A Box of Lights and Wires

A Box of Lights and Wires

By: Mary Taws

January 25^th 2010. Approximately 2000 Tourists are stranded atop the historical landmark Machu Picchu. They watch in awe as the swirling muddy waters rage at the base of the peak they hiked. CBS News’ Donna Francavilla was amongst them. She writes, “From miles away this morning, high atop the famous Inca Indian site, Machu Picchu, tourists gazed in shock at a river that roared below them. From that vantage point, high in the mountains, the swollen, brown river was visibly overflowing its banks, and flooding homes and farms.” Francavilla goes on to report in detail the strife of the tourists, but fails to even mention the residents of said flooded homes and farms…not even as an afterthought. 

I believe Francavilla committed an unfortunate and unfortunately common journalistic faux-pas in her coverage of the Peruvian flood, and I hope the context of the following man’s career illustrates why.

Today I was in television journalism class observing and discussing the late great Edward R. Murrow– A man whose journalistic convictions are unparalleled; a man whose thirst to report on the unreported was unquenchable. In the mid-20^th century, he fought always for what was just, and probably unpopular. He challenged the communist witch-hunt of the 1950s with great integrity and shed light on truths that were not always comfortable to examine.  Edward R. Murrow spent his whole life in this journalistic battle at the very same network that provided the above Machu Picchu piece.

I could not help but think if Edward R. Murrow were alive today, he would be ashamed to have served the same network that, in this Machu Picchu piece, exemplifies the opposite of everything he worked for. CBS, however, is not the only news source that has reported Peru’s disaster in an unbalanced an unethical manner.  News 24 and ABC both packaged the information in the same way: Not of the livelihoods being destroyed in the flood and the homes that were wiped out instantaneously, but of the 2 hour blip in the great time continuum for which a handful of tourists were scared.

The sad truth of it is that news outlets are also businesses. And at the end of the day, Canadian and American news consumers can relate more to the tourist stranded atop a peak rather than the Peruvian below whose life, culture and passions they know not of. What’s so interesting about this question of media ethics is that ASB is very much about breaking down this cultural disconnect that big news networks ultimately feel the need to consider in their editorial process.

I am one of the three journalism students travelling with ASB to Peru to film a documentary based on their experience. Our team talked today about how we wanted to capture something real and true. Something with integrity that is balanced and fair. And I think this bout of unbalanced reporting in Peru has only put more fire behind our cause as a documentary crew. If we do not subscribe to such a moral code, the stories of the voiceless fall through the cracks. Edward R. Murrow explained it best when he said that television has the power to “educate and illuminate,” but if journalistically abused it is reduced to “a box of lights and wires.”

Andrew Jone’s Blongs-A Different Point of View…..

It’s a strange task to try and convey excitement, wonder, amazement, euphoria, and a tiny bit of angst, via technology. Writing this I feel as though I need you, the reader, in the room with me so you can witness the shear joy on my face as I tell you how amazing Alternative Spring Break actually is.

             On October 7, 2009, I received an e-mail from ASB team leaders Andrew and Dani containing an invitation to join them and fourteen other individuals for two weeks in Peru. After convincing myself it was: a) not a cruel joke or b) a mistake, I began to try and fathom this once in a lifetime opportunity. Retrospectively writing this blog, let’s just say my initial thoughts regarding ASB were an understatement of how wonderful this program is. For four and a half months now, the fifteen ASB members (yeah, the doc crew is family too!) have had the chance to become exceptionally close with one another through our weekly meetings, fundraising/awareness events, spanish lessons, stories, jokes, hangouts, run-ins on campus, e-mails, texts, phone calls, telepathy etc. etc. etc. We have gone to great lengths to ensure the success of ASB while becoming a a tight-knit family. I’m positive this traveling experience will only strengthen our friendships.

