The Pornography Trap: How not to write about rape
A short essay on journalism ethics and reporting about sexual violence, especially in conflict and post-conflict zones, that analyzes why the best journalism on this works so well. For Columbia Journalism Review.
Look out, women! You know what they say about sneezing… (don’t you?)
I promise you this gets funny.
In the last two weeks, I’ve grown terribly allergic to something in my house, probably in my room. I wake up sneezing in triplets every morning, and it’s hours before it subsides. I’m down to my last Claritin, which I’m saving for the worst of ...
Your Crib Sheet for Covering African Elections, in Congo and beyond
We’re all watching the DR Congo with baited breath. The recent presidential election, or process that has borne the name, has sparked unrest and violence, inside the country and in the diaspora. It’s a grave situation, certainly, and a gloomy one.
But I’m having total post-electoral depression, especially when I read ...
When in need in Zambia
…you may want the text of this ad, scrolling at the bottom of a local soap opera in Lusaka:
“Dr Kapeza the herbalist hereby introduces new herbal medicines such as bringing back lost goods in 24 hours, attracting more custoers to your business, swollen legs, STDs, lucky charms and for those ...
From the tops of water towers, a little New York nostalgia
I just went digging for some clips and realized two of my favorite America stories aren’t on my website. So I’d like to introduce you to them.
In 2008, I wrote one of many, many stories about the one-year anniversary of the heroics of Wesley Autrey, the ‘subway hero’ who ...
I am a freelance journalist and multimedia producer who covers human rights, Africa and foreign affairs. [