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Blocked & Banned – A Deeper Look into why your content might be getting censored

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4 years ago

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BY SIMONE J. SMITH

This might have happened to you. You go to log into one of your social media accounts, and find out that it is locked. You are then informed that you have breached “conduct” of some sort, and then a day to two later, your account is reactivated with a note that says, “We have restored your account, and we apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.”

We are in an interesting time. Many of our constitutional rights have been taken away from us, so covertly, that many of us don’t even realize that it is happening. COVID-19 has had a way of shining a light on topics that we might have spoken generally about before, but are now immense issues that have forced us to reassess how we think, act, and even feel.

Anyone who is open to alternative news has heard of Alex Jones, host of InfoWars. In 2018, some social media companies that carried his show took a stand. Facebook, Spotify, and YouTube (among others), removed Jones’ accounts from their platforms. Their claim; InfoWars violated their terms of use.

Platforms like Facebook, Twitter and YouTube have all started pulling content off their sites or banning certain people from using them in the name of ‘public safety’.  Let’s take for example the documentary ‘Plandemic.’ There was a 23-minute clip of the film shared on YouTube featuring Dr Judy Mikovits. In the clip, Dr Judy makes claims and assertions proposing that billionaires are encouraging the spread of COVID-19, all for the sake of profit. She also stirred the hornet’s nest surrounding the topic of vaccines, which she claims they plan to mandate “experimental,” and “poisonous” vaccines on the public.

For some reason, whenever this video was shared, it would immediately be blocked or banned on certain social media platforms. Ivy Choi (a YouTube spokesperson), in a statement in the New York Post speaks on the fact that YouTube quickly removes flagged content that violates community guidelines, including recommended guidance on social distancing, and anything that goes against what mainstream media is pushing out. To them, it is seen as misinformation, and could be detrimental to people using the platform.

The question that needs to be asked is, what is the responsibility of social media platforms to moderate misinformation or incendiary viewpoints? When have they over stepped their place, and then begin to infringe on our rights as citizens of the planet?

Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted in 1948, states that: Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.

As a universal right, we should have the freedom to say what we want, as long as it falls within the guidelines of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It can be argued that censorship and regulations limit the freedom of expression on social media platforms, and are now an uncontrolled and no longer “free” environment.

Censorship shows up in different forms, and is often described as a removal of an individual or group’s voice. It seems that the only people who are allowed to have a voice are the economic groups who have the power to control the media through ownership. What does this mean? It means that mainstream media is no longer a reflection of ideas from the people that make up the community; instead, it is part of a class structure.

Now, there are times when laws must be passed to limit free expression, but it has to be reasonable and must be justified. Restrictions are necessary in order to balance the fundamental freedoms of those who are unable to do it for themselves, and to otherwise limit political violence and tyranny. Examples of necessary restrictions include:

Hate speech
This refers to the advocacy and incitement of genocide or violence against a particular defined racial, ethnic, gender, sexual, religious or other identifiable group.

Obscenity
A broad term referring to literature that is unreasonable, dangerous or intensely inappropriate to society at large, such as child pornography or fraudulent medication intended to promote sexual virility

In current cases, censorship and restrictions have been placed on individuals who are not going against any human rights. Let’s take a look at some recent cases, and I invite readers to comment on the article below with any other cases of censorship or blocking that they have seen.

Youtube is getting ready to deplatform London Real
With over 600 Long Format Interviews, London Real broadcasts content that you can’t find in the mainstream media. Most recently he did an interview with David Icke, discussing COVID-19, which turned a lot of heads. In one of his latest videos, he shows great concern about the fact that his show might be pulled off YouTube because of his content. YouTube didn’t seem to have any issues with his content before COVID-19. Why now?

Police officer’s viral rant to cops enforcing tyranny
On Tuesday, May 5th, Officer G. Anderson spoke out on the fact that he did not feel right enforcing the current laws that he is being told to enforce. He made it clear that he thought they went against our human rights.

On May 6th, he received a message from his commanding officer applauding him for his speech. Three hours later, it was at 400,000 views, and his commanding officer called him back and told him he had to take the video down. He said no! His message was, “If you believe in something in your heart, you have to stand on your convictions.” He refused to step down even though he had a family to take care.