            After reading the fantastic blogs by Olivia, Emma and Daphne, I pondered what could be written to add a new angle to their input on ASB? Well, one of the obvious aspects is the fact that I am one of three males partaking in ASB Peru 2010 (a trend that is common in ASB I have been told). All joking aside about it being some weird Ryerson reality television show, or that we’ll have to be macho men and save the camp from snakes(!), or that it’s questionable if I am a man yet, there is something noteworthy in this situation: the open-arm concept of ASB has made any encounter I have ever had with the group one that transcends gender, age, race, background, beliefs, etc., aspects which are often the cause of conflict within many parts of society. The group is always a site of optimism and receptiveness, and is another reason why I can undoubtedly claim this to be the best Ryerson group I have involved myself with.

            The group is behind a great cause of international development and student travel, two important aspects often neglected. I know when our adventure to Peru commences, not only will I feel an immense satisfaction with helping other communities, I will feel content knowing that I’m part of something unique, wonderful and beneficial to the individual and Ryerson. Most importantly, my involvement with ASB has not only provided me with the chance to flea this miserable Toronto winter,  it has given me the opportunity to make friends with fourteen new individuals, some which I am sure I would have been most unfortunate to have not met if it wasn’t for this adventure. Pure, utter craziness.

Be sure to stay tuned for more pre-departure and post-trip posts! And BackPACS events!

P

E

R

U

- Andrew

Attention Kenya Applicants!

PLEASE SEE THE KENYA TAB TO ACCESS THE APPLICATION FORM AND ONLINE BROCHURE!

Please note: the Kenya application form is due THIS FRIDAY, January 22!

Emma’s Blog- “Making a change one step at a time.”

You know that indescribable feeling you get about the arrival of a specific day–a special event, a birthday, a holiday… or in my case, a trip across seas to a place so utterly unfamiliar to me. Somewhere I can’t quite picture in my head, yet I’ve built up a level of excitement around it’s arrival because of how unreachable and strange it seems that it will be called my home for fifteen days. It’s that feeling that everyone has experienced that is so unusual that not one, two or ten words can accurately describe it. That day when you can finally say “ONE MORE SLEEP!!” even though in reality you know you will be tossing and turning all night long.

My name is Emma Brazier and I am one of the ever-so-fortunate team members of ASB’s Project Peru 2010. I along with many other students at Ryerson were intrigued with the group called Alternative Spring Break and up until I was lucky enough to be chosen to participate, had no idea what the group had to offer. Yes, I knew I wanted the full circle experience of traveling abroad, but I had no concept of what kind of adventure I was about to embark on. This rewarding experience I am still trying to wrap my head around began three months ago when twelve strangers came together for the same cause. The relationships I’ve gained with the other members of the team that only continue to get stronger meeting after meeting…the endless amount of times I’ve laughed so hard it’s resulted in me feeling delusional afterwards unable to focus… or when I’ve felt awkward and unsure of what and where conversations were taking us; somehow managing to talk about anything and everything irrelevant to the task at hand. All of these things are what bring the twelve of us together, even if it means that we spend hours on end attempting to learn Spanish when it seems to go in one ear and out the other (maybe its just me…). After every meeting we have, no matter how tired and drained I feel, I’m reminded of how lucky I am to be apart of a group of individuals so dedicated, enthusiastic and passionate about life.

Being a part of ASB has not only made the anticipation of traveling to Peru that much more worthwhile, it has made me crazy (just kidding!) I’ve realized what hard- working, wholehearted, generous individuals can make happen in such a short amount of time, and that is the success of our Project to Peru so far 

For those of you reading this that are thinking about traveling, that know it is something you have always wanted to do but may be unsure, scared or intimidated as I once was, it is worth knowing just how gratifying it has been for me so far. It has been a day of the week, each week for the past three months where I look forward to sitting in a cramped boardroom with eleven other people laughing uncontrollably until I feel, well…crazy!  It’s a room filled with common interests, inspired individuals and people who want to make change one step at a time!

Daphne’s Blog-An ASB Christmas…No Strings Attached

Returning to school after Christmas holidays has never been so exciting. As I lugged my massive pack down Yonge Street, I smile back at the strangers who look in utter shock that I’m not in a cab. Next month is Peru, and there sure as hell won’t be cabs there. As I happily trample through the polluted salty slush, I picture it as the crude mud on our future trail up to Concani. The brisk walking Torontonians, I imagine as the ants on the trail, ruthlessly bumping into one another, oblivious to a world outside of their objective.  If ants had the ability to give a friendly gesture of acknowledgment, such as a wave or a smile, would they? On this particular gloomy day in Toronto, if smiling is contagious, then frowning has become an epidemic.

