propaganda
Modern-day Maoists worry Chinese authorities
How China transforms a propaganda film into a summer blockbuster
"Repeat after me": a crash course in Chinese journalism
This Chinese journalist has a problem: a toothless peasant won’t answer his questions clearly enough. No matter, he’ll just “suggest” the right turn of phrase, and even help the peasant rehearse his lines. Lights, camera, action!
Iran wildly overestimates France 24’s – and Ahmadinejad’s - popularity
According to Fars news the official Iranian press agency, an article on France 24.com about Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's speech at the UN General Assembly in September reaped in 2.2 billion reader comments. This figure doesn't exactly match those of France 24. Read more...
Surprise YouTube hit shows N. Korean girl praising 'socialist paradise'
A video of a pretty North Korean girl heaping praise on Pyongyang's communist regime has gone viral in recent months. Her message is clear: life in her country is a socialist paradise, while the West knows only poverty and chaos. Watch the video...
China’s “Good Samaritan” turns Party into a laughing stock
Lei Feng is the Chinese Communist Party's favourite do-gooder. The late comrade has been unknowingly representing good behaviour since he died in 1962. Each year, a day is held to encourage his enviable virtues. But this year, the legend has been employed by one web user to make a mockery of the Chinese Communist Party; with his very own blog. Read more...
When election cards turn into propaganda material
Sri Lanka headed to the polls today to choose between incumbent President Mahinda Rajapakse and former army chief Sarath Fonseka. Desperate to cling onto power after claiming the defeat of the Tamil Tigers last year, Rajapakse has been accused of verging on illegal tactics in his attempt to woo voters. Read more...
Hamas advocating dialogue through children’s cartoon?
Hamas owned al Asqa TV is known by many for promoting anti-Semitic values to children through its use of cuddly animals such as "Assoud the ‘holy war' rabbit". Last month however, the channel aired a cartoon which seemed to be advocating dialogue between Israeli and Palestinian kids. Too good to be true? When the Jews in it look like devils, yes. Read more and watch the clip...
Chinese tissue advert sparks unification spat with Taiwan
One of China's public demonstrations of disregard for Taiwan's independence comes in the form of an advert for tissues. Not surprisingly, the Chinese ad was far from welcomed across the straits. A few days ago, a Hong Kong TV channel aired a rude parody of the Chinese ad made by Taiwanese web users. But why? Read more and see the clips...
French aviation company congratulates 'brother and leader of the Libyan revolution' Gaddafi
It's not unusual for companies in Libya to publicly well-wish "Brother and leader of the Revolution", Colonel Muammar Gaddafi. Except when it's... French military aviation company Dassault Aviation. Read more.
