A friend in Ottawa recently asked me (August 17, 2016): ‘As a peace journalist, are you biased towards Russia instead of being objective?’ While starting to write him a reply, I decided to answer the question here, and he wished to not be identified.
Answer
No. I prefer to say that I am ‘friendly’ rather than ‘biased’. I understand that because my ancestors immigrated from Russia 117 years ago, some readers may be suspicious of my intentions.
I have a degree in anthropology where I learned that the first step in learning about the stranger is gaining rapport. We need to carefully listen, watch and learn, and gently walk on this earth.
I visited Russia and Europe 13 times since 1957. I feel like a citizen of the world and recognize all people as members of one human family.
My favourite motto is ‘In search of truth and a nonkilling society’ — which pretty well sums up the intent of my storytelling over the years.
‘As a peace journalist’ I have tried to be fair to all sides including Russia and the West — using many sources since the 1950s when I began publishing.
I recognize that propaganda, disinformation, information warfare, lies, fear mongering, etc. are varieties of verbal warfare and are obstacles for reporting the truth.
Because my writing often focuses on facts avoided by western media, I may appear biased to those who don’t know the rest of the story. Some examples:
Here’s another little known fact that exposes the rest of the story. Though my ancestors came in 1899-1930 with 8,300 Doukhobors from Russia, they were invited to settle western Canada in 1899 primarily to prevent annexation of Canada by the USA.
See all Questions and Answers.
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| "Media bias", Danielle's Journalism Portfolio, March 24, 2015 |
Answer
No. I prefer to say that I am ‘friendly’ rather than ‘biased’. I understand that because my ancestors immigrated from Russia 117 years ago, some readers may be suspicious of my intentions.
I have a degree in anthropology where I learned that the first step in learning about the stranger is gaining rapport. We need to carefully listen, watch and learn, and gently walk on this earth.
I visited Russia and Europe 13 times since 1957. I feel like a citizen of the world and recognize all people as members of one human family.
My favourite motto is ‘In search of truth and a nonkilling society’ — which pretty well sums up the intent of my storytelling over the years.
‘As a peace journalist’ I have tried to be fair to all sides including Russia and the West — using many sources since the 1950s when I began publishing.
I recognize that propaganda, disinformation, information warfare, lies, fear mongering, etc. are varieties of verbal warfare and are obstacles for reporting the truth.
Because my writing often focuses on facts avoided by western media, I may appear biased to those who don’t know the rest of the story. Some examples:
- No More Hiroshima, No More Wars!, 6 August 2016.
- Russophobia and the Olympics, 31 July 2016.
- Will Business Start a War With Russia?, 6 June 2016.
- Honest World News, 16 February 2016.
- War in Ukraine and NATO, 4 December 2015.
- Ukraine: Zbig’s Grand Chessboard & How the West was Checkmated, 15 August 2015.
- Avoid ‘Cold War’ With Russia — How?, 21 December 2014.
- Writers in Their Society: Soviet and Canadian Writers, March 1989. Posted 20 January 2007.
- Leupp, Gary. An Urgent Necessary Briefing on Syria. Information Clearing House, October 15, 2016.
- Leupp, Gary. Reaping the whirlwind: Kerry, al-Nusra, Russia and Syria. Counter Punch, October 6, 2016.
- Buchanan, Patrick. ISIS, Not Russia, Is the Enemy in Syria. Information Clearing House, October 7, 2016.
- Hiro, Delip. US Power at the Crossroads: A Snapshot of a Multipolar World in Action. TomDispatch.com, October 11, 2016.
- Cunningham, Finian. Stop Interfering With My Freedom. Strategic Culture, October 13, 2016.
- Watson Institute of International & Public Affairs, Brown University. Costs of War, 2016.
- Garcia, Emanual D. 'The Russians Are Coming...Again?' Intrepid Report, August 29, 2016.
- Pilger, John. 'Provoking Nuclear War by Media'. Transcend Media Service, August 29, 2016.
- Vitchek, Andre. 'Western Propaganda So Simple but So Effective'. New Eastern Outlook, August 29, 2016.
- Softpanorama. 'Neoliberal Brainwashing — Journalism in the Service of the Powerful Few'. Softpanorama, August 2016.
- Unz, Ron. ‘The US Planned to Nuke Russia In the Early 60s —Then Kennedy Nixed It’. Russia News Now, August 19, 2016.
- MarketStart Editor. ‘Barack Obama: From Peace Prize to World’s Biggest Arms Dealer in 8 Short Years’. MarketStart, August 17, 2016.
- Parry, Robert. ‘America’s Journalistic Hypocrites Clearing House’. International Clearing House, August 17, 2016.
- Cartalucci, Tony. ‘New Armenia Protests, Same US-Backed Mobs’. NEO New Eastern Outlook, April 28, 2016.