A few hours later, he got a call saying that he had to take the video down, plus he was going to get reprimanded. It was a violation of policy. He said no! They kept citing different policies as to why what he did was wrong. The chief of police  finally gave it to him straight. If you openly defy your governor you cannot be a police officer in the State of Washington.

This officer inspired another officer to speak out. He speaks on the constitution being suspended, and supports his fellow officer. He speaks about his own bout with the coronavirus. He talks about being censored on Facebook, and his threads being taken down. Videos are being taken down under the guise of global safety. He speaks out against Bill Gates, and mentions a few other great points.

Dr Knut M. Wittkowski criticizes nation’s currents steps to fight the coronavirus
Dr Knut M. Wittkowski is the former head of biostatistics, epidemiology and research design at Rockefeller University. YouTube removed a video of him talking about the virus that had racked up more than 1.3 million views. At the age of 65, Wittkowski is a ferocious critic of the nation’s current steps to fight the coronavirus. He has disparaged social distancing. He says it is only prolonging the virus’ existence, and has attacked the current lockdown as mostly unnecessary.

Now, let’s take a look at another case. In 2017, not to long after the terrorist attack in London, U.S. Congressman Clay Higgins wrote a Facebook Post calling for the slaughter of “radicalized” Muslims. “Hunt them, identify them, and kill them. Kill them all. For the sake of all that is good and righteous. Kill them all.” (Angwin & Grassegger, 2017) Higgins’ plea went untouched by Facebook workers. Odd! This sounds like hate speech to me Facebook.

Mark Zuckerberg was questioned on anti-vaccine censorship, and Facebook has since deleted the video. There is good reason for that. In the video, he testifies that Facebook believes in giving people a voice. “We care deeply about giving people a voice. At the same time, we hear, that people want us to stop the spread of misinformation. Especially misleading health advice.”  His understanding of the scientific consensus is that people should get vaccines. Um! Zuckerberg. Shouldn’t people have the opportunity to speak out against something that goes against something they believe? His reply, “We discourage groups that are anti-vaccine by using tactics to defer people going to them. We don’t recommend content to go to these groups.”

 If you are like me, you might be a little confused by this.

It seems like Trump, of all people, is stepping in to crack down on: Google, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for illegally using their massive company to silence and censor the American people.

He is actually considering forming a panel to investigate social media company’s biases, especially any unfairness towards accounts with controversial viewpoints. Of course, owners of social media companies are very worried about what might happen when Trump investigates their actions. That’s why they are now doing everything in their power to charm the president, including setting up private dinners with him to dispel the impression that Facebook has an inherent liberal bias. Ha!

After reading this article, I want you to take a moment to post something that you have wanted to say, as long as it does not hurt other people. They may try to silence some of us, but they cannot silence all of us.

Resources

Congressional Research Services
https://fas.org/sgp/crs/misc/R45650.pdf

 Facebook’s Secret Censorship Rules Protect White Men From Hate Speech But Not Black Children
https://www.propublica.org/article/facebook-hate-speech-censorship-internal-documents-algorithms

Freedom Forum Institute
https://www.freedomforuminstitute.org/first-amendment-center/primers/free-expression-on-social-media/

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We, as humans are guaranteed certain things in life: stressors, taxes, bills and death are the first thoughts that pop to mind. It is not uncommon that many people find a hard time dealing with these daily life stressors, and at times will find themselves losing control over their lives. Simone Jennifer Smith’s great passion is using the gifts that have been given to her, to help educate her clients on how to live meaningful lives. The Hear to Help Team consists of powerfully motivated individuals, who like Simone, see that there is a need in this world; a need for real connection. As the founder and Director of Hear 2 Help, Simone leads a team that goes out into the community day to day, servicing families with their educational, legal and mental health needs.Her dedication shows in her Toronto Caribbean newspaper articles, and in her role as a host on the TCN TV Network.

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Canada is Sinking – Is there a correlation between the rising economic costs, and the siphoning of funds to other sources in Canada?

Published

3 days ago

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November 12, 2024

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BY ADRIAN REECE

At some point Toronto was a city that people enjoyed living in. Recent political leadership at every level of government has caused citizens to consider moving out of the country as a whole. The high cost of living, coupled with the difficulty affording housing, and remote work becoming more regular has made the rest of the world seem much more appealing for Canadians as a whole.

