The University Of Freestates Open Day 2010
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
A pioneer in investigative journalism
A journalist, a business boffin, a revolutionary, a crazy lady, a woman...these are only a few phrases used to describe the woman that ultimately became Nelly Bly: a pioneer in investigative journalism. Good afternoon Ladies and gentleman today we will be looking at the life of this miraculous woman and her quest for recognition in a man’s world.
In this speech I would firstly like to tell you about Bly’s break into the journalism industry. I will follow this by telling you about the highlight of her career which left a mark on the history of journalism forever. Lastly, I will look at some of the other exploits Bly took on which make her an admirable all-rounder. By the end of this speech; you will agree with me that Nelly Bly is a pioneer in investigative journalism.
“For men, participatory journalism was a choice, for women it was one of the few ways to break out of the women’s pages.” This is according to Lutes, the author of “front-page girls”. Throughout history, women have been fighting against stereotypes and campaigning for equal treatment and recognition. The role of women in journalism in the 1850s was to write about what women “knew” with topics varying from changing fashion to society news and domestic issues.
Elizabeth Jane Cochran first came into journalism by replying to a sexist article in the local newspaper. The editor was so impressed with her response that he offered her a job, and hence, Nelly Bly was born as most women of the time wrote under a pen name.
Right from the beginning Bly focused her attention on women’s rights issues. She pretended to be a poor woman working in a sweat shop with the aim of exposing the terrible conditions under which women had to work. This was met with threats from shop owners to withdraw their advertising from the Dispatch and Bly was asked to write about less offensive issues such as fashion. This did not seem to appeal to Bly as she responded to the request by leaving for Mexico for six months. Her work here once again led to controversy, however, and her articles on poverty and political corruption got her kicked out of the country.
“I was hungry, but the food would not down. I asked for unbuttered bread and was given it. I cannot tell you of anything which is the same dirty, black colour. It was hard and in places nothing more than dried dough. I found a spider in my slice.” This quote comes from Nelly Bly’s book “Ten days in a madhouse,” which brings me to the highlight of her career, which left a mark on the history of journalism forever.
On 22 September 1887 it was requested that she should have herself taken up in an asylum for the mentally ill where she would be required to write a story on the treatment of the patients in that particular institution . She spent ten days in the asylum undergoing treatment which she stated in her book would be able to make any sane women go crazy within two months. Her troubles were not in vain, however. As a direct result of her exposé of the atrocious treatment of patients in the institution, the City of New York appropriated $1,000,000 per annum more than before to the care of the mentally ill. This story marked the beginning of a new era in journalism and the book, “Nelly Bly: The best reporter in America” called her the “inventor of investigative journalism.”
A journalist, a business boffin, a revolutionary, a crazy lady, a woman...these are only a few phrases used to describe the woman that ultimately became Nelly Bly: a pioneer in investigative journalism. Good afternoon Ladies and gentleman today we will be looking at the life of this miraculous woman and her quest for recognition in a man’s world.
In this speech I would firstly like to tell you about Bly’s break into the journalism industry. I will follow this by telling you about the highlight of her career which left a mark on the history of journalism forever. Lastly, I will look at some of the other exploits Bly took on which make her an admirable all-rounder. By the end of this speech; you will agree with me that Nelly Bly is a pioneer in investigative journalism.
“For men, participatory journalism was a choice, for women it was one of the few ways to break out of the women’s pages.” This is according to Lutes, the author of “front-page girls”. Throughout history, women have been fighting against stereotypes and campaigning for equal treatment and recognition. The role of women in journalism in the 1850s was to write about what women “knew” with topics varying from changing fashion to society news and domestic issues.
Elizabeth Jane Cochran first came into journalism by replying to a sexist article in the local newspaper. The editor was so impressed with her response that he offered her a job, and hence, Nelly Bly was born as most women of the time wrote under a pen name.
Right from the beginning Bly focused her attention on women’s rights issues. She pretended to be a poor woman working in a sweat shop with the aim of exposing the terrible conditions under which women had to work. This was met with threats from shop owners to withdraw their advertising from the Dispatch and Bly was asked to write about less offensive issues such as fashion. This did not seem to appeal to Bly as she responded to the request by leaving for Mexico for six months. Her work here once again led to controversy, however, and her articles on poverty and political corruption got her kicked out of the country.
“I was hungry, but the food would not down. I asked for unbuttered bread and was given it. I cannot tell you of anything which is the same dirty, black colour. It was hard and in places nothing more than dried dough. I found a spider in my slice.” This quote comes from Nelly Bly’s book “Ten days in a madhouse,” which brings me to the highlight of her career, which left a mark on the history of journalism forever.
