Saturday, June 14, 2008

Introducing...The Diatribalist

His is the most arresting, momentuous, invaluable blog i think i've ever come across. Dwight Dunkley describes himself as "a highly opinionated alien, a Jamaican living in New York" with "a stated mission to improve Jamaican media". Calling his blog "My View of Jamdown from Up So" Dunkley also goes by the name 'Diatribalist'. He's only been blogcasting since May this year but trust me he's spot on--a sharp, analytical critique of the Jamaican media is just what we need--and Dunkley provides this in his penetrating, often devastating commentary reviewing the major news media here. So what if he lives in the diaspora and not here? The detailed scrutiny he offers is all the more remarkable for that. Dunkley's questions are hard and probing and clamour for answers. Finally someone else has noticed how shambolic the Press in this country is and has figured out a way to intervene. Kali, Jesus and Allah be praised! Please read, this is how his latest blog begins:

This is an open letter to tell all editors, journalists, columnists and stenographers calling yourselves journalists:

This blog is not your enemy.

This blog is a fan, a friend. This blog wishes you well.

This blog follows your work closely, reads your lines and then between your lines. Can this blog not be forgiven for thereafter scribbling in the margins?

For standing up for those mostly marginalized by the pigmentocratic power you wield and challenging the kleptomaniac clique your silence shields.

This blog is not your enemy.

For more click here.

As a postscript i also want to note the passing of Tim Russert of NBC News. Described as adept at conducting "the prosecutorial interview without a sharp edge" he was definitely one of the better, more congenial American TV journalists/talking heads around and will be missed by many all over the world.

1 comment:

Diana Chen Thorburn said...

Very interesting blog indeed. This is why I have to stay away from blogs, they are addictive. From his blog I went to another one that also had me reading for far more minutes than I have to spend not working!
But thanks for the link.
And looking forward to hearing your views on shaggyla former Jamaican's blog!