The Associated Press recently wrote a full-length story stating that some conservatives were questioning Sen. Barack Obama's patriotism because of a photo showing him say the Pledge of Allegiance without his hand over his heart.
This story raises an interesting question: How should reporters cover beliefs or assumptions voiced about individuals or cultural groups?
If a man says that women are catty, should the reporter use the quote? If a woman says men are controlling, should the reporter use the quote? If a reader says the newspaper is racist, should the reporter use the quote? If a woman says she doesn't like immigrants because they bring in too many germs (an actual quote) should the reporter use it? Is is OK to lower journalistic standards every time we talk about race, ethnicity gender, religion or sexual orientation?
Are journalists obligated to make the effort to separate prejudices from truth?
The answer can be found in Journalism 101: Unless a person can produce the facts or research to support their conclusions, reporters should avoid using these inflammatory statements unless they put them into cultural context. (For example, a reporter might use the quote that women are catty, and then include research explaining why this is a common stereotype of women.)
Culturally competent journalists have the confidence to challenge individuals and groups to explain how they arrived at their assessments and the presence of mind to request supporting research.
The AP report, which was widely used, stated:
"Sen. Barack Obama's refusal to wear an American flag lapel pin along with a photo of him not putting his hand over his heart during the national anthem led conservatives to question his patriotism . . Now Obama's wife, Michelle, has drawn their ire, too, for recently saying she's really proud of her country for the first time in her adult life."
What's missing in the article is the conservatives' definition of a true patriot. As it stands, readers are left with the impression that these conservatives feel a patriot is anyone who acts and thinks like them - a philosophy that is decidedly UN-American. In order to consider the matter, we need to better understand the elements of patriotism so we can apply the standards to all.
When reporters write about gender issues or racial matters, they need to be aware that that their biases, or automatic assumptions, might get in their way. That is why fair newsrooms require diversity of thought and representational diversity. Despite well-funded industry-wide campaigns to increase minority hires, the newspaper industry actually moving backwards. Nearly 57,000 full-time journalists now work in daily newsrooms, according to the American Society for Newspaper Editors. In 2007, the number of minority journalists increased by about 200 to nearly 7,800 though their percentage decreased to 13.87 percent, the ASNE said. This is the second time since ASNE started the annual survey in 1978 that the percentage of minorities has declined. The first decline occurred in 2001.
America has a woman and an African American running for president, and yet many newsrooms lack the cultural skill sets needed to challenge voter biases and report effectively on politics, generational differences, racism, biases, and cultural filters. It is the worst moment to be without diverse colleagues to watch our back.
Having a culturally aware editor or colleague makes a huge difference. They can help us to see our blind spots and encourage us to put completed stories to the fairness test. AP overlooked key facts. The story was not a homerun because it failed to cover all the bases.
To hit a single, we need to know 1) Has Senator Clinton or Sen. John McCain ever said the Pledge of Allegiance without holding a hand over the heart? This lets us determine if the action deseves scrutiny and if the conservatives are being unfair.
To earn a double, we need to know: 2) If Obama's opponents have not always held their hand over their heart, then why are the conservatives solely focusing on Obama? Could there be a hidden agenda?
To get a triple, we have to be a power hitter: 3) Is this a story about patriotism, voter bias, or Barack Obama's beliefs? Without conducting additional research, it's hard to tell.
As for Michele Obama, I would ask the reporter to challenge conservatives to explain why her quote was disturbing. Are they suggesting that every American citizen has been treated exactly the same ? Do they think it is unreasonable that disparate treatment might result in various levels of affection for a nation? Is that unreasonable? If a white man made that very same statement, would the conservatives have reacted differently? Inquiring readers want to know.
This story was a missed opportunity to advance America's dialog on race. Sen. Obama may, or may not, put his hand over his heart when he says the Pledge of Allegiance. If the conservatives are offended, then Obama should be asked if he's aware of how his fellow citizens feel. Would he be willing to modify that behavior if it served to break down a cultural barrier? As America's most celebrated cultural leader, it is a legitimate and important question to ask. His answer might prompt us all to consider ways we might adapt behaviors to overcome differences.
Readers deserve the answer to all these questions in a thoughtful and well-researched story exploring how filters on race and gender frame the way individual citizens see campaign issues. Now that would be a home run!
Had these cultural issues been included, everyone would have gained insights: the conservatives, the Obamas, and the world watching the drama. In matters of race, we are all biased, although to differing degrees. We have to probe a bit to determine when and why our cultural shades may prevent us from conducting a high-quality analysis.
Every time an airplane crashes, journalists focus on finding the cause. That way, changes can be made and safeguards put in place to protect the public. Cultural disputes cry out for review in much the same way. It is never enough to say a cultural collision occurred. Readers depend upon us to explain what went wrong and why?
As we head toward election day, the lack of diversity in America's newsroom has become everybody's problem. For years, the media have been telling us they try, but can't seem to increase diverse voices. We can't find qualified minority journalists, editors will tell you. What they don't say is that their gains are eroded by the tsunami of minority journalists leaving the industry out of frustration.
Let's let them know that while we appreciate the industry's current difficulties, we really need for them to step up their game. America's future now is at stake.
Recent Comments