The Google™ company, known all over the world for its search engine, created a new application called Google Earth in 2004. It gives you the opportunity to discover the world with satellite pictures. The new version of this application has added historical maps of Japan. However, the giant firm didn't expect such discontent from the Japanese government in so far as these maps were already posted on another website. The company is now facing inquiries from the Justice Ministry and angry accusations. The reason is that low-caste communities are shown on the maps, which creates discrimination.
Castes date back to the feudal system. They consisted in the attribution of place to individuals in the social hierarchy. The different groups were created according to the ethnicity, their profession and others criteria. The Burakumin were one of those tribes. There were a minority, at the bottom of the social hierarchy. Nowadays, castes are abolished but a part of the population still claims their belonging to the Burakumin. These people are still persecuted and they suffer prejudices based on the area where they live or even where their family lived. They are confronted to injustice and discrimination in the field of employment for example. This part of the population can't do anything against their origins because everybody including their employees can be aware of their origins thanks to the Japanese records. So moving away isn't a solution to the problem. Furthermore, Google Earth with its historical maps has made matters worse for the Burakumin as the maps are very precise: you can see the streets and the buildings with a single click.
Two weeks after, numerous complaints and press articles have prompted Google to change course. The Japanese historical maps have been scrapped. But protests against Google has not stopped. The new version of the application which includes Street View doesn't respect image rights. You can see the faces of passers-by without their authorization.
My opinion :
I have chosen this news because I approved of the action of the Burakumin who wanted to curb discrimination against them. I also wanted to inform about the situation of this population. Talking about this news is a good way, I think, to make you aware of discrimination in the world. Everything has to be done to reduce injustice and persecution. Google Earth should not forget a rule which I think essential for equality: you have to respect each other.
Flavio
Sources:
http://www.japantoday.com/category/technology/view/old-japanese-maps-on-google-earth-unveil-burakumin-secrets
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Castes
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burakumin
Samedi 9 Mai
Google Earth contesté pour la diffusion de cartes historiques

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