On 22 September 1887 it was requested that she should have herself taken up in an asylum for the mentally ill where she would be required to write a story on the treatment of the patients in that particular institution . She spent ten days in the asylum undergoing treatment which she stated in her book would be able to make any sane women go crazy within two months. Her troubles were not in vain, however. As a direct result of her exposé of the atrocious treatment of patients in the institution, the City of New York appropriated $1,000,000 per annum more than before to the care of the mentally ill. This story marked the beginning of a new era in journalism and the book, “Nelly Bly: The best reporter in America” called her the “inventor of investigative journalism.”
JUSTICE, CRIME PREVENTION AND SAFETY
The government of South Africa is working hard to ensure that every citizen in South Africa feels safe.Government further took its work to reduce serious and violent crimes, and ensured that the justice system works efficiently and effectively by employing judges and other officials based on their qualifications rather than deploying them. Furthermore the government is implementing plans to increase the number of policemen and women by 10% over the next three years, because the number of our police personnel is shockingly small to root out criminal activities done by more than 48 million citizens.
The government further identified the fight against hijacking, business and house robberies, as well as contact crimes such as rape, murder and assault as top priorities because South Africa is about to host the biggest soccer tournament (fifa World Cup) therefore security and public protection through the SAPS is of utmost importance. This country is regarded as one which has the highest crime rate; therefore it is vital for the government to increase the number of police officers, just to curb the negative stigma about this country.
Crime rate proliferates every day, and as a result, it is pivotal for the current government to also increase the number of intelligent agencies and secret agencies so that crime can be managed and eventually demolished. Furthermore the number of the military personnel is very small, compared to the number of the citizens that they (soldiers or SANDF) have to protect, and the protection of the dignity and credibility of the state against foreign aggressors. This number (military force) need also to be increased so that the country can have suffice soldiers on the borders of the country, who will moderate the influx of illegal immigrants, because such people play a vital role in the criminal activities (human trafficking and drug smuggling) of this country.
South Africa’ military and police personnel are very small in comparison to the number of citizens that this country has (48million). The government is further urged to participate in community safety forums, stop buying stolen goods and be ready to provide the police with information regarding criminal activities within our communities because that is where most of criminal obligations transpire. However the government needs to remunerate the police and the military personnel with reasonable salaries, because their lives are always at risk which is contrary to what they earn. And this is the reason why these officials get involved in some criminal activities. There workload is immense but their salaries are very questionable. Recently police work as accomplices to many criminal activities in this country because their job is not regarded as the most important in this country, if the government can put more emphasis on policing; this country will be at peace with itself because the officials are getting incentives for a job-well-done.
The government of South Africa is working hard to ensure that every citizen in South Africa feels safe.Government further took its work to reduce serious and violent crimes, and ensured that the justice system works efficiently and effectively by employing judges and other officials based on their qualifications rather than deploying them. Furthermore the government is implementing plans to increase the number of policemen and women by 10% over the next three years, because the number of our police personnel is shockingly small to root out criminal activities done by more than 48 million citizens.
The government further identified the fight against hijacking, business and house robberies, as well as contact crimes such as rape, murder and assault as top priorities because South Africa is about to host the biggest soccer tournament (fifa World Cup) therefore security and public protection through the SAPS is of utmost importance. This country is regarded as one which has the highest crime rate; therefore it is vital for the government to increase the number of police officers, just to curb the negative stigma about this country.
Crime rate proliferates every day, and as a result, it is pivotal for the current government to also increase the number of intelligent agencies and secret agencies so that crime can be managed and eventually demolished. Furthermore the number of the military personnel is very small, compared to the number of the citizens that they (soldiers or SANDF) have to protect, and the protection of the dignity and credibility of the state against foreign aggressors. This number (military force) need also to be increased so that the country can have suffice soldiers on the borders of the country, who will moderate the influx of illegal immigrants, because such people play a vital role in the criminal activities (human trafficking and drug smuggling) of this country.
South Africa’ military and police personnel are very small in comparison to the number of citizens that this country has (48million). The government is further urged to participate in community safety forums, stop buying stolen goods and be ready to provide the police with information regarding criminal activities within our communities because that is where most of criminal obligations transpire. However the government needs to remunerate the police and the military personnel with reasonable salaries, because their lives are always at risk which is contrary to what they earn. And this is the reason why these officials get involved in some criminal activities. There workload is immense but their salaries are very questionable. Recently police work as accomplices to many criminal activities in this country because their job is not regarded as the most important in this country, if the government can put more emphasis on policing; this country will be at peace with itself because the officials are getting incentives for a job-well-done.