- Parry, Robert. ‘A Western media unmoored from facts’. Consortium News, April 7, 2016.
- Winter, Tom and Joaquin Flores. 'What you believe if NPR is your news source, and why it matters'. Fort Russ News, August 22, 2016.
- Petro, Nicolai. 'What is the Real Status of Democracy in Russia? An Interview with Professor Nicolai Petro', Natylie's Place blog, October 14, 2019.
Center for Citizen Initiatives speaks up:
Sharon Tennison, founder and head of the Center for Citizen Initiative has posted an article on President Vladimir Putin in how he is using graceful language that is human and friendly and invites people to work together. See Putin: Martial Arts Philosophy in Action. Sharon writes:
'It certainly is putting out a message to the world about the value of a classical man who attempts to be honest, straightforward and leaves doors open for dialogue.'
Ultimately a non-military solution is needed to create a peaceful world. But the first step is good quality diplomacy beginning with compassion within. Let's step back, breathe deeply and normalize the rhetoric and become civil.
Three informative videos:
'It certainly is putting out a message to the world about the value of a classical man who attempts to be honest, straightforward and leaves doors open for dialogue.'
Ultimately a non-military solution is needed to create a peaceful world. But the first step is good quality diplomacy beginning with compassion within. Let's step back, breathe deeply and normalize the rhetoric and become civil.
Three informative videos:
- Sinchougova, Inessa. How Putin exposed the West: Part 1 (IMF/World Bank). Fort Russ News, September 28, 2016. Video 7.55 minutes.
- Sinchougova, Inessa. How Putin exposed the West: Part 2 (Economic Hitmen). Fort Russ News, October 1, 2016. Video.
- Sinchougova, Inessa. How Putin exposed the West: Part 3 (Georgian Aggression). Fort Russ News, October 2, 2016. Video.
Here’s another little known fact that exposes the rest of the story. Though my ancestors came in 1899-1930 with 8,300 Doukhobors from Russia, they were invited to settle western Canada in 1899 primarily to prevent annexation of Canada by the USA.
See all Questions and Answers.
Koozma ...where are your citations from journalists who have pointed out flaws in the Russian government? Are there none you admire?. I know you so I know that you do indeed believe in the human family... but others might doubt it.
ReplyDeleteIf Russia did not exist, the military-industrial complex would have to invent her to justify modernization of nuclear weapons and sophisticated ABM programs.
ReplyDeleteI disagree with Ingrid that you should be citing flaws in the Russian government - Western media is doing entirely enough of that probably in order to justify expansion of NATO.
You said it Dale:
Delete"If Russia did not exist the military-industrial complex would have to invent her..."
Kensky here.
ReplyDeleteMy father was Ukrainian but I was born in the US and lived in Canada since kindergarten.
My lens on the world is vision for a local structure where resources and admin are decided locally with an emphasis on freedom, respect and sharing of all required work and the remuneration from the resources. People need purpose and feel that they are wanted, needed and loved.
The Capitalist system has proven itself to be a disaster. When "The 85 Richest People In The World Have As Much Wealth As The 3.5 Billion Poorest" (Forbes, Jan 23, 2014) then you know the game is skewed.
In today's spin the Transnationals lead by the USA and its tools of choice, NATO, UN, World Bank, International Monetary Fund, Federal Reserve, and much more are trying to control the agenda world wide.
Behind this whole capitalist system as it stands is the Banking Cabal and Wall Street, a shadowy group that controlled by the Transnationals feeds itself from wars, drugs, trade and spectacle, it matters none to them.
The latest struggle using oil as the leaver is to bring Russia, China, Venezuela and Brazil to their knees by lowering the oil prices. This has been done several times over the years.
(Read the book Myths, Lies and Oil Wars by Engdahl, 2012.
The roll out of numerous trade deals such as TIFF, CETA, TPP are NAFTA on steroids. It is an attempt by the Transnationals lead by the US to corner the markets and make sure any resistance is crushed and sovereignty is fossilized by private tribunals appointed by their lawyers and judges sue the ass off anyone trying to reduce their profits even if it is harming people's health.
So I am with Koozma when it comes to sifting through the PR bullshit. You go to your feeds that have sources and connect the dots. The North American media has been infiltrated by CIA types since its inception and the Neocons have perfected the take over of countries by proxy for countless decades using false flag murders, mercenaries, media spin and backing whoever they think will do their bidding no matter how ruthless they may be.
The Ukraine situation is a case in point and now the US lead UN is going into Sudan which will affect the 75% investment in oil the Chinese have there.
The drama continues and the only bright light in the US election is Green Party candidate Dr. Jill Stein and her running mate, human rights lawyer Ajamu Baraka. Check them out.
Some news feeds that are revealing...
