I thought the discussion regarding the events of Jena as well as the Professor's journalism career quite interesting. I enjoyed the fact that many different students held various opinions regarding the Jena 6 events. Many of the opinions I would not have even realized. I also found it interesting that people in the class felt they were called to support or protest for the Jena 6, whereas others felt no connection whatsoever. I hope this case will continue to make headlines and that it will not simply fade out of the limelight just because it is no longer 'immediate breaking news.' I also thought the Professor who visited with the class had very interesting personal experiences. Her years of journalism work were incredibly educational and I hope to be able to experience even half of the things she did.

Friday 9/21 class lecture

I thought today's class discussion very powerful and thought-provoking. I personally never realized that labeling an individual as "black" or "white" could be taken offensively! Perhaps this is simply because I've always used such terms and never had anyone express any offense taken. Yet the more I think about these labels, the more I understand that they may be hurtful. Race is an incredibly sticky subject to deal with. It's SO difficult to properly label someone in a news story when necessary. As a journalist myself, I am always questioning whether my words are politically correct, and since AP Stylebooks are constantly changing and updating, it is difficult to know how people will react to labels. Since there is no specific way to label a racial group that will please everyone, it is best to at least attempt the majority of people you are labeling. I think that this is a topic seldom discussed, primarily because it is so sensitive and difficult to find agreement. Hopefully our class discussions will continue in a productive manner so that everyone feels comfortable expressing their opinions without unintentionally hurting a fellow colleague.

How I get my news

I used to hardly ever watch TV because of my busy schedule; however, I've started getting up fairly early before class and work so that I can briefly here the major local and international news on TV in the mornings. I try as much as possible to read at least one newspaper each day, yet I'm afraid to admit sometimes that doesn't even happen. Since I in front of a computer all the time due to work and school, I do turn to various internet news publications for my sources of information. I always try to read about what's going on in the international community, around my area, and of course what's going on in the entertainment / celebrity world. I have to admit if I primarily start my day out getting my news on the internet, I'll end up focusing in more on trivial, shallow celebrity and entertainment news. However, if I pick up an actual newspaper, usually the Denton Record Chronicle, the Dallas Morning News or the Inside Collin County Business newspaper (the one I work for) I'm much more likely to read much more in depth features. I always spend at least 30 minutes each day once I do finally sit down to either read the newspaper or search via the internet. I'll end up seeing a headline that grabs me or a captivating photo and then I'm hook on the entire paper. I usually assume that when I'm reading an important story regarding a serious issue, the primary sources will be men, and I rarely expect to see women quoted unless the feature is more 'female related.' Although I don't notice it intentionally, I have to admit I usually assume that African Americans are covered in a more negative light, rather than focusing on those African American individuals who are quite accomplished and resourceful to the greater community. I usually assume that a news source will always cover a person or group that has a disability in a sad, depressing light more on the emphasis of sympathy rather than narrowing in on their progress or accomplishments. I've never really noticed these assumptions that I have until I sat and thought about them.