As selfless as it may seem for the ASB team to spend our money to voluntarily fly across the world to help a community, I still realize there are many more ways to do so in our own city. I am not trying to be self-righteous.  Who am I to say that those busy ant workers of Toronto, although in flashy looking suits, are not rushing to work on a project much more beneficial to helping humanity? Although one of our main objectives is to do the same, I have already seen many unexpected benefits that have unexpectedly surfaced from working on this project.
This Christmas had to have been a very different experience for each person in my ASB team. For me, it started from the moment my mom asked me for a Christmas list, and for the first time, as pathetic as it sounds, I didn’t have to invent things to want. I didn’t have to strain my head, or window shop, or succumb to the bombardment of ads that used to fill up Santa’s wish list with things I’ve apparently wanted all along. That list was already filled with four big letters, P-E-R-U.  It’s refreshing to put aside the bits of contributions from friends and family, in my little mountain that will become the big mountains of Peru. No boxing-day blowout sale can beat that. Instead of returning after Boxing Day wearing my gifts, I expect to return after the trip wearing that experience, something I won’t grow out of or replace with next year’s trend. In a way, I think we’re investing in every ruthless boxing day shopper’s greatest gem: an experience uniquely one of a kind, a great deal, an opportunity not to be missed, with of course no return policy.

With this in mind, I keep thinking back to a theory I learned last semester, which is Victor Frankl’s “existential vacuum”. He argues that if we choose to give no real meaning to our lives, there is a hole of emptiness, a void to be filled.  Like a vacuum it sucks in meaningless things, filling our psyches with an illogical feeling of completion. Especially in a city like Toronto, during the holiday season, I see meaningless objects and deals clogging up this “existential vacuum”. For the ASB team, whatever it is this experience means to each of us individually, we have positively filled-in a portion of our existential vacuum, long before venturing to Peru. This Christmas we have filled this hole with the project, clogging the chimney and the only entrance for Jolly ol’ St Nick and his big bag of crap.

Olivia from Project Peru: Countdown!

Hello fellow ASB blog followers! My name is Olivia Zuccherato, I’m a second year ACS student here at Ryerson and I make up one of twelve super fantastic individuals on ASB’s team for Project Peru 2010.  T-minus 26 sleeps before departure and it’s all starting to feel real! No more, “pinch me I’m dreaming” because this much anticipated adventure so closely awaits us!
Now, I wish I could divulge into the long list of everything that I am excited about but of course this list is endless.  However, I will highlight certain things I am looking forward to the most. First of all, living in the “Sacred Valley” of the Incas (the town of Urubamba) where we will be diving right into our first project: building/restoring an old library in the community!  Next, we will trek onwards and upwards into the mountains to live with a different community in Concani. Here, our project is to cater to the needs and assets of the village at that particular time.  Talk about the best of both worlds! We get to experience Peru’s stunning natural environment from two very contrasting locations. Most importantly, I am thrilled to live intimately with these Peruvian communities, build relationships with their people and learn and see as much about their culture and lifestyles as possible.
I want to say that I am so proud of the team! The hard work and commitment put forth to help prepare and fundraise for this trip in the past couple of months is about to pay off! Our leaders, Dani and Andrew, have invested an entirely other level of hard work, time and passion into this project and for that I want to say thank you!!!
 I would like to add that while I have been wanting to be a part of a program like this for a long time, this is my first ever experience “traveling with a purpose” and taking part in a VolunTourism project. That being said, if it weren’t for ASB I wouldn’t be sitting here writing this blog entry and I surely wouldn’t be venturing south of the border this February! To say the least, it’s been quite the fulfilling journey so far and we haven’t even stepped foot in Peru! That’s the thing, ASB is more than just the trip and I think that’s the beauty of travelling through a program like this.
In short;
ASB is the GREATEST.
Project Peru 2010 will be epic.
WE ARE ALMOST THERE LADIES AND GENTS! FINAL STRETCH!!!!
P.S. Not only is ASB a part of Project Peru 2010, but three other talented and passionate broadcasting journalism students here at Ryerson are making a documentary film on the trip!! It makes me really, really, really happy that we have joined forces and I am so grateful that we get to be a part of their incredible endeavour.

