The Conflict in Fiji
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Assignment 1: Overview
First, here is a
map
that gives you a sense of where Fiji is and where the important places are
in the islands. Then take a look at this
tourism
site to get a few basic facts about the country. Then read through
this
history
and resources page to get a slightly different take on how Fiji is doing
these days. How do the issues described here relate to the historical
discussions that you have read?
For views on the political situation, first go to this analysis of the
2000 coup.
Then take a look at this "
Indo-Fijian
Action" site. Then read this press release from the
Government of Fiji.
What does each of these want you to conclude about the current situation
in Fiji?
Be ready to talk about these issues in class.
Assignment 2: Riots and Coups
The 2000 coup is one of the most vivid recent events that illustrates the
tensions in Fiji. Here is how the news of the
coup was first broken as it happened. Here is one theory about
who the real coup leader
was. And here is an editorial
about the fear under which Indo-Fijians are now living. On the other
hand, maybe things are not as bleak as they seem; read this description of the coup
by a visitor who happened to be there at the time. How do you reconcile
these various reports?
Assignment 3: Getting the Message Out
Groups who are in conflict often try to get their messages out to the outside
world. Take a look at some of the following messages put out by a variety
of groups and answer the following questions about each one:
1. Who produced or created this message?
2. What is the purpose of the message?
3. What techniques are being used to create an image of the "good"
and "bad" sides of the conflict?
Here are some sites to look at:
A commentary on the 2000 coup
The website for the Citizens' Constitutional
Forum
A section of the website for the Native Land Trust Board in
Fiji
An article from Indo-Fijian
Action
Please be ready to discuss these in class.