Many countries are offering travel perks and visas to travelers in the west, to encourage them to visit, or to even move into their countries. Costa Rica, Japan, and France currently have travel perks and have opened their borders to make it easier to enter. Specifically for Canadians and even more specifically Torontonians who work remotely, are looking to countries and cities with lower costs of living. The Canadian dollar goes far in other parts of the world.

We owe the struggling economy to a few factors. Political leadership has greatly impacted the state of Canada, immigration policies that have changed over the years have caused stress on Canadian citizens.

In 2023, the federal government released its new Immigration Levels Plan to welcome 485,000 permanent residents in 2024 and 500,000 in 2025 and 2026. This announcement came on the heels of an Environics public opinion survey revealing a significant increase in the number of Canadians who believe the country accepts too many immigrants. That marks a dramatic reversal from a year ago, when support for immigration levels stood at an all-time high.

The Trudeau led government has held true to their commitment to bring in millions of immigrants in a short span of time. Housing policy is draining the income of Canadians, and political debates do not provide any real answers towards understanding what is going on in the country. Consistent political scandals regarding Trudeau overspending, and not adhering to budgets, and using money that was originally allocated for certain things. Trudeau was audited and it was found that $123 million was given to ineligible businesses, or projects that should have never been awarded at all. This is one in a long list of Trudeau scandals that have been a part of Canada political identity for the last nine years.

Trudeau’s government has even siphoned off funds to their personal businesses, after audits by the auditor general, we have seen too many inconsistencies with the funding of the Trudeau government in misusing funds as well as money disappearing into places that it should not be going.

In June of this year, the auditor general (AG) released two reports about: improper contracting practices, conflict of interest, and funding provided for ineligible projects. What these reports brought to light is an unpleasant reality; politicians and bureaucrats in Ottawa do not always act in the best interest of Canadians.

According to the first AG report, Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC), the federal agency responsible for funding green technology projects, demonstrated “significant lapses… in governance and stewardship of public funds.” Nearly 20% of the SDTC projects examined by the AG were in fact ineligible (based on the government’s own rules) for funding, with a total price tag of $59 million. There were also 90 instances where the SDTC ignored conflict of interest provisions while awarding $76 million to various projects. Indeed, the AG found 63 cases where SDTC agency directors voted in favour of payments to companies in which they had declared interest.

The second AG report focused on 97 contracts totaling $209 million awarded by the federal government to the McKinsey & Company consulting firm from 2011 to 2023. According to the AG, the government demonstrated “frequent disregard for procurement policies and guidance and that contracting practices often did not demonstrate value for money.” About 70% of these contracts were awarded non-competitively, meaning no other companies were permitted to bid on the contracts. Interesting!

These findings also follow an earlier report in February that found the federal government “repeatedly failed to follow good management practices in the: contracting, development, and implementation” of the ArriveCAN mobile app, which cost Canadian taxpayers at least $59.5 million.

Is there a correlation between the rising economic costs, and the siphoning of funds to other sources in Canada? Potentially, it will take a lot more investigation to confirm if that is really the case. However, Canadians can see that there has been a drastic change in the economy since the Trudeau government has come into power.

For governments to work there needs to be transparency, and there has been a lack there of in regard to our political leadership in the last few years. There are too many scandals and too many mishaps with money. Too many policies that do not benefit the citizenry, and not enough effort made to rectify the sinking economy.

Canada cannot continue to stay in these dire straits, we are sinking, and leadership plays a big role in the state of the country. We won’t see changes unless we demand it, we can take a page out of France’s method of protest; other countries have set a precedent of what their expectations are, and Canadians need to do the same. They need to demand change and implement strategies to achieve it. Within acceptable methods of protest there exists a strategy and method of changing the nature of Canada’s problems, but it starts with the citizenry. Coming together is the greatest power we have, and we need to utilize it.

