HDNet World Report Season 9 Episode 5 Democracy Inside Out: Redrawing Our Political Map; Oman: A Different Kind of Arab State; Toxic Town
- February 22, 2011
The episode "Democracy Inside Out: Redrawing Our Political Map; Oman: A Different Kind of Arab State; Toxic Town" from Season 8 of HDNet World Report, focuses on three different stories from around the world.
The first segment explores how political divisions are becoming more extreme across the globe, leading to a need for a new way of thinking about democracy. It examines how different democratic systems can function, including the use of citizens' assemblies to make decisions, and how these can be adapted to work in different contexts.
The second segment takes a closer look at the relatively unknown Arab state of Oman. The country is known for its stability and peaceful coexistence of different religious and ethnic groups, which is rare in the region. The segment explores how this has been achieved and how the country continues to balance its traditional way of life with modernization and economic development.
The final segment of the episode takes us to a town in the United States that has been severely impacted by years of industrial pollution. The residents of the town are seeking justice and reparations for the health problems and environmental damage they have suffered as a result of this pollution. The segment shows the struggles of the residents and the impact of environmental irresponsibility by certain industries.
Overall, this episode highlights the importance of looking beyond our own borders and considering the diverse range of political, social, and environmental issues that are impacting people around the world. It encourages us to consider alternative approaches to democracy, find inspiration from unlikely sources, and to take action to protect our environment and our communities from toxic industries.