ON Contact: Chris Hedges (youtube)
Redacted Tonight (youtube)
Counterpunch
World Socialist
The Corbett Report (youtube)
NewsBud (youtube)
Sibel Edmonds
CommonDreams.org
DigileaksCanada
Cheers,
Kensky, editor, Digileakcanada.weebly.com
Thanks, Koozma.
ReplyDeleteGlad you are keeping feet to the fire of those who need it. As a student of Russian history since 1967 when I began grad studies in the field, , I have developed a bit of that “bias” myself, I suspect. I am somewhat taken by the comment that when you point a finger at someone in blame, notice that three others at least , usually point to your self.
I have become sensitized to propaganda oriented material, not only formal news broadcasting, but also novels, conversation, many aspects of our lives are aimed at remaining hateful of Russia ( already for many years, but especially since communist rule) beginnings there, and much trust about weaknesses in our own system is ignored, hidden or distorted. All governments govern with the principle of self-interest – a commitment to always put yourselves in the best light, and those considered as enemies in the worst light. I guess that really is what “bias” is about. I see little chance for people being fully “ objective” (though it is worth trying to be) really in a world forever divided into camps that fight each other – an old,old story.
Keep saying it, Koozma. Others will do the same. Call it a dialogue, if you wish, a war of words, a diatribe, whatever. I have always viewed your utterances that may sound pro-Russian because in various ways many are, that these utterances have as much validity as those put forward by the anti-Russians (bias?). Just how it is.
Good to keep in touch. By the way, a friend of mine and I have discovered a rather exciting scholar named Simon Sebag Monefiori who has just published the book titled (The Romanovs 1613 – 1917 Between Michael I and Michael II as Mont. puts it) a fascinating new overview of the 304 years when Romanovs ruled Russia.
Happy to keep in touch.
Dear Koozma,
ReplyDeleteYou are the most objective PEACE journalist that I have ever
had the pleasure of knowing. Please, Koozma, continue with your
work.
With much respect,
Thank you for this, Koozma.
ReplyDeleteMy first information about Doukhobors came from my big brother William, who served in Conscientious Objector forest camps during World War 2, and who came home speaking of COs whom he met in those camps. I regret that I hear so little peace campaigning now from Mennonites and Doukhobors and from other Christian pacifists objecting to all the violent military aggression which Canadian governments and weapons industries are aiding and abetting. -- I hesitate to start listing the wars of the last 30 years, to describe the devastation and death, and the suffering millions --- even while most of us live so very comfortably here. Part of my teacher life was teaching in Mountain Prison near Agassiz, B.C., where some of the more radical Doukhobors tarried for a time. I enjoyed them.
Please check out Conscience Canada -- consciencecanada.ca -- for our Peace Tax Return by which you can express your disagreement with the Canadian government war spending. For reasons we find difficult to fathom, very few Canadian war tax objectors take advantage of the PTR at tax time.
DeleteMurray Lumley : murraylumley@ca.inter.net
The west [NATO] had an opportunity to enter into a mutually cooperative relationship with Russia after the collapse of communism. The military industrialists could see their market folding, particularly in view of their failed expansionist experiments in the middle east. A conscience decision was made to demonize Russia because the cold war was so profitable. The 'western' media was complicit in this campaign. Koozma and very few others try to present a glimmer of reality around this demonetization, but when they do, they are accused of being 'Russian' sympathizers rather than 'objective truth' sympathizers. Sad to notice that our government funded CBC fails in this regard, as well as our sunny ways Liberal government which accept US policy in our foreign policy.
ReplyDeleteYou can't learn about Russia, or anywhere else, in the 7 second bits [bytes] our media here likes to provide. You also can't learn much about the media's intentions or bias, as they never state it. What you've done is make your bias for peace well known and people can judge the articles for themselves knowing your p.o.v. which is something you rarely get in the media these days.
ReplyDeleteDear Koozma,
ReplyDeleteEven if you were biased towards Russia, this is a good thing, because there is the prevailing bias against Russia in Canadian media, so a difference in opinions can only contribute to a more objective picture.
Also, ethnic Russians and descendants of ethnic Russians have all the right to speak for their home/ancestral country.
As a Russian Canadian, I feel hurt when my country is being slammed in media for no good reason, as a part of the militaristic ideology building the image of Russia as a “back up enemy” . This feeling of hurt and unfairness is probably shared by most of 100,000 immigrants from Russia who live in Canada. It is definitely shared by all the Russian immigrants I know.
Many immigrant Canadians maintain the cultural and spiritual connection with their home countries, and this contributes to multiculturalism, pluralism and diversity in Canada. Maintaining connections with their heritage languages and cultures has also been found to be beneficial for immigrants’ physical and mental health, economic success and well-being.
So please keep up the good job of “bias towards Russia”, because no one else speaks for it.