Jennie M. Xue

Intellectual politicians, treason, and schismogenesis

by Jennie S. Bev

The "notion" --borrowing Barack Obama's favorite word according to Dr. Lee Thornton, the president of American Journalism Review-- that a public intellectual who decides to plunge into the political arena is either inappropriate or committing some sort of "treason" against academia and the public should be erased from our critical minds.

It is not only counterproductive but also overly pessimistic bordering fatalistic. It is a prejudice none of us can afford because it would tarnish the process of progress and would eventually assassinate any good intentions before they blossom in full.

To love our country, our country ought to be lovely

by Jennie S. Bev

I once attended Robert "Hollywood Guru" McKee's screenwriting class in downtown San Francisco. During the analysis session Casablanca (starring Humphrey Bogart, Ingrid Bergman and Paul Henreid) was played on the projection screen.

I was taken to Casablanca in the 1940s, but the movie was in fact shot in a studio, Van Nuys airport and Rick's Cafe, which belonged to Rick Blaine played by Bogart.

In one of the first few scenes, McKee emphasized the importance of viewing films critically. This Oscar-winning film is full of symbols, hence the notion of films as symbolism in action. And one of the most remarkable symbols was the upside-down lamp shade. I was astonished as I had not paid attention to that small detail until he mentioned it.

Beijing olympics: between friendship and power

by Jennie S. Bev

"One world, one dream" is the official slogan of the 2008 Beijing Olympics. It is said to reflect these six values: unity, friendship, progress, harmony, participation, and dreaming. It also expresses the common desire of people all over the world who strive for a common goal: a bright future for humankind.

Friendship, after all, is what unites people, and what is more fun than playing some games with our friends? But is this sporting event really about friendship? Isn't it about power as well? Perhaps, considering China is now more an awakened dragon than an emerging market.

Here's to punditocracy

by Jennie S. Bev

We all live in an interesting time today. All kinds of forces have been affecting long and short-term policies, as well as macro, meso, and micro ones. There are thousands of causes to fight for, starting from the bottom of Abraham Maslow's hierarchy --food, fuel, environment and health-- to enlightenment, self actualization and heightening quality of life. More than ever before, we live in a confusing time.

Indonesia is no exception. It can be sensed from regional and national media coverage what the collective national biases are toward the West and "the others" in term of country origins, religions, ideals and ideologies. Any coverage by the foreign press and non-Indonesian entities resonate differently among readers.