Facts Over The Narrative

So this week we've gone over the fact that a narrative of a story with or without truth can be seen as a powerful tool to shape public opinion. Perfect example was the NAACP excerpt which ultimately ran on FOX news and resulting in the firing of Shirley Sharrod. This is a prime example as to where narrative can be run as news without the full story and the facts behind it. It is powerful when those who present the news do not do their job effectively and again, simply sensationalize the news. Though this weeks blog is not about that.

This weeks blog is about Mexico's earthquakes and of its people. I will refrain from personal 'narrative' and present articles from some different news sources than I normally use (excluding Al Jazeera because they are my personal go to for news).


So, the two new news sources which will be used this week are Mexico News Daily because I find that it is more fitting to use a news source to which the disaster originated and a a video which comes from The Independent Daily Edition. I'm trying to expand my pool of new sources so that I do not limit my pool to which I can pull information. I believe this is the key point to the basis of my blogs and I wish to continue to expand upon that point.

Let's first start with The Independent Daily Edition's article which has a video. I find that this would be the best way in which to display the situation. Imagery it a very powerful tool to use when it comes to displaying the severity of a situation. This video can be found of that link below:

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/mexico-earthquake-today-latest-mexico-city-magnitude-6-tremor-damage-a7963211.html




I know this video isn't much to go off of but it shows the beginning of the situation which I thought was important. This site also shows a dozen pictures of the aftermath of the 6.2 earthquake which hit Mexico City. Must of the damaged seem to be set up by the previous earthquake which occurred just a few weeks prior which involved an earthquake with a 7.1 on the Richter Scale.

http://mexiconewsdaily.com/news/damaged-buildings-total-10000-in-puebla/



The second article which is pulled from Mexico News Daily was of the first earthquake which hit not only Mexico City but many neighboring areas surrounding the capital. Many people are left without homes and jobs as buildings lay in ruin. Many of you may have heard about the school building crumbling while trapping people inside and I'm sure you've heard about a number of instances where gas pipes were damaged in the quake leaving buildings spewing flames from the rubble but worse than anything here are the lives lost in the damage. As many of these buildings where build over a decade ago their fortitude against such an earthquake proves little to no resistance. So where does that leave thousands of citizens to do? For now, all they can do is attempt to find their loved ones and wait for aid from the government and additional global actors.


The last paragraph from this page reads:

"Hundreds of homes were severely damaged including around 70% of all buildings in the town of Metepec, where scores of homes collapsed completely. One Metepec resident whose house collapsed says she “will have to start from zero” and called for the donation of blankets and tents for people who have been forced to sleep in the street."
I'm putting this up as a reference point. The town/city you live in now...what would 70% look like?

Lastly, Al Jazeera

http://www.aljazeera.com/Search/?q=Mexico%20EarthQuake

Now, I could pick an article and present it but instead simply chose to search a number of articles and let you guys pick from them. The selection ranges from factual straight forward news pieces to op-eds and interviews. From here give more of a general informational umbrella in which you can take part of reading more on the subject. People also seem to fail to realize that when Houston was hit Mexico sent aid to their neighbors north. It is important for people to realize that in times of crisis we are all human, living on this earth. These boarders in which we set up for ourselves which govern what we determine is "normal" and what "defines" us aren't anything but boxes which we simply agree upon or fall subject to. Yes, culturally there are things that divide man and set there are many other things which will do the same but when these sort of things occur it's important to remember that most, if not all of that is some what superficial and nonsensical when in the end I think it's safe to say we all just want to live freely and happily. Thank you!

Addition Sites on the subject added after the initial post formation.

http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rundown/2-devastating-earthquakes-hit-mexico-many-weeks-heres/

https://www.rt.com/news/404298-mexico-earthquake-hits-usgs/

Ways to help!

Remember!!! Do your research before donating! There are people out there looking to scam good intentions. Don't let crooks take away from the impact you have as good, charitable folks! The people of Mexico can really use a helping hand in these times of need. Thanks!

https://donate.worldvision.org/give/mexico-earthquake-relief

https://www.unicefusa.org/donate/disaster-relief-help-protect-children-harm/32787?utm_campaign=2017_misc&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=0178/2/_Google&utm_content=Mexico_Earthquake&ms=cpc_dig_2017_misc_0178/2/_Google_Mexico_Earthquake&initialms=cpc_dig_2017_misc_0178/2/_Google_Mexico_Earthquake

There is a wonderful list of donation sources on:

http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rundown/heres-can-help-victims-mexico-earthquake/