Kovsie sports Director calls for extra time
Henry Mtshali & Attie Alberts
“Kovsies is going to become a force in soccer again.” This promise was made by die Rector of the University of the Free State (UFS), Prof. Jonathan Jansen at Kovsies’ recent Open Day. With the strong focus on soccer this year, Irawa has spoken to several role-players to determine the state of Kovsie soccer.
According to Kovsie Sport, there is a hostel league in place, while the UFS first team plays in two provincial leagues. However, several own goals were scored. Kovsie Sport has been without a sponsor for the past three years since First National Bank chose not to renew its sponsorship due to the poor performance of the teams. “There is a lack of passion and commitment from the students,” says Mr James Letuka, Director of Kovsie Sport. According to Ms Nomsa Mahlangu, sport manager responsible for soccer, “players always use classes and tests as an excuse not to train, but are eager to play during intervarsity. Even more problematic is the fact that there are students studying on sports bursaries who has to be begged to show up for team practice and matches.”
Letuka says 60% of the players representing the UFS in the SAB league are still in secondary school. “I believe that the mindset of students need to change. Students often want to receive without contributing. Here they are given the platform, but they are not utilizing it.”
Student players seem to disagree. In recent years, many a student has accused Mahlangu of incompetence. Fannie Zim, RC Sport of Villa Bravado, says although the lack of development can be attributed to funding, Mahlangu is also to blame. “She has not played her role in the development of soccer.” In a previous interview with Irawa, Mahlangu has underlined that a number of factors contributed to the current state of soccer at the UFS, and that it stretches beyond “incompetence in management”. For instance, one has to keep in mind that she’s in charge of several other sporting codes as well.
To get the ball rolling, Letuka has given the assurance that, as from next semester, they will be committed to having open meetings for all soccer players and interested parties. An open day for soccer at the beginning of the academic year is also part of the long-term plan. “Affiliation with Bloemfontein Celtic is still in the pipeline, but players must show commitment first,” he added. Sponsorship alone will evidently not change the mindset of players, but will steer the development of Kovsie Soccer closer to the goal posts. “Once we start doing things correctly it is then that we move forward in the university and in this case with soccer,” Mahlangu concluded.
Henry Mtshali & Attie Alberts
“Kovsies is going to become a force in soccer again.” This promise was made by die Rector of the University of the Free State (UFS), Prof. Jonathan Jansen at Kovsies’ recent Open Day. With the strong focus on soccer this year, Irawa has spoken to several role-players to determine the state of Kovsie soccer.
According to Kovsie Sport, there is a hostel league in place, while the UFS first team plays in two provincial leagues. However, several own goals were scored. Kovsie Sport has been without a sponsor for the past three years since First National Bank chose not to renew its sponsorship due to the poor performance of the teams. “There is a lack of passion and commitment from the students,” says Mr James Letuka, Director of Kovsie Sport. According to Ms Nomsa Mahlangu, sport manager responsible for soccer, “players always use classes and tests as an excuse not to train, but are eager to play during intervarsity. Even more problematic is the fact that there are students studying on sports bursaries who has to be begged to show up for team practice and matches.”
Letuka says 60% of the players representing the UFS in the SAB league are still in secondary school. “I believe that the mindset of students need to change. Students often want to receive without contributing. Here they are given the platform, but they are not utilizing it.”
Student players seem to disagree. In recent years, many a student has accused Mahlangu of incompetence. Fannie Zim, RC Sport of Villa Bravado, says although the lack of development can be attributed to funding, Mahlangu is also to blame. “She has not played her role in the development of soccer.” In a previous interview with Irawa, Mahlangu has underlined that a number of factors contributed to the current state of soccer at the UFS, and that it stretches beyond “incompetence in management”. For instance, one has to keep in mind that she’s in charge of several other sporting codes as well.
To get the ball rolling, Letuka has given the assurance that, as from next semester, they will be committed to having open meetings for all soccer players and interested parties. An open day for soccer at the beginning of the academic year is also part of the long-term plan. “Affiliation with Bloemfontein Celtic is still in the pipeline, but players must show commitment first,” he added. Sponsorship alone will evidently not change the mindset of players, but will steer the development of Kovsie Soccer closer to the goal posts. “Once we start doing things correctly it is then that we move forward in the university and in this case with soccer,” Mahlangu concluded.
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