The Need To Label Airbrushed Photo’s Truthfully

Today, MEP Nessa Childers is hosting meeting in Dublin to propose that airbrushed photo’s used by magazines and other media be labelled as such, so that people are aware that they aren’t real.

This idea is a practical approach to a major problem that effects all age groups, not surprising given that Childers worked as a psychotherapist for 25 years before entering politics.

Society’s obsession with it’s physical image has increased as the years roll on; so much so that “selfie” is 2013’s word of the year as determined by the editors of Oxford dictionary.

While an interest in ones physical appearance isn’t unhealthy, obsession isn’t. The cause of eating disorders cannot solely be blamed on famous celebrities and glossy magazines; an eating disorder is a complex disease that is usually rooted in issues around control. A person in the throes of an eating disorder can feel that while other aspects of their life are spinning out of control, their food intake is something they can control.

A picture that has been digitally enhanced. Photo: nextnature.net

Emotional distress, trauma and self-esteem issues can all contribute to the development of an eating disorder. But while the blame can’t be solely blamed on our self-obsessed society, it plays an extremely negative role.

The banishment of fashion magazines showing pristine perfect models wouldn’t banish eating disorders. To believe so is to show a lack of understanding of the disease. But the portrayal of unhealthy body weight by magazine editors and fashion designers alike has made woman worldwide feel inadequate. Young men and women, looking at the media that surrounds them everyday – from billboards to newspapers, TV shows and social media – constantly tells them in a not so subtle way that there abnormal.

A video showing the dramatic changes Photoshop can make went viral. Photo: webpronews.com

A size zero accompanied by a blemish-free complexion, lustrous hair, cutting-edge outfits makes many feel as is they are failing because their image doesn’t match up to the one portrayed. The funny thing is, neither does the real image of the model in the photo. The prominence of airbrushing has increased in the last decade, as if it wasn’t already traumatizing enough to compare yourself to the most beautiful stars and starlets in Hollywood, we’re now forced to do so when they have been computer enhanced to a level beyond perfection.

The rise of the selfie alone shows what weight we put in a person physical attributes. Young teenagers, taking cue from a host of celebrities, take photographs of themselves with enough make-up, hair extensions and fake eyelashes to make a drag queen blush. But for many, that still isn’t sufficient, they’ll use Instagram filters to make their photos flawless. The process is completed when photos are uploaded to social media – where there self-worth is determined by the amount of “likes” a photo gets.

The horror that this message is sending – that acceptance and appreciation by your peers is determined first and foremost on your physical appearance?

While eating disorders and body issues are not solved by a simple, magic solution – a simple act of labeling unreal images for what they are can go a long way to helping us all stop comparing ourselves unfairly.

If you’re concerned about some of the issues raised in this article, the following supports are available:

BodyWhys: The Eating Disorder Association of Ireland

ReachOut.com: An dedicated online youth mental health service 

 

Dublin Man Banned From Every Pub In City

Nope, this isn’t a joke. David Lee (30) has been banned from every single pub in Dublin city after fleeing into a bar lounge to avoid Gardaí.

Lee struck a guard over the head with an object he picked up from a table after he chased him into the pub. The judge at Swords District Court decided the most fitting punishment was to ban Lee from ALL pubs in Dublin for 12 months and a four-month sentence suspended for one year.

Pretty unique punishment but we’re not sure how well it will be enforced…

Roma Child: A Hint Of Racism

The news came in a flash. First, the Sunday World reported the story. Major media outlets in Ireland followed suit. It was a case that at first look, appeared eerily similar to the young girl in Greece who it is believed was taken from her parents ilegally.

A 7-year-old blue eyed, blonde haired girl was taken by the Gardaí from her family, as is their right under the Child Care Act if there is reason to believe a child is at immediate risk.

The young girl was taken from her home and put into HSE care. The immediate question of “Why?” recieved the response that the Guards were not satisfied with the explanation and documentation that the family provided. The reason they were even at the family home in the first place? Because the child didn’t look like her siblings.

As the story broke, we reported it with the facts we had at hand. We made no speculation, we presented the facts. After this inital report, we did not report further on the issue as the Gardaí and HSE examined the situation. Yesterday, the young girl was returned to her family after DNA tests proved she was the biological child of the parents in question.

An innocent family endured unceessary distress, had their child ripped from their arms, to then have her returned with an apology. In the aftermath, we ask, “What The Hell Happened?”

