Over the past two weeks I've really learned a lot. I've started understanding the things we've been talking about in class because I've been able to go out and experience it for myself. I never thought that doing an exercise like the listening post would open my eyes and my mind as much as it has. I just went to the Purple Palace again yesterday and I'm thinking of going again tomorrow. The people there have really embraced me. Two of the guys especially, Brandon and Greg, are willing to talk about anything and everything I ask them. Even they have started asking me questions and wanting to get to know me better.
I understand now how important it is to go beyond the "bubble" we live in. As reporters, we have to get out there and hear the stories of people that just want someone to listen.
It brings to mind the 60 Minutes report we saw in class about Mr. Lopez and Mr. Ayers. I had actually seen it by chance that previous Sunday and I thought it was a great story. It just shows you that you never know who you'll meet. We shouldn't discriminate others based on race or religion or even on the way they're dressed. Every one has a story. And more often than not, you'll find you have something in common with them.
We also talked about the fact that journalism should be inclusive. It needs to include people of all backgrounds. Not just the people in the stories, but also those writing the stories. The Liberty City article we read in class is a perfect example. It only showed one side. It was negative and it was lacking heart and emotion.
Just because you are of the same race as those you are covering, does not mean you'll do a better job. In fact, I think if you cover something out of your comfort zone, you'll be better able to ask more questions and get more information.
We found out that Robert Samuels was a middle class black man. It just proves that someone not of the community might do a better job at writing the story. They may be better able to present both sides.
I remember Reisner saying that we need to choose how we write things. We have to present all sides of a story. We can't bring our prejudices or our baggage into it. The listening post assignment has really helped me understand that concept. I had to get rid of all my preconceived notions. I'm in their community, and I have to get the truth. I have to learn what their reality is like. So far, everything I thought before, has been wrong.
We also looked at ads last week. The one that stood out the most was the helicopter ad. It was offensive even though I'm not Muslim. To associate a helicopter attacking a mosque or any other religious establishment for that matter, is crazy to me. It leads people to think that the Muslim religion is evil. I know that it's absolute nonsense. That ad would never feature a church or a Jewish temple. People would be outraged!
The Jewish "Shalom" parody was both stupid and confusing. It was offensive, even though a lot of people in the class found it to be really funny. I found it obnoxious and I didn't understand the point of it. Maybe that's because I think the Budweiser commercials are really stupid and pointless too.
Overall I've learned to be more accepting of others. I look at people differently now. I've started striking up conversations everywhere I go, no matter what a person looks like. Everyone has a story to tell, and my job is to find out what it is.
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