Dirty BINGO

EVENT POSTING!

Thursday November 26th 2009 ASB Project Peru 2010 is presenting Dirty BINGO featuring Max Load as the entertainer for the evening!

This year’s DB will be at the Hard Rock Cafe. Doors open at 9:30pm and BINGO starts at 10pm. Play allllll night for just $20, entry fee also gets you a free raffle ticket to win the grand prize!!!

This year’s Dirty BINGO is sponsored by the Stag Shop. They have provided us with AMAZING prizes that you’re too embarrassed to buy. There will also be sex toy experts on hand to answer all your taboo questions.

We hope to see you all there!

Who is ASB looking for?…YOU!

Wow!

Thanks to EVERYONE who came out for our info sessions! We had some great questions and inquiries. One of which I felt deserved its own blog! What does ASB look for? Does age matter? WHO do you want? The answer in short is ANYONE! The full answer is below…..

ASB is not after veteran travellers, or people who think they know what international development is,  or students who have volunteered abroad before.  Remember…this is a learning experience so all candidates are required to have an open mind. 

ASB does not care how old you are! Last year we had an age range that stretched over an entire decade!!! Remember, we learn from each other’s perspectives and points of view as well as from the community we visit! So the more diverse our team…the better!

ASB does not care about your religious affiliation. We want to break down cultural barriers…not put them up. Last year we had a practicing Muslim on our team. And if there would’ve been an award given out to the most “liked” team member given by the community…I think they would’ve chosen her! Our team also had the opportunity to learn about her religion.

ASB does not care about dietary restrictions. To make this simple…last year we accommodated two vegetarians and one vegan. Don’t worry…we got you covered! Even if it is peanut butter for breakfast!

In a perfect world…ASB wants all faculties and programs to be represented. The way we all look at the world is inevitably shaped by our studies. Last year, while watching freighter ships manoeuvre the Panama Canal I realized just how cool this aspect of ASB was. The conversation that sparked this realization went something like this:

Dani-Global Studies: “Wow! I can’t believe I am standing at one of the cross-sections of global trade! Did you guys know that….”
Andrew-Criminal Justice: “I wonder how many people are being smuggled on the freighter…did you know…..”
Asma-Geography: “The Panama Canal saves thousands of miles of travel time by connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans…AAAAND it’s only 100 feet deep! This is INCREDIBLE!!!!!”

Not only was I able to connect my own classroom experience with what was going on around me but I saw that same world through the lens of other specialties. So just because you’re in business doesn’t mean we don’t want ya!!!!!

ASB needs enthusiasm and dedication. These are the only two ingredients we absolutely demand. It takes all kinds to make this world go round….the same goes for ASB. So when you’re filling out your applications or answering interview questions PLEASE…just BE YOURSELF…because we want you…not the person you think we want you to be! ASB is one of the most amazing experiences you’ll ever have so open your mind to the possibility that maybe….. YOU are exactly who we’re looking for!

That’s all for now….remeber applications are due on Thursday by 5pm! If you want to read more of my blogs scroll down. I blogged during my entire research trip in Kenya that is shaping an upcoming ASB project slated for May 2010….and …if you’re an  ASB keener…like me…and you want to know more about this Turkish imprisonment thing that Professor Kislenko keeps slipping in there…..you can read all about it.  And for the record….it was a holding cell!

Can’t wait to meet the team!

Cheers

Dani

ASB Vlogs!