The inevitable inquiries will take place; the Minister for Justice and the Minister for Children will converse with the HSE and Gardaí. Earlier today, Alan Shatter admitted that there was possibly some undue influence in the decisions that were made in regards to this little girl.

While time will tell if there is blame to be laid at the authorities doors, we need to accept a little bit of the blame too. We all need to have a think at how we responded initally to the news, the thoughts that went through our head, if we tried these parents without trial or jury and if you, even if it was only a little bit, made an assumption based on their ethnicity.

Would this have happened to a white family? A wealthy family? Would it have happened to you? If we can answer “no” to any of these…

Racism is still alive in Ireland. We all need to have a look at what part we play.

 

 

BREAKING: Protestors Bring Dublin To Halt

– 500 people outside Dáil
– 100 more brought traffic to a stand-still on O’Connell Bridge
– Protestors from O’Connell Bridge now headed to Leinster House

500 protestors have gathered on Molesworth Street and an additional 100 brought traffic to a halt at O’Connell Bridge in Dublin this evening.

Photo source: thestar.ie

On the day the Dáil reconvened from its Summer break, protestors took to the streets of Dublin to demonstrate their frustration at the Irish government. Numbers have grown over the day.

Around 500 people are gathered behind barriers outside the Dáil. Gardai pushed back the crowd and also used pepperspray on them. One man has been taken away by ambulance to hospital.

At a another protest on O’Connell Bridge, around 100 anti-austerity protestors have brought rush-hour traffic to a halt. Buses have now been parked on Westmoreland Street, Bachelors Walk and the bridge itself as protestors refuse to move.

These protestors have now moved from the bridge and it is believed they are headed to join up with the other protest at Leinster House.

War in Peace Times: Why The Troubles Are Far From Over

For many of us in the Republic, what we refer to as “The Troubles” began during the 60s and ended with the Good Friday Agreement in 1998. During this period of time, the Republic felt mainly unaffected by the violence and terror that plagued the North.

Photo source: telegraph.co.uk

During my childhood, I was not aware of the nationalist fighting, car bombings and attacks in Catholic areas in Northern Ireland or the high tensions among citizens. The only experience I had with the situation was when my family would travel to Newry and the car would be stopped by men in soldier uniforms to check the boot and question the driver as to why we were here.

This sheltered existence meant that I naively thought all was well. Even as I studied as a journalist and my political landscape broadened, it wasn’t until I participated in the Washington Ireland Program that I truly realized how delicate the situation remains.

Photo source: boldlygosolo.typepad.com

I listened to accounts from people from all walks of life and all different parts of Northern Ireland as to how “The Troubles” had affected and continued to affect their lives. Whether it was a Republican woman from Derry or a devoted member of the Orange Order, their view of The Troubles echoed each other: this fight is still ongoing.

When you’re removed by geography from a situation, it can be difficult to truly understand the complexities.  Aside from what many citizens in the Republic would think of as “sporadic” events, we wouldn’t experience fraught political and military dynamic down here.

Except, we do. And we have a perfect case study in Alan Ryan. Ryan was the head of Dublin’s IRA Brigade. He dealt in the extortion of “protection money” from the city’s drug lords as a business. It is suspected that Ryan was gunned down on the orders of one of the leaders of the drug gangs he had been collecting money from, who figured it was more beneficial to have him killed then continue to pay his “tax”.

Photo source: photos.independent.ie

It is also suspected that Ryan’s politically affiliated friends in Northern Ireland were aware of the plans for his murder, but didn’t intervene as Ryan had angered members of the New IRA’s Army Council with his open involvement in criminal activity. Covert nationalistic operations do not like attention such as this being drawn to them.

So, on September 3 last year, Alan Ryan was shot an area called Clongriffin on the northside of Dublin, close to his home. The father of two died soon after. But it was Ryan’s funeral that for many in the Republic that brought “The Troubles” to their own doorstep.

Photo source: vice.com

Last year, more than 1,500 people turned out for the funeral of Ryan. Men, masked in balaclava’s and attired in military garb fired a volley of shots over Ryan’s grave. Dissident Republicans had taken the opportunity of Ryan’s funeral to demonstrate the largest and most prominent display of strength from the RIRA since the IRA ceasefire. Although Guard’s were present at the funeral, they did not intervene as they worried that action would provoke violence from an already tense and angry crowd. 17 people – including Ryan’s four brothers – were subsequently arrested for their actions at the funeral.