REFERENCES:

https://www.environicsinstitute.org/projects/project-details/public-opinion-about-immigration-refugees

https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/news/notices/supplementary-immigration-levels-2023-2025.html

https://www.oag-bvg.gc.ca/internet/English/parl_oag_202402_01_e_44428.html

https://www.oag-bvg.gc.ca/internet/English/parl_oag_202406_06_e_44493.html

https://www.oag-bvg.gc.ca/internet/English/parl_oag_202406_e_44491.html

https://www.fraserinstitute.org/article/scathing-auditor-general-reports-underscore-political-realities

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The Jamaica Food and Drink Festival – where every bite tells a story, and every sip celebrates Jamaica’s vibrant soul

Published

3 days ago

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November 12, 2024

By

BY SIMONE J. SMITH

What if I told you that Visa is offering two amazing opportunities that YOU, our loyal readers have an opportunity to take part in? For one of our lucky readers, you have a chance to:

  • Win a trip to Trinidad Carnival 2025
  • Win a trip to Jamaica

“What is this all about Simone,” you might be asking? Well, the Jamaica Food and Drink Festival (JFDF) turns 10 this year, and Visa International is thrilled to be part of the celebration once again. Welcome to the heart of Jamaica’s culinary playground – the Jamaica Food and Drink Festival, where flavours, culture, and music blend into one unforgettable celebration.

Step into the lively Craft Market downtown, where the spirit of Jamaica comes alive. Here, they celebrate the island’s rich history and vibrant flavours – an ode to the past. Guests get a chance to immerse themselves in the legacy of festival favourites like: Crisp, Chopstix, Pork Palooza, and Picante – all in one electrifying space.

Taste, sip, and groove your way through the night, reliving fond festival memories while savouring the global influences that have shaped the iconic dishes we love today – no passport required (except to travel of course)!

As the hot days turn into steamy nights, and steamy nights turn into sweltering days, what better way to close out the festivities than with one last delectable event? The finale is not just a celebration, but a reflection of Jamaica’s culinary renaissance. After four unforgettable days, guests get a chance to honour the island’s: finest chefs, mixologists, and artisans who have made this festival a true showcase of creativity and passion.

Naturally, the festival had to find accommodations that match its prestige, and the only hotels of choice this year are: The Jamaica Pegasus Hotel and The Courtleigh Hotel & Suites. At the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel, the Caribbean’s most distinguished address, you will experience the perfect blend of elegance and island charm. Nestled in the heart of New Kingston, surrounded by lush gardens and views of the Caribbean Sea, this 17-storey gem is where business meets leisure in true Jamaican style. You also have the option of immersing yourself in the timeless charm of The Courtleigh Hotel & Suites, a true jewel of Jamaica’s capital city. With spacious accommodations, award-winning dining, and all the modern comforts, it is the perfect way to end your festival experience.

Waldemar Cordero, Marketing Senior Director for Visa in the Caribbean and Central America, expressed his excitement about being involved in the festival’s decade-long run. “We’re really excited to be part of the 10th staging of the Jamaica Food and Drink Festival. It’s amazing to see how far this festival has come, and we’re proud to have been part of the journey over the last 6 years. This festival isn’t just about food, it’s about celebrating Jamaica’s rich culture and the incredible talent that drives it.”

Visa’s partnership with JFDF has grown over the years, evolving from a traditional sponsorship into a dynamic collaboration that enhances the festival experience for everyone. “Our relationship with the Jamaica Food and Drink Festival has deepened over time,” said Waldemar. “We’ve moved from simply being a sponsor to becoming the main partner, working closely with the organizers to bring fresh, exciting elements to the event each year. This time around, we’re especially excited about the initiatives we’re rolling out that will make it easier and more enjoyable for attendees to experience all that the festival has to offer.”

Visa is excited to enhance the celebration of the Jamaica Food and Drink Festival’s milestone 10th year by offering an exclusive hospitality package to Trinidad Carnival 2025. One lucky Visa cardholder who purchases festival tickets between October 16th and November 9th, 2024, will win this incredible experience. This offering includes: two economy class tickets from Kingston, Jamaica to Port of Spain, Trinidad; six nights of luxury accommodation at the Hyatt Regency; and comprehensive airport transfers and event transportation. The winner and their guest will enjoy: inclusive meals, stylish Monday Wear and Carnival Tuesday costumes, and access to premier events such as Brian Lara’s Event and PinkNicTT. Additionally, they will be treated to glamour make-up and photos. This package promises to deliver an unforgettable festival experience and celebrate the unified Caribbean culture in style.

In addition, one lucky winner from our Caribbean neighbour Trinidad and Tobago, who uses the First Citizens Bank card in Trinidad, will win a trip for two to the Food and Drink Festival in Jamaica. This is an all-expense paid trip for two with the winners to ensure the festival and enjoy scenic places in Jamaica such as Dunn’s River Falls and Port Royal. Ready for that almost winter getaway? Visit https://jafoodanddrink.com/ for more details. Good luck!

