Thursday, November 15, 2007

Headlines


Zambia has three daily newspapers; however two are closely associated with the government and the ruling political party. The international coverage is refreshing as it can be broader than what we receive in the United States. The papers often feature headlines that are clearly designed to catch your attention. I thought that I would share a few of them with you.

Snake exposes adulterous couple
Tortise sender says sorry
Girl Guides body calls for castration of defilers
Woman beats husband to death at beer party

While we may find this unique and senasation, I think that they draw from the tradition of the British tabloids. I would caution that the headlines do not define Africa or its sophistication. The Church receives greater attention than what we see in the West. The same papers covered a talk that the Archbishop gave “democracy won’t grow without principles. The Jesuit Center for Theological Reflection publishes a monthly basic food basket index that is very helpful. And one cannot challenge awareness with the headline, “Namwala DC bemoans farmer’s ignorance about climate change.” I think that Zambia may be more on target than some in the United States.

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