Community forum: racism in media
Reid Parham
Issue date: 3/10/08 Section: Forum
Just as Bill Clinton's 1994 executive order to address environmental racism mandated change from the top-down, media conglomerates must stand up to do the same.
The first case also requires a readjustment of views and priorities, ensuring society views the problems of one group as a problem for all.
Solutions to the second case - just as it was said during the Feb. 19 sexism forum - should encourage non-traditional media outlets to deliver engaging, non-archetypical stories of athletes.
Just as people had strongly denounced Don Imus' remarks about the Rutgers University women's basketball team, Americans should ensure the Web 2.0 revolution welcomes such critiques.
The third case should implore media, film and creative writing industries to denounce inequalities and pursue honest narratives that reflect all sides of the human condition.
Just as movies like Harold and Kumar, comedians like Sarah Silverman and shows like The Colbert Report point out the ridiculousness of stereotypes, entertainment should continue to deliver biting critiques and directly engage skeptics.
The fourth case should require more transparency within the media industry to reduce corporate censorship and conflict of interest. Society needs access to (accurate) information to fully understand issues.
"Balance" does not always mean both sides of an issue but should reflect cultural values and effects on individuals - equally for all impacted.
Finally, the fifth case of racism discussed in the forum points out the value of affirmative action.
This is not "reverse inequality" but instead brings more backgrounds and perspectives to the media institution.
As the current media landscape of regulatory failures has decreased the number of voices heard, alternative media is of ultimate importance for democracy.
What becomes clear, then, is an informed and empowered public must speak up to ask for change. Journalists must be open to critique and understand where it comes from and what it can provide.
Racism in media limits our perspective and prevents the real stories from being heard. Working together as equals - open and honest - all people will gain.
The forums will not stop here. Expect more conversations - classism and ableism, among others - next term.
Editorials serve as a means for Barometer editors to offer commentary and opinions on issues both global and local, grand in scale or diminutive. The views expressed here are
a reflection of the editorial board's majority.
The first case also requires a readjustment of views and priorities, ensuring society views the problems of one group as a problem for all.
Solutions to the second case - just as it was said during the Feb. 19 sexism forum - should encourage non-traditional media outlets to deliver engaging, non-archetypical stories of athletes.
Just as people had strongly denounced Don Imus' remarks about the Rutgers University women's basketball team, Americans should ensure the Web 2.0 revolution welcomes such critiques.
The third case should implore media, film and creative writing industries to denounce inequalities and pursue honest narratives that reflect all sides of the human condition.
Just as movies like Harold and Kumar, comedians like Sarah Silverman and shows like The Colbert Report point out the ridiculousness of stereotypes, entertainment should continue to deliver biting critiques and directly engage skeptics.
The fourth case should require more transparency within the media industry to reduce corporate censorship and conflict of interest. Society needs access to (accurate) information to fully understand issues.
"Balance" does not always mean both sides of an issue but should reflect cultural values and effects on individuals - equally for all impacted.
Finally, the fifth case of racism discussed in the forum points out the value of affirmative action.
This is not "reverse inequality" but instead brings more backgrounds and perspectives to the media institution.
As the current media landscape of regulatory failures has decreased the number of voices heard, alternative media is of ultimate importance for democracy.
What becomes clear, then, is an informed and empowered public must speak up to ask for change. Journalists must be open to critique and understand where it comes from and what it can provide.
Racism in media limits our perspective and prevents the real stories from being heard. Working together as equals - open and honest - all people will gain.
The forums will not stop here. Expect more conversations - classism and ableism, among others - next term.
Editorials serve as a means for Barometer editors to offer commentary and opinions on issues both global and local, grand in scale or diminutive. The views expressed here are
a reflection of the editorial board's majority.
Note: writers will not reply to comments.
Comments by registered users are approved by default.