On the first anniversary of Ryan’s death, the Guards took no chances in preparation for the memorial service, which took place yesterday. Although military uniform and in an oration at his brother’s grave – Dermot Ryan painted Alan as a kind man who was not wealthy at the time of death  – the event finished without furor.  Not even the vandalizing of Alan’s grave, which it is believed was done as a taunt to the RIRA gave the special forces units which kept a close eye on proceedings, cause for concern.

Photo source: thejournal.ie

On the same day of this memorial service, it was revealed that members of the British Royal family, Unionist leaders and politicians will all be invited to Ireland in 2016 for the centenary anniversary of the Easter Rising, in a celebration of the Irish freedom men and women fought for 100 years previously. Minister for Foreign Affairs Eamon Gilmore hopes to host a variety of political alliances at the ceremony, in a respectful manner.

Photo source: rte.ie

Gilmore said “Unless we are attentive and respectful to both traditions, nationalist and unionist, we will remain a divided society”. Mentioning “continuous tensions” in Northern Ireland in recent months, the Tanaiste warned how residents have begun to fear a return to sectarian violence.

Sectarian violence is not necessarily the term we would apply to gangland shootings and violence in Dublin and around the country. But frequently, these killings are related to dissident republicans or some form of political connection to nationality.

The reality that “The Troubles” have been solved is quickly disintegrating as it becomes more obvious what is being organised and planned behind closed doors. For some of us, that was literally laid on our front door last year during Ryan’s funeral.

We all have a question we need to ponder; what way do we want to see this fight go? We will stand by as tensions balloon into an explosion, all the while saying “Sure it’s nothing to do with us, that’s the North’s problem.” Or will we acknowledge that although we are partitioned, we share a dual history, culture and problems with Northern Ireland. It’s time to take off the blinkers.

Curse Preventing Mayo All-Ireland Success?

Ireland is a great place for it’s tradition, culture and heritage. But when I heard about this “curse” on the Mayo GAA team, I had one of those “only in Ireland” moments.

For those of you who aren’t aware of this, listen up. According to legend, the reason Mayo haven’t got their hands on the Sam Maguire in 62 years is because of a curse placed on the team after it’s last All-Ireland win.

Photo source: donegalnews.com

Gather around children, for the tale goes something like this: when the team was making the journey home from Dublin, Sam Maguire in tow and joy in their hearts, they encountered a funeral procession on their way. Not wanting to waste any time to get home and celebrate, the bus overtook the funeral procession rather than waiting patiently behind.

The widow of the man who’s funeral it was, full of anger and vengeance at their disrespect, cursed the team – and swore they would never win another All-Ireland until all the members of that team had passed away.

Well. While it makes an interesting tale, do you think it has a bit of weight? Could it be possible that the reason Mayo haven’t succeeded is due to the widow’s curse? Leave a comment and let us know.

Irish Times under pressure over Abortion article

The Editor of the Irish Times, Kevin O’Sullivan, has been publicly called on to explain how and why the newspaper published a front page story with a detailed account about a women’s abortion.

Photo source: brownbreadmixtape.com

On August 23, the paper ran the story which claimed that a pregnant woman with twins had a termination at Holles Street Hospital to save her life. The newspaper initially defended the article saying it was in the public interest because the abortion was the first to take place under the Protection of Life During Pregnancy act – however, that legislation is not yet active.

In the days after the publication, it was reveled that the abortion did not take place under the circumstances the paper said it did. Dublin Solicitor and Media Commentator Simon McGarr has said that the apology and correction that was published on an inside page in the newspaper last Saturday was “cryptic”. McGarr said given that the original story was on the front page, the apology and correction should’ve been given more prominence “in on of the first four pages of the newspaper”.

He also said “It is not incumbent on the newspaper to explain how this happened” and that the publication of such detail about a patient – even if it had been the first abortion carried out under the new legislation – was not in the interest of the public.

A spokesperson for “The Irish Times” Editor, Kevin O’Sullivan said he would be making no further comment beyond the correction and apology published in the paper last Saturday.

