Religion.
In a world of differing beliefs and opinions, it's a touchy subject for many. People have a hard time associating themselves with things they don't understand.
But journalists should beg to differ. It is a journalist's duty to have an objective and open mind, to try to understand, and to report on subjects like religion in an unbiased manner. It is an issue that's just as important as any other beat that's covered in the media. Religion is an easy topic to tip toe around, for fear of giving incorrect information or hurting others feelings. In fact, I believe reporters should feel a little apprehensive in religion reporting to protect the beliefs of others, but that doesn't mean that they shouldn't be assertive. Journalists should keep in mind that there will always be skeptics.
I think studying faith and religion makes