In a new kind of public-private partnership, Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs James Glassman launched the State Department’s Democracy Video Challenge on September 15 at U.N. headquarters.
The launch was timed to coincide with United Nations’ first International Day of Democracy. Partners for the online video contest include the State Department, democracy and youth organizations, academia, and the news, film and entertainment industries.
The contest, which asks aspiring filmmakers to complete the phrase “Democracy is …,” seeks to engage the world in sharing ideas about how democratic principles work – or could work – around the world. An independent panel of experts will identify finalists and the global audience will determine which entrants win a trip to the United States for gala screenings of their films and meetings with film industry professionals.
The competition represents another public diplomacy foray into the wired world.
“We are creating opportunities for using emerging technology to engage in a discussion of democracy,” said Jonathan Margolis, deputy coordinator of the State Department’s Bureau of International Information Programs, told the New York Times.
Not a filmmaker? You can still join the conversation. All voices are welcome at the Democracy Roundtable. Speak up!
Comments (5)
Flipper
16 September 2008 at 02:33 EDT
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Thank you for this contest, I can’t wait to see the entrants. It’s been included on the video contest blog at http://www.LoveTheFlip.com
Charles Ihimodu
26 September 2008 at 08:18 EDT
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One appreciates the effort of the American Government towards the development of democratic culture worldwide.
Clearly, from empirical evidence, the practice of democracy varies, the Greeks saw democracy as the govrnment of the people, for the people and by the people;so with the Americans.One wonders why; in most African Countries, the people, who feature most; in the above fundamental definition of democracy, are relegated to the background.The government of the government by the government for the people, seems to be the appropriate definition of democracy as practised in Africa. A CLEAR CASE OF REVERSAL OF PRINCIPLES, that is what we experience day in day out. God give us leaders who will place the interest of the people above thei selfish interests.Then, will we see the true dividends of the best system of government in human history.
anselm onyenedum
27 September 2008 at 13:14 EDT
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i think the american govt is doing a great job by promoting democracy globally. however more emphasis should be on enhancing the capability of the governed to enforce their fundamental economic rights which are severly abused by the ruling class especially in africa. this should be done through an urgent wholistic intervention in the educational sector.
the essence of this cannot be over emphasized.a society that is predominantly illitrate and poor cannot effectively enforce its rights,be it political nor economic.democracy thrives on the principles of rule of law, checks & balances, probity and accountability.these can only be ensured by a well informed and educated populace.
Mr Liibaan Ciise
2 November 2008 at 07:30 EST
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There is no doubt that the policy for the democracy towards the global by the US goverment is quite beneficial. However , you need to find out the outcome of the following question; Are the diverse communities in the world seeing the Democracy the same thing ? if the answer is yes, you need to review your foreign policy, but if you said no! I appreaciate that answer, and you required to change the system of delivering the democratic services - I mean your oblications and conditions should be based on the reality.
Howard I
10 February 2009 at 02:11 EST
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At this point in time, where the states need all the help that they can get, governments are patiently holding on for their cut of the instant payday loans that the stimulus package is promising. Some states are teetering on the edge of disaster, like California, but those coming up short are all in some very serious trouble. Budget cuts are being made as fast as can be, but they are still waiting to get some instant payday loans from Washington.