|
NFPW
2002 Highlights
Communicating
Across Cultures
Four panelists, representing several ethnic groups, offered
advice to journalists when they communicate across the cultures.
Yolanda Arauza believes Latino issues are under-reported by the
media. The Latino population comprises about 10 percent of the
population, and yet only 1 percent of the media coverage is dedicated
to their issues. When journalists do file a report, the topics
focus on the negative: welfare, gangs or criminal activity.
"We need to be positive on how we portray minority issues,"
said Arauza, an instructor at Minnesota State University Moorhead
and co-host of a radio program on Latino issues.
Selene Phillips sees problems in the way that the media communicates
with the native community.
"News reporters are not willing to take time to listen to
get to the heart of the problem," said Phillips, who is completing
a Ph.D. in Native American Studies at Purdue University. She presents
Sakakawea with the Great Plains Chautauqua.
Dorreen Yellow Bird said non-native people may lack understanding
of the event being reported upon. As an example, she counted nine
errors linked to a photo caption of a pow-wow.
"These misconceptions lead to untrue visions of who we are,"
she said, adding, "We have an obligation to understand the
culture of what we are writing about."
Yellow Bird is a journalist with the Grand Forks Herald. She
is from the Sahnish Arikara Three Affiliated Tribes, New Town.
Xiao Zhang said Chinese nationals face special challenges in
America. Chinese people are seen in the light of their government
and not as individuals.
"Asian Americans are not considered American," she
said, adding, "These perceptions are from ignorance."
Zhang is a reporter for the Grand Forks Herald. She is a native
of Harbin, China, and came to the United States in 1998 to study
journalism.
She said the media have the opportunity to help educate about
culture diversity. "The media doesn't give minorities a voice.
The media doesn't seek different voices. The media doesn't seek
different opinions."
Yellow Bird encouraged journalists to visit the reservations
and talk to Tribal Council members.
"It's important for you to go out and try to understand
what's happening on the reservations," she said. "The
media has the keys to open doors for good relationships with each
other."
In her research on Sakakawea, Phillips realized that most books
about Lewis and Clark were written by non-native people. Encourage
libraries and visitor centers to carry books written by Native
Americans, she said.
"Listen to the native voice. Read Native American stories.
Ask the right questions. That's your job," she said.
Arauza added, "The media acts as a socializing agent in
our attitudes to one another."
Don't look at reporting about cultural issues as a problem. Consider
it as a challenge and something positive, she said.
Arauza encouraged the media to hire more Latinos and members
of minority groups.
"We have so much to give," she said.
Zhang added, "Go with an open mind. Ask questions and be
ready for different answers. Be respectful and be sensitive."
Phillips reminded journalists to use proper terms in identifying
minority groups. Cover positive stories, not just the negative.
Finally, she said, "Think outside the box."
– Linda Sailer
|
