Nov.+1


 * Class materials**





For the record, here's the assignment that was due today: Write a blog post on the Ning site about an issue (or event, place, person) that you think represents sanity or insanity. Include in the post a photograph (or a link to a photo) that best represents your issue. In Monday's class we'll hear about the Stewart/Colbert rally AND we'll visit with a delegation of African journalists. Two points to those who ask a question in class.

Alex's Opinion

After hearing from the speakers today and getting a first-hand account of how another continent deals with journalism, I can say my mind-set for the profession has changed. In America we have the right to free press and free speech that allows us to cover anything from political debates to celebrities. It is a commodity here in America that everyone wants and it is as available as food or water. In other countries it is hard to obtain and people risk their lives everyday for the truth. This is something, as an American, I do not have to face in our country and it has given me to not appreciate this fact. I have learned that what is a simple assignment for me could be a impossible task for another with their countries restrictions. We must realize the truth is a precious thing and many out there are risking their lives and dying to achieve the real truth. We cannot just abuse our privileged and must treat the truth like a precious object. The truth IS worth dying for and we must always remember that.

--Thanks for this Alex! (Donica)

I thought it was great to have journalists from outside of the United States come and talk to aspiring journalists. It was nice to hear about what other people care about and write about. I had the chance of talking to them after class and I asked what they thought of our news here in America. They responded with things like "so many politics" and "a lot of celebrity news". They said that our country was the only country that allows political candidate bashing. I found that interesting and realized how grateful I am to be living in the United States. -Marissa Skinner

When I came to class, I could not wait to hear the reports from the rally. I had watched a good chunk of the rally in television, and now I was ready to hear what Molly, Kim, and Max had to say about it. But when they said they could not get into actual rally and hear Stewart and Colbert speak, I was disappointed at first. However, I loved how they were able to take advantage of the situation they were in and still report the rally from a new angle. I think their actions show true journalism. Journalists need to be able to think on the spot and not let something like a security guard stop them from covering an amazing event. Reporters can try to plan out what they want to write about, but the reality is that not all events turn out how they wanted to. After looking at the pictures that my three fellow students took, I applaud them. Everyone watching the rally on the TV just assumes that all is fine and dandy, when in reality there were so many people stranded and wanting to get in. We've learned that it is important to always cover both sides of a story, and that is exactly what Kim, Molly, and Max did. As for the presentation by the African journalists, I could not believe some of the stories that they told. We always hear about restricted countries where journalism is not completely free, children who run around in poverty, war outbreaks in the middle of streets, and such, but never before have I have a more primary source tell the story. One of the speakers mentioned that some parts of Africa had an 80% illiteracy rate and many areas lack electricity still. When I heard that, my eyes felt as though they had popped out of their sockets. Here in America, many people who do not keep up with the latest news, simply choose to be that way. In certain parts of Africa, many people do not have that option. With the technology we have today, it is a shame that more Americans are not up-to-date with worldly news. All the resources available to us here are truly incredible. After all the discussions, I could not be more grateful to have the freedom of press that we do today. -Andrea Blanco