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Welcome to the Black Scholars Institute—where excellence thrives, and liberation is pursued

Published

3 days ago

on

November 12, 2024

By

BY SIMONE J. SMITH

At the heart of the University of Windsor’s campus, centrally located in the lower level of the CAW Student Centre, lies a space dedicated to fostering: African-Caribbean excellence, academic growth, and community empowerment: The Black Scholars Institute, or BSI.

The BSI Lounge is more than just a meeting place. It is a safe and welcoming space for African/-Caribbean faculty, staff, and students—a venue that fosters not only academic engagement, but community connection. Here, important university and local events, aligned with the Institute’s mission and values, take place.

The Black Scholars Institute is a multidisciplinary research institute—a home for African-Caribbean scholars at UWindsor. It is dedicated to advancing Black excellence and liberation through scholarship, research, and community engagement. The Institute’s work enriches teaching, learning, and social justice efforts across the University, with a focus on making an impact nationally and globally.

BSI hosts a range of weekly programs that encourage meaningful dialogue and academic collaboration. Events such as “Think Tank Thursday” provide a platform for African-Caribbean faculty and students to come together, exchange ideas, and discuss relevant research and current events. For those who are deep in their academic work, “Just Write” sessions offer dedicated time for focused writing in a supportive environment. “Coffee and Convo,” a collaboration with Leddy Library, creates space to explore Black literature and hold thought-provoking discussions around important topics.

Graduate students are invited to participate in student saloons, where they present their works-in-progress in a safe, inclusive space, where they can receive valuable feedback from peers and faculty members alike. Additionally, the “Black Research Spotlight” shines a light on the groundbreaking work of African Caribbean scholars, providing them with a platform to showcase their research and innovations.

In recognition of the challenges posed by systemic anti-Black racism, the BSI offers its members a membership with the National Center for Faculty Development and Diversity, providing on-demand access to a wealth of professional development resources. This is just one of the ways BSI ensures its scholars are well-equipped to thrive and succeed in their academic careers. As a research institute, BSI is committed to supporting Black Studies and promoting excellence in scholarships. One vital aspect of this is the awarding of grants to Black scholars. These grants are instrumental in advancing research that is often overlooked in traditional funding competitions.

While visiting the University earlier this month, I learned more about some of the challenges that have been faced in opening BSI. The establishment of this initiative was approved by the University of Windsor’s Senate on October 7th, 2022. The initiative is in alignment with the University’s commitment to the Scarborough Charter (utoronto.ca) on anti-Black racism and Black inclusion in Canadian higher education. In 2023, the University of Windsor (UWindsor) announced their new academic home that would spotlight: Black excellence, scholarship, research, and community. The inaugural Black Scholars Institute (BSI) at UWindsor, was formally launched in September 2024.

Dr. Clinton Beckford, UWindsor’s Vice President of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, envisions that the BSI will be the institutional home for Blackness at the University. “The establishment of a Black Scholars Institute at the University of Windsor is ground-breaking and transformative,” he says.  “It positions the University of Windsor as a post-secondary leader in intellectual thought and practice around Blackness and makes real our commitments to Black flourishing and thriving at and beyond the institution.”

The BSI will work closely with UWindsor’s Interdisciplinary and Critical Studies Department within the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences. Building a Black Scholars academic program represents an innovative plan of action intended to meaningfully understand UWindsor’s approach to African-Caribbean ways of knowing in Canadian universities. The expected output will enhance UWindsor’s research profile in Black Studies and feature scholarly work, special events, speakers’ series, mentorship, and more.

Dr. Camisha Sibblis, the Director at BSI, is hopeful that the institute will enrich the experiences of Black faculty at UWindsor. “We believe that the inclusion of Black peoples, ways of learning and knowledge systems are integral to the growth of our community. The establishment of the BSI is a crucial part of fulfilling the University’s Strategic Mandate Agreement (ontario.ca) and purposefully moving the institution into the future. The Institute will enhance the University’s research profile and will also establish the University as a center of excellence in Windsor-Essex and the Detroit area – a region known for its historic importance for Black people in North America.”

Welcome to the Black Scholars Institute—where excellence thrives, and liberation is pursued through scholarship, research, and community engagement.

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