30/in-russia-conflating-journalism-and-hooliganism/#/1/

What rights and responsibilities should be given to journalist in Russia?   Can we understand another country's ideas and struggles without the freedom of press?  Should Mr. Zhiganova  be contained for his work as a journalist?    Take a look at the pictures presented in the article.  What is the portrayal of Russia and what is the bias?  Remember to build and do additional research for an A

Gay Rights, Protests and Western Businesses

http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2013/11/17/foes-russia-anti-gay-law/3618657/
Do you think that western companies and major stakeholders should protest the olympics taking place in Russia?  Why or why not?  Remember to build and do additional research for an A

Treat Yo Self' China. It's Singles Day

http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2013-11-11/forget-cyber-monday-dot-chinas-singles-day-is-arbitrary-consumerism-done-right

“Chinese consumers—already feeling a little rebellious—are possibly primed to buck against their own cautious budgeting.” What could be sparking the craze of “Singles Day?” On Monday, November 11th, the typically thrifty Chinese consumer base spent $5 billion on gifts to themselves. Is this a result of Western cultural influence? Economic changes in China? Loneliness?

For Parks and Recreation Fans- Be a Cashmere Velvet Candy Cane

The Change of Markets. It's Hammer Time.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/11/12/us-china-reform-idUSBRE9AA0YB20131112

"The core issue is to straighten out the relationship between government and the market, allowing the market to play a decisive role in allocating resources and improving the government's role.”

“While both state firms and the private sector were important and [the state] would encourage private enterprise, the dominance of the "public sector" in the economy would be maintained.”

These ideas appear inherently contradictory. If the Chinese government plans to maintain its economic dominance, how can the private sector thrive as the article suggests? Will these half-measures result in an improved Chinese economy? Can a hybrid between free-market and government-controlled economic ideals exist effectively?

That's Not Fog. That's Smog.

http://www.pri.org/stories/2013-11-11/china-does-180-air-pollution-policy-combat-its-deadly-smog

The following excerpt is from the article: “There was a time, maybe ten years ago, when people were almost proud of smog because it meant ‘we’re industrializing, we’re becoming a real country, we have the problems of modernity rather than the problems of the middle ages.’So this was regarded as progress." Obviously, the opinion presented here is vastly different than that which would be prevalent in the United States. What prompted the change in perception of smog, from  a marker of industrialization to a harbinger of sickness? How could the Chinese government better regulate pollution?

Teenagers, Girls, Blogging, and Race Cars. Welcome to the world of Han Han

In the following New Yorker article, Evan Osnos interviews the young author Han Han.   Han Han is decribed as an "edge ball".   Do you think that he is as rebellious as he is marketed ? Or is he the limit at what the Chinese Government will tolerate?   Outside research is strongly encouraged.   A little note, this is a good article but the viewer may not work so well for some computers.   You will  have to zoom in and out of the text.  

Coming to Terms with the Cultural Revolution

Soul-searching needed to avoid repeat of Cultural Revolution crimes

http://www.scmp.com/comment/insight-opinion/article/1342077/soul-searching-needed-avoid-repeat-cultural-revolution

1. Identify and comment on three instances of bias within this article. How does the opinion of the writer influence the style of the article? Would it look the same way if an American writer had approached the same subject?

2. The word Pathos refers to a rhetorical appeal in which a writer attempts to tug at the heartstrings of a reader. How is Pathos used in this article? Based on the subject matter, was an emotional slant the most effective means by which to present the information? Would a logical or ethical appeal have been as effective?

Starbuck Making Bucks in China

China takes on Starbucks, biting a hand that feeds it, analysts say

http://america.aljazeera.com/articles/2013/10/22/chinese-media-takesonstarbucksbiteshandthatfeedsitanalystssay.html

1. Starbucks asserts that higher costs in China are due to the fact that “Chinese customers, unlike their American counterparts, often consume Starbucks food and beverages in the stores.” As a result, owners are forced to spend more on location and design. Is this a viable excuse for inflation? What other forces may be influencing the increased cost of purchasing a latte in Beijing?

2. The article contends that the taxes levied against foreign business in China are hampering the transition from a production-based economy to a more consumer-centric model. Do the taxes on international businesses restrict growth, or level the playing field, so that local Chinese-ownedcompanies can begin to thrive as the economy shifts towards a more westernized model?