Finding Hope, Unity and an Unwavering Belief in Humanity

By: Donovan R. Martin Sr
Editor in Chief

My journey began as a Jamaican immigrant, arriving in Canada in the 80’s with dreams and aspirations that transcended borders. My childhood was exceptional, and what made it extraordinary was the profound privilege of being immersed in various cultures. Those formative years laid the bedrock for my life’s philosophy, a belief that no country or group of people is inherently superior to another and that unity can prevail despite our differences.

Growing up, my circle of friends was a magnificent amalgamation of nationalities. It was a beautiful tapestry of Indigenous, Iranians, Germans, Chinese, Filipinos, South Asians, French Canadians and those from Afro-Caribbean diasporas. This rich diversity sowed the seeds of my unwavering faith that we can coexist peacefully, appreciating our distinctions while seeking common ground. I also understand many in the world, including journalists, will never have the experiences I have growing up surrounded by so many welcoming cultures and will see the world from a different perspective.

My father, in his infinite wisdom, instilled in me a fundamental principle that I hold dear to this day: “I am not better than anyone, and no one is better than me.” It is a philosophy that has guided me throughout life, driving me to seek the goodness in people, regardless of their background, faith, sexual orientation or religious beliefs. This perspective, rooted in a childhood brimming with cultural diversity, shaped my unwavering hope in humanity’s ability to find unity.

The Daly Scrum News platform was born to foster hope, emphasize the positive aspects of the human experience, and highlight the good being done worldwide by governments and society. No individual nation has a monopoly on wanting what’s best for its citizens. It was founded on the belief that unity and understanding can enable us to achieve remarkable feats and improve the world.

We are not your typical media outlet. We don’t adhere to the divisive narratives that have taken over today’s news. Instead, we acknowledge the complexities of the issues we cover and strive to find common ground in an increasingly polarized world.

We’ve encountered criticism from fringe corners for pursuing a more unified and positive world. We’ve been questioned and berated for our refusal to align with any particular side of a conflict when highlighting facts. We’ve faced scrutiny for discussing the dark history of slavery and colonialism and the contributions of Muslims to the world while expressing our hopes for sensible gun reform. Simultaneously, we’ve been critiqued for our attempts to understand the perspectives of law-abiding gun owners and the importance of fostering open dialogues on sensitive topics.

We understand the need for a more inclusive world regarding LGBTQ issues while acknowledging many community allies have different opinions regarding complex issues around gender identification and educational materials presented in schools. We do our best to bring attention to those who only seek to have harmful points of view that do not represent constructive dialogue.

In our pursuit of delivering honest journalism, we are deeply encouraged by our readers, who value our commitment to providing factual and informative news that does not seek to dehumanize individuals but to shed light on the complexities of our world. We grow and evolve daily, knowing that we are guided by the belief that our stories can inspire hope for a better world where diversity is celebrated, unity is fostered, and all are warmly welcomed.

In a media landscape where sensationalism often triumphs over truth, we refuse to accept the pressures of taking sides. We faced a bit of backlash from a few for highlighting the positive actions of governments worldwide and continue to face objections to our efforts to find a middle ground on contentious issues such as COVID-19 vaccines and climate change. So much so we are repeatedly told the pandemic never happened and climate change is made up. However, our readers welcome facts about their government and what is happening worldwide.

One of the most contentious topics we tackle is the perception of China, which has overwhelmingly garnered positive reviews. However, there are always those in the media who feel only negative things should be reported about certain nations. They often portray China as an oppressive regime that allegedly enslaves over 1.3 billion people, singling out specific claims of forced labor in the cotton fields among the ethnic Uyghur population and the existence of re-education camps. While these allegations have drawn global attention and warranted rigorous investigation, it’s essential to recognize that this narrative does not represent China’s people.

During a recent visit to Xinjiang, I had the opportunity to witness a different facet of the country. A region of a melting pot of ethnicities that celebrate their languages and culture. Contrary to the extreme claims, I observed that China, as the largest cotton producer globally, has embraced cutting-edge technology in its cotton industry. They employ sophisticated harvesting machines developed by domestic companies and American and foreign manufacturers to enhance efficiency. This example underscores the multifaceted nature of China’s socio-economic landscape, highlighting the need for nuanced discussions beyond sweeping generalizations and acknowledging the country’s advancements alongside its challenges.

There exists an unwritten rule that discourages speaking openly about the accomplishments of the Chinese people in a positive light. Yet, constructive diplomatic exchanges between top officials happen daily, resulting in tens of billions in trade. The prevailing narrative in many media outlets often fails to recognize the complex and multifaceted nature of international relations, where governments, despite public discourse, must navigate the realities of geopolitics, which may not always align with the narrative presented to the public. What is said behind closed doors and the conciliatory tone contrasts sharply.

We understand that our commitment to impartial reporting and objective journalism is an old-school way of thinking, but should it? We believe in providing balanced coverage encompassing various political ideologies and perspectives. Consequently, we are criticized by those who believe only their opinions or those of their mainstream media are relevant. This way of thinking arises because we refuse to adhere to partisan narratives and prioritize highlighting policies and initiatives that can genuinely benefit the public, regardless of their political origin.

Similarly, our coverage of governments within the United States, Canada and worldwide has been applauded for providing diverse viewpoints. Some even argue that we should not celebrate the accomplishments of any nation due to a general mistrust of government institutions. And further states the only way of governing people is Western-style democracy. However, not considering the governments in place globally function best for their people. As a society, we should seek to understand how they operate instead of trying to topple or discredit them. Other forms of government structure trying to be imposed on Western civilization would be met with the utmost resistance.

We will continue to be dedicated to reporting the full scope of government actions and remain unwavering, striving to provide a nuanced perspective that recognizes achievements and shortcomings. In the face of such criticism, we will persist in our commitment to delivering factual and impartial news, driven by the belief that an informed citizenry is essential for the health of any democracy.

The media will always play a crucial role in shaping political discourse, and we know its power. We embrace diverse perspectives and refuse to confine our thinking to a black-and-white worldview. Understanding and dialogue are essential in a world where nations must collaborate to coexist.

We don’t seek to discredit fellow journalists or media outlets, as a few have tried to us. We are not competing with anyone for clicks, nor is it our philosophy to act petty to put others down to look good in the eyes of public opinion. Instead, we maintain the values of constructive journalism, focusing on meaningful dialogue. We emphasize the importance of unity and cooperation in a world of many issues. It’s beyond us to engage in disinformation and speculation; it should also be beyond anyone who calls themselves a journalist or news agency.

In the face of a 24-hour tumultuous news cycle, we will never stop believing in the decency of humanity. We embody the belief that unity, understanding, and an unwavering commitment to seeing the good in people will lead to a better world.

As we continue to challenge the divisive norms of the media, it is a testament to the power of hope and the enduring human spirit. In a world that often appears spiralling into chaos, The Daily Scrum News reminds us that there’s still room for voices that strive to unite people, embrace diversity, and seek common ground.

Growing up in a society that embraces diversity in all its forms has etched in me the conviction that no one is superior to another, and it’s a perspective that will forever define my path. Our organization’s unwavering commitment to inclusivity and highlighting the benevolent actions of governments worldwide will remain our focus, our mandate.

In a world where every news agency shapes its narrative, we keep our gaze firmly fixed on the people and the positive aspects of meaningful dialogue. In this unwavering commitment to unity, hope, and humanity’s best, we find our strength and inspiration to move forward.

Photo Credit Bo