As I am a frequent watcher of BBC television, I was witnessing the latest television broadcasting of BBC Question Time where the British National Party leader Nick Griffin was one of the guests in the panel. The attention was rather triggered by the protests on the BBC premises, so I was eagerly waiting for the programme to be aired. Nick Griffin, in my view, made a complete fool of himself, mostly because of his frequent contradictions and argumentation which were too shallow to be taken seriously, and thus taking him seriously as a politician was therefore out of the question.
Whether the set-up of Question Time was ideal, is not exactly what I want to delve on, as I doubt whether Mr Griffin would be capable to withstand any critical BBC confrontation, regardless of whatever set-up, or a one-to-one discussion with another political figure. He may protest and complain to the BBC as much as he wants - as he did the next day - but the truth is, that exposure by media is the best way to publicly show what kind of politician we have, and it is rather his limited capability which is the obstacle to himself.
There is however a more alarming issue, which made me a bit uncomfortable. Obviously, a Slovak newspaper reported on the aforementioned matter, with a link to YouTube, as the BBC in principle is not available in Slovakia. What is alarming, are the discussions that followed after the article. It can be understood that perhaps some British citizen feels a resentment against some neglected political issues, and therefore - as an act of protest - votes for a party, even if this party may have some controversial principles. But it is their own milieu, concerning their daily life. What shocked me immediately, was the extremist and racist tone of some of the Slovak comments, condemning the BBC (for attacking Mr Griffin), and having some ideas and impressions, which would perfectly fit among the rank and files of the BNP.
True is, that (and this is confirmed by some prominent Slovaks) this society is far from cosmopolitan; it has little experience with foreign cultures - and indeed because of this being latent xenophobic. This can explain their sophist argumentation on Britain's imigration issues. Perhaps 99% of them never were in Britain, that aside. What disturbs me, is the uneasiness of common people to see the valuable role of media in a democratic society. Unlike the Czech Republic or Britain, Slovakia has a 'public TV network' which is controlled by government (and yes, censorship is not uncommon). Therefore objective news is hard to find. Those who are objective, and critical, face court with financial compensations that bring them on the verge of ruin.
The most integer president candidate Iveta Radičová - who unfortunately didn't make it - once stated that Slovakia has remained a village. Education is grossly neglected, therefore teaching people from a young age ethical values and becoming critical remains just a wishful thinking. Society has a trend to be indifferent instead of alert and much wrong can thrive endlessly, since hardly anyone feels a responsibility of his role as a citizen towards his own society.
A critical and well balanced talkshow on Slovak television is non existent, journalists lack a solid and supportive background, and leading politicians behave as if communism never left. The few exceptions are, despite their good intentions, a weak minority who will hardly reach considerable influence. It was another show of what this society thinks and wants. The result will be felt in a few years time, far too late, when they realise how destructive their leaders were, and how their passive role gave them all the leeway to do so. BBC-type standards media would be highly desirable. Just a few see that fact, because the majority doesn't understand this at all.
Whether the set-up of Question Time was ideal, is not exactly what I want to delve on, as I doubt whether Mr Griffin would be capable to withstand any critical BBC confrontation, regardless of whatever set-up, or a one-to-one discussion with another political figure. He may protest and complain to the BBC as much as he wants - as he did the next day - but the truth is, that exposure by media is the best way to publicly show what kind of politician we have, and it is rather his limited capability which is the obstacle to himself.
There is however a more alarming issue, which made me a bit uncomfortable. Obviously, a Slovak newspaper reported on the aforementioned matter, with a link to YouTube, as the BBC in principle is not available in Slovakia. What is alarming, are the discussions that followed after the article. It can be understood that perhaps some British citizen feels a resentment against some neglected political issues, and therefore - as an act of protest - votes for a party, even if this party may have some controversial principles. But it is their own milieu, concerning their daily life. What shocked me immediately, was the extremist and racist tone of some of the Slovak comments, condemning the BBC (for attacking Mr Griffin), and having some ideas and impressions, which would perfectly fit among the rank and files of the BNP.
True is, that (and this is confirmed by some prominent Slovaks) this society is far from cosmopolitan; it has little experience with foreign cultures - and indeed because of this being latent xenophobic. This can explain their sophist argumentation on Britain's imigration issues. Perhaps 99% of them never were in Britain, that aside. What disturbs me, is the uneasiness of common people to see the valuable role of media in a democratic society. Unlike the Czech Republic or Britain, Slovakia has a 'public TV network' which is controlled by government (and yes, censorship is not uncommon). Therefore objective news is hard to find. Those who are objective, and critical, face court with financial compensations that bring them on the verge of ruin.
The most integer president candidate Iveta Radičová - who unfortunately didn't make it - once stated that Slovakia has remained a village. Education is grossly neglected, therefore teaching people from a young age ethical values and becoming critical remains just a wishful thinking. Society has a trend to be indifferent instead of alert and much wrong can thrive endlessly, since hardly anyone feels a responsibility of his role as a citizen towards his own society.
A critical and well balanced talkshow on Slovak television is non existent, journalists lack a solid and supportive background, and leading politicians behave as if communism never left. The few exceptions are, despite their good intentions, a weak minority who will hardly reach considerable influence. It was another show of what this society thinks and wants. The result will be felt in a few years time, far too late, when they realise how destructive their leaders were, and how their passive role gave them all the leeway to do so. BBC-type standards media would be highly desirable. Just a few see that fact, because the majority doesn't understand this at all.
MS
Thank goodness for a very large satellite dish as I watch only British TV and news. Even if I was fluent in Slovak I know only too well that it wouldn't help my understanding of world affairs, relying as I would have to on STV, Joj and Markiza. That is unless of course I am interested in 'snow, trees, traffic, halusky, lost dogs in the Tatras or the sight of semi clothed unfortunate Roma grinning into a camera for our entertainment' All persented by grotesque barbie dolls who wouldn't know how to ask a serious journalistic question if it were written down for them!
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