Three Cups of Tea disputed

Discussion Topic

Return to Forum List

Post a Reply

Messages 1 - 20 of total 808 in this topic

<< First | < Previous | Show All | Next > | Last >>

Port

Trad climber

San Diego

Topic Author's Original Post - Apr 15, 2011 - 08:38pm PT

This caught my eye because Krakauer's name is attached to it.

NEW YORK — A "60 Minutes" investigation alleges that the inspirational multimillion seller "Three Cups of Tea" is filled with inaccuracies and that co-author Greg Mortenson's charitable organization has taken credit for building schools that don't exist.

The report, which airs Sunday night on CBS television, cites "Into the Wild" author Jon Krakauer as among the doubters of Mortenson's story of being lost in 1993 while mountain climbing in rural Pakistan and stumbling upon the village of Korphe, where the kindness of local residents inspired him to build a school. The "60 Minutes" story draws upon observations from the porters who joined Mortenson on his mountain trip in Pakistan and dispute his being lost. They say he only visited Korphe a year later.

The "60 Minutes" report alleges that numerous schools in Pakistan and Afghanistan that Mortenson's Central Asia Institute is said to have established either don't exist or were built by others. According to the CAI's website, the institute has "successfully established over 170 schools" and helped educate over 68,000 students, with an emphasis on girls' education."
In a statement issued Friday through the institute, Mortenson defended the book he co-authored with David Oliver Relinhis, and his humanitarian work.

"Afghanistan and Pakistan are fascinating, inspiring countries, full of wonderful people. They are also complex places, torn by conflicting loyalties, and some who do not want our mission of educating girls to succeed," Mortenson said.

"I stand by the information conveyed in my book and by the value of CAI's work in empowering local communities to build and operate schools that have educated more than 60,000 students. I continue to be heartened by the many messages of support I receive from our local partners in cities and villages across Afghanistan and Pakistan, who are determined not to let unjustified attacks stop the important work being done to create a better future for their children."

"Three Cups of Tea" was released by Penguin in 2006. Spokeswoman Carolyn Coleburn declined comment, saying the publisher had not seen the "60 Minutes" story. The book sold moderately in hardcover, but was a word-of-mouth hit as a paperback and became an international sensation, selling more than 3 million copies.

Mortenson has received numerous honors, including the Sitara-e-Pakistan (Star of Pakistan), a civilian award rarely given to foreigners.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/42615493/ns/world_news-south_and_central_asia/

Crimpergirl

Sport climber

Boulder, Colorado!

Apr 15, 2011 - 08:41pm PT

I must be really tired...where Krakauer's name attached? Thanks for sharing.

TGT

Social climber

So Cal

Apr 15, 2011 - 08:42pm PT

Over the years I've run into two or three people who have had direct involvement with 60 minutes, "investigations". They are masters of character assassination and innuendo.

Take anything they present with about a pound and a half of salt.

Port

Trad climber

San Diego

Topic Author's Reply - Apr 15, 2011 - 08:43pm PT

The second paragraph mentions that Krakauer doubts some of Mortenson's claims.

I agree TGT, I take everything with a grain of salt.

Also, I don't really care if a few of Mortenson's claims are untrue. He has done more for U.S. interests in the region than any of our Presidents have.

Tami

Social climber

Canada

Apr 15, 2011 - 08:44pm PT

It ain't over till it's over...........who wrote the story & moreover why?

I don't trust ANY news these days until well established by numerous sources.

Someone might just be out for blood. There's often a reason.

Toker Villain

Big Wall climber

Toquerville, Utah

Apr 15, 2011 - 08:45pm PT

Hmmm.

He was just here.

Ricky

climber

Sometimes LA

Apr 15, 2011 - 08:46pm PT

Take anything they present with about a pound and a half of salt.

This from a Glen Beck fan.

Edited to add:

Every significant turning point in American politics beginning with Whitfield's sermons pre revolutionary war, began in a church.

Beck is an unlikely Jeremiah,but a damn effective one.

TGT

Revise away.

TGT

Social climber

So Cal

Apr 15, 2011 - 08:47pm PT

You got that wrong too

Crimpergirl

Sport climber

Boulder, Colorado!

Apr 15, 2011 - 08:51pm PT

Thanks Port. I AM tired!

Jim Brennan

Trad climber

Vancouver Canada

Apr 15, 2011 - 08:57pm PT

As Tami said, there is often a reason.

My experience with media of any sort is they are overworked and depend on making insane deadlines just to have a job tomorrow. The speed of information in the present has no time for depth of thought.

This was tried with failure by the Bush presidency by applying sound bite thinking to political reason.

TGT

Social climber

So Cal

Apr 15, 2011 - 09:07pm PT

the whole premise of 60 minutes is to televise someone being thrown to the lions and broadcasting a virtual evisceration.

Some times they deserve it, many times they are completely innocent, but they don't care, they still sold the adds.

philo

Trad climber

Somewhere halfway over the rainbow

Apr 15, 2011 - 09:23pm PT

Can they throw Glen Bleck to the lions?
Please!

donini

Trad climber

Ouray, Colorado

Apr 15, 2011 - 09:27pm PT

A lot of knee jerk reponses here: the truth, whartever it is, will come out.

TGT

Social climber

So Cal

Apr 15, 2011 - 09:35pm PT

What ever the truth is, it's far more complex than what a 12 minute sensationalized segment can deal with .

donini

Trad climber

Ouray, Colorado

Apr 15, 2011 - 09:39pm PT

I never said that a 12 minute segment on 60 minutes will determine the truth. There are obviously some issues here that need clarification, which, I believe, will happen.

TGT

Social climber

So Cal

Apr 15, 2011 - 09:46pm PT

I was privy this week to a story that if spun from first appearances would make a sensational story of US military involve in graft and corruption in Haiti when the real story was resourceful guys getting the job done while stranded by the complete failure of both the State Dept, and the dysfunctional Haitian society.

60 minutes makes a living out of sensationalizing.

The truth will come out, but not there.