I think that it was Parry's reporting from East Timor that most irritated me. I just felt he reduced the pro-autonomy people of East Timor into cardboard cutout villains whilst describing the pro-independence guys in gushingly romantic terms.

I said at the time (in your comments section, not sure where exactly) that I wanted to know more about these Indonesian supporting East Timorese, what were their reasons for their support etc. and Parry's reporting simply did not convey this.

I've since read a bit more about the history of East Timor and it now seems clear that there has always been inter communal hostilities verging almost on latent civil war in that country and far from the black and white picture of nice East Timorese versus Jakarta inspired thugs this issue in fact goes much deeper.

Parry's reporting failed in this respect, his superficial analysis totally glossed over the rivalries which plague East Tiomrese society preferring instead to present a two dimensional polarity to a complex situation. This over simplification would leave most people bewildered if they relied on his reporting to understand the obvious re-emergence of inter communal savagery which has now erupted again in East Timor after Parry's pantomine villains, the Indonesians, are long gone.
Miko | "June 1, 2006, 1:58 pm" | #

Hi Miko

interesting comments.

I can't comment on the book as I haven't read it, but I can understand what your trying to say: ie some journalists just come up with politically-correct emotional bullshit.

I’ve just read a very interesting book about PNG by the way, which really blows away the myths about “tribal people living a fantastic life in their natural surroundings” as many in the west would like to believe.

The truth is that most of them live a terrible life. Kids aren’t even named up until the age of 2 as most of them die of malaria.

And warring tribes even today leave body parts as “victory trophies” by the side of the road to show that they are the tougher tribe.

Theft, crime and rape are rampant etc etc.

The book is called Four Corners : A Journey into the Heart of Papua New Guinea by Kira Salak.
indcoup | Homepage | "June 1, 2006, 6:36 pm" | #

Call me Indcoup and I'll lend it to you.
Jakartass | Homepage | "June 1, 2006, 8:11 pm" | #

Hi,
We have lots collections of small tables. Is it made of solid mahogany wood or teak you can find it in Indonesian solid mahogany tables and Small Tables
Thank you.
Sincerely yours,
Paul Gang.
Paul Gang | Homepage | "February 10, 2008, 7:31 am" | #