Dublin v Kerry: Match Analysis

By Cathal O’Hagan
Sports Reporter

Its not often a Kerry team go into any game as underdogs, especially against a Dublin team. Even prior to the throw in, talk centered on whether or not this would develop into a shootout of sorts between two full forward lines in front of a packed house in GAA HQ. And a shootout it was.

Photo: thescore.ie

A blistering start saw an exchange of points between Bernard Brogan and Diarmaid Connolly who opened their accounts to put Dublin 0-03 to 0-01 up .

This early lead was soon countered on by the Munster team. A ten minute spell of inspiration by Colm Cooper saw two goals being created by the Dr Crokes native. Converted by James O’Donoghue and Donnchadh Walsh in the seventh and twelfth minute respectively to give the Kingdom a 2-02 to 0-03 lead.

This pace didn’t let up and almost immediately after the Kerry goal, Paul Mannion had the ball in the net for the boys in blue. His fisted goal was the perfect reaction to a dropping point attempt, reducing the deceit.

Successive Dublin attacks then resulted in a level game in the 16^th minute 1-05 to 2-02.

Brilliant Kerry pressure began to showed when two Cluxton mistakes in quick succession, lead to a penalty in the 20^th minute in which James Donoghue easily dispatched, putting the Dub’s in the lead 3-03 to 1-06 in the 20^th minute.

However, the Dublin full back line was regularly exposed. Such direct attacking which was lacking in earlier rounds of the championship was in full flow today and helped Kerry go in at the break 3-05 to 1-09 up.

The second half continued from where it finished. A Paul Galvin point resulting from pressure on Cluxtons kick-outs reintroduced the scoring in the 38^th minute. However, Kicking into The Hill, Bernard Brogan responded with an excellent snap point, right between the posts.

By the 45^th minute Kerry were winning both in scoring and possession. 61 % Kerry to Dublin’s 39%.  and yet again, as a result of an interception from a Cluxton kick out, Paul Galvin received the ball and dispatched it over the bar for a 3-08 to 1-10 lead.

A change in goal kick direction by Stephen Cluxton  signaled a distinct change in tactics by the Dublin’s backroom team and hit five without reply to give them the lead for the first time since the fourth minute,

All eyes rested on the subs bench and Kieran Donaghy’s introduction to help pug the tide of Dublin scores which had then opened.

Cue the long balls into the Dublin full back line , which never materialised into any substantial goal threats. Instead the sides swapped points over the next ten minutes before a Darren O’Sullivan score  gave the Kingdom their last lead of the game on 62 minutes.

Dublin in turn had their own ace up their sleeve in Kevin McManamon, repeating the All Ireland final of two yeas ago when he slotted home brilliantly in the 70th minute to give Dublin a 2-18-3-11 lead.

Cluxtons kick outs continued to cause confusion for Kerry midfield and, on the seventieth minute, a four point gap emerged thanks to Diarmuid Connelly just before Eoghain O’Gara emerged to score Dublins third goal.

It finished;

Kerry 3-11

Dublin 3-18

A seven point gap at full time was not a fair reflection on the end result, but one must wonder what awaits Mayo, the scoring machine that emerged today, or will their full back line be exposed by Horan’s army who seek to bridge a 61 year gap to winning Sam, only time will tell.

Guard Arrested in Connection With ATM Scam

Two Guards have been arrested in connection with an investigation into an ATM fraud scam.

Photo Source: brecorder.com 

The Gardaí being detained in relation to the scam are based at the same station in West Dublin. They are being questioned about alleged fraud at ATM’s in Dublin, relating to a four figure sum of money defrauded.

The men are believed to have withdrawn money from their own bank accounts using their own cards, and then trying to ‘trick’ the ATM into believing the money was not dispensed.

Gardaí are trying to figure out if the men took some of the money that was dispensed then allowing other notes left for the ATM to swallow back as part of its safety mechanism.

The idea is that the individual could then go to the bank and say they forgot to take all the money, the machine swallowed some or a different excuse, and receive a refund from the bank as a result.

Both men have been suspended from duty and are being questioned at Leixlip Garda station under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act.

Poll: Are You Surprised by Drug Availability?

Earlier today, the Irish Daily Mail revealed how easy it was to buy drugs in 21st century Ireland. Using an undercover reporter, a website and the sending of one email, the reporter bought fifty euro worth of marijuana on a busy Dublin street.

Photo Source: drugfree.org 

But are you surprised by this ‘revelation’?