J2000 08 25 2011 American Journalism and Politics of Diversity Identity Politics What does the definition mean UNITY always is on guard to catch culturally insensitive comments Does language matter Yes Have succeeded in making courses on media and multiculturalism mandatory Where s that citation at Very few journalism programs have a diversity program Only 17 out of 84 have it Trivialization in the news has increased as minorities Is that the only cause Diversity Define Part of Bensons Critique traditional thought on what diversity is Bensons 2 arguments o 1 Staff Newsroom and ad agency personnel in terms of race ethnicity and gender o 2 Product News content sourcing and advertising images in terms of race ethnicity and gender These arguments stem from ideas of parity equal representation reflecting the population and equality To understand this you must understand the past Employment and representation history Change hasn t happened that long ago Does Parity Equality Invisibility Newsroom and ad agencies neglect to reflect a proportion of the community Famous Few We only regularly see portrayals of those who are seen as exceptional or model representative of groups Seen as Victims or a problem Aware that groups are not treated equally Cultural Identity and Affirmation Positive portrayals are evident but may be limited in terms of types and places for representation Inclusion Authentic complex not dualistic representation of communities within society Diversity Think broadly about what the term means Should journalists in the newsroom reflect the audience population Diversity of thought ideology economics culture life experience Do we only hear from the people with strong opinions What about people in the middle Diversity in Journalism Represents views that are not our own Represents multiple perspectives Adds more voices for facts clarity and balance Adds credibility Gives voices to the voiceless Increases objectivity Excellent News Article Does it provide context o Does the story provide enough historical context so that the audience makes sense of things o Context can be ensured though highlighting time place environment social cultural background political history legal history economic implications Does it provide complexity o Does the story rise above one dimensional explanations and the polarized black or white framing to reveal gray truths o Complexity fosters objectivity fully developed opinion more than one layer of a person bigger and fuller picture story one sided comments Do we hear the voices of the people o Is the story from not about bringing the voice of the people to the listener reader viewer o Are the quotes and sound bytes purposeful and clear o Do they advance the story convey character and personality reveal new truths or otherwise add value to the piece Does the story have the ring of authenticity o Is the reporting broad and deep enough the details fine enough the opinions open enough to provide insight o Is the writing clear direct active and free of labels and euphemisms Ex Civilians were killed vs collateral damage firing vs downsizing inner city vs poor Caucasians black o Authenticity context complexity voices and Hispanics proportionality 08 25 2011 How to start the process of creating excellent stories What the producer reporters say o Use of language deliberate is meaning o Realities of newsroom economics and constraints o Selections of story subject and interview rules o Perspectives even the most well intentioned can make mistakes Story Assignment Who is included on the discussion of possible story angles How is the story being framed Reporting What background do we need Sources Perspectives Balance Photos Video Documents Writing Clear language Fair Voices Facts Editing in the Field Voices missing Use of translators Rewriting Editing Add more content Need voiceover to explain Sidebar or explanation box Sharing the experience Share our knowledge with others The Family Secret What are examples of excellence in this story Context complexity voices authenticity Is It Excellent Discuss about what makes people different but put it in the context of what makes them the same Use language that empowers people Find Guidelines people within the culture Spend time in the community get perspective Go somewhere in the community to listen Avoid creating fear competition of winner and losers among groups of people Write from the people not about them Sept 1 08 25 2011 Tips o Answer all parts of the question o Use examples and facts to support your points Personal examples are fine in your analysis but also show you re incorporating concepts we ve discussed Quote certain passages you refer to in the story Include outside sources if you re going to bring in facts that could be contested o Use correct spelling and grammar o Organize your ideas o Late posts are not accepted o Follow netiquette rules Do you believe in achieving excellence What makes certain things in society a taboo o How much you make o Political opinions Fear of change vulnerability wishy washy values challenged being wrong etc Talking Parts of Speech Fear of difficult discussions Put of beliefs aside it s not about who s right Just listen Put yourself in the other person s shoes Conditions of Difference Can be used to identify additional story perspectives o Immigration Typical narrative other narratives Provides a way to identify which cultural voices may be missing that are needed to tell a full story Offers a way to look at reframing a story or adding complexity to a story Talking Across Difference Acknowledge the Fear o I m trying to tell your story o I honestly don t know very much o I m trying to find out how our company can better serve you as our customer Seek Clarification you tell me mean to you Challenge with Passion o You just said assembly I don t know what that means can o You said you think of yourself as middle class what does that o You say that you believe our President is a Muslim what makes you think that Be Willing to Change Open Minded o You say that the objectification of women in Western media is a form of oppression of the modern woman Can you tell me how that works from your perspective Listening I like to listen I have learned a great deal from listening carefully Most people never listen Ernest Hemingway Ground Rules for Discussions Acknowledge your fears and emotions others in the room may feel Focus on understanding be a student Need to build relationships within