Hey all you Alternative Spring Break enthusiasts!
Check out the new “volg” on the student life website for the Faculty of Arts at Ryerson University.
Sarah Lambert who is head of communications for student life thought incoming students would like to know about ASB and how they can get involved as well as how Ryerson students are applying their arts degrees to real life….a rare commodity in the arts world…well perceived rarity anyway…completely dumbfounded but I digress…prove‘em wrong liberal arts majors!!!
Anyways, check it out!

http://ryersonartoflife.blogspot.com/2009/07/ryerson-alternative-spring-break.html

Ode to an Arts Major

Ode to an Arts Major…sparked by a family gathering I attended this past weekend.

Aside from doing good work overseas….ASB is cool because…..

Isn’t it obvious? Maybe not to everyone but if you’re one of many Faculty of Arts students being part of a student run initiative is priceless….especially when visiting extending family who all want to know what you’re going to do with an arts degree.

Students who enter into an arts program (not the paint brush arts but liberal arts) generally don’t know what they want to do in life, and why should they? How are we supposed to make that kind of decision at such a young age without critical knowledge and insights about the world around us? When people asked me why I went into the Arts and Contemporary Studies(ACS)  program I told them that the only way for me to understand my place in this world  is by understanding how this world works…. ACS has since taught me to be critical in my assessment of the word “works” and I have since discovered that maybe this world doesn’t REALLY work at all. And this is where programs like ASB come in. Not only does it provide students with amazing opportunities such as being part of a team, learning leadership skills and promoting the transformation from student to fundraising extraordinaire; but it applies many of the critical thinking skills we learn in the class room (surrounded by bricks and mortar) and applies it in the real world with no text books or professors to tell you if you’re right or wrong.  So basically it shows others something that an art student intrinsically knows, that an arts degree is valuable because it’s limits are boundless and it teaches you to teach yourself while learning from others.

ASB is also cool because you learn from other people’s perspectives.

I’ll never forget being on the airplane on our way to Panama and hearing one of our fellow ASB team members Asma leaning over the window and exclaiming “Look it’s a cluster of altocumulus clouds…and look at that land formation. Did you know that over twelve million years ago…..” Asma majored in geography and shared so much of her knowledge with us. It was part of the experience that I had never even thought about until it appeared right in front of me.  Again, while standing and watching all the cargo ships pass through the Panama Canal a conversation was sparked  that went something like this:       ”Wow, I wonder where all those goods are coming from and how much it will be sold for in comparison to how much the people who made the products are being paid?” -ACS/Global Studies Major. “I wonder how many people are hiding within that cargo ship? Do you have any idea how much human trafficking goes on curtsey of cargo ships?”-Criminal Justice Major. “Did you know that the Panama Canal is a unique geographical form and has acted as a trade route for hundreds of years? I wonder how the world would change if there was some type of giant earth quake that closed the canal!”-Geographical Analysis Major.  It is this type of conversation and insight into the world around us that makes ASB so unique and priceless. When else will you ever get to travel with a group of likeminded yet academically diverse group of students and learn about the world through 12 different points of view? Only in ASB!

ASB is cool because it makes you see your own potential.

Before becoming a part of ASB I completely underestimated my own capabilities. ASB not only proves to students that they are capable of traveling on their own but that big projects that seem unobtainable are possible. Being part of a new culture and learning a new language opens a student’s mind beyond the limits of any book or lecture. Being in Panama and seeing all of our hard work materialize into that amazing experience showed us that anything’s possible and WE were the ones that made it happen. This then begs the question….what else can we make happen???? And so the quest for boundless opportunities begin…because you now know that YOU are capable of ANYTHING you set your mind to!….. And then you end up in Turkish immigration under interrogation lights for hours but know you can get through it because you ARE capable of anything…this will only make sense if you’ve read my previous blogs.

ASB is cool because you become a part of something much bigger than yourself. You feel connected to your university and meet lots of amazing people! ASB is cool because in the process of doing good things it fosters friendships and experiences that shape and create amazing people….not JUST students…but people…people who have a better understanding of their faculty of study because they get to know the world that surrounds them just a little bit better that before.

So, for all you art majors out there…next time someone asks you what you’re going to do with your arts degree you tell them………….”ANYTHING!”

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