AN OPEN LETTER TO LIBERIA
February 02, 2010
by VICE STAFF
To Whom It May Concern,
Our recent Vice Guide to Liberia stirred a lot of controversy, and some misunderstanding about how we tell stories. We are not strangers to controversy, but this is different, and we would like to take this opportunity to apologize for any harm we may have caused to the image of Liberia. This was not our intent.
Our “Vice Guide to Travel" series is not a typical travel guide. The intention of the VGTL was to look at what happens to former child soldiers, former generals, and other people left behind by the massive development effort in the society. Like all of our Travel series, we focused on going through areas of Monrovia facing serious challenges, and our final product reflected those experiences.
As in any post-conflict country, we realize that development and recovery cannot be achieved immediately. Liberia has come a long way, but continues to face many challenges: This is what we wanted to show.
While we accomplished this, reactions–especially from the Liberian community–have expressed disappointment that we could have focused on the more positive aspects of Liberia today. The Liberians we worked with and talked with were very friendly, welcoming, and caring, despite all the violence and injustice they faced over 14 years of civil war that the international community did little to stop.
To the people of Liberia, we would like to sincerely apologize for any harm this may have caused to the perception of your country and to all of those that were offended.
Sincerely,
Vice
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RantinnRavin: It's too easy to paper over the cracks of a country in dire straits. I'm sure a lot of people are working hard to get Liberia back on track, but reporting on the situation in the way you did will bring some much needed awareness to something that get's very little western press.
about 1 month ago
armand_elbow: I wouldn't feel too bad, Vice. I don't think the apology was necessary, and I doubt too many Liberians are familiar with the Vice/VBS canon... though I can sympathise with their response. Besides, patriotism isn't just a passé emotion in many places of the world. Especially fragile, shredded, still dripping places of the world. And no one likes to have the spotlight shined on their dirty laundry...
about 1 month ago
JT1989: What about "free press" do you not understand? Oh we dont like what you are saying so we threaten you? Liberia doing this is worse than the doc itself. Have confidence that this will shed light on your problems. No one had ever even heard about Liberia before this. Now they see what a rudimentary, thug like, government they have.
about 1 month ago
Chola4realz: Haters make the world go round
about 1 month ago
NEOES: I think the final bit where everyone was together in the church and pretty much showing all their hope and faith was a positive...at least they haven't given up.
about 1 month ago
Kaizen: Eh, if you're not being talked about or being accused of something or the other, then it probably means you're not doing a good job. Excellent job here, Vice/VBS! Rock on!
about 1 month ago
Oakcliff214: I think pretentious fucks like getting thier panties in a bunch over this shit. Obviously its not Vice's style to show you a Sandals cruise line esque type of trip. If your offended quit looking!
about 1 month ago
Cloud9: well, well. Hmmm, corporate sponsorship (or its' dollars thereof) must've been affected (or ran risk thereof)... *cloaked*
about 1 month ago
flasksandmasks: I really love the Vice Guide to Travel series. Liberia was the best, is the best and always will be the best. Thanks Vice
about 1 month ago
Marvin: Should be titled "An Open Letter to Pussy-Ass Whiners."
about 1 month ago
flasksandmasks: exactly. i read this lady's review of it and she seemed so stupid like she didnt actually understand the tone of the documentary
about 1 month ago
jigglebutt: you'd think (and be correct in that thinking) that the complainers have never watched anything vbs has done in the past. truthfully, i'm sorry you guys felt the need to do this. this isn't a goddamn travel agency video. i want to see the bad stuff. and i'd venture to guess none of the complainers stuck it through. the last two parts were quite uplifting, i thought. oh well, fuck 'em.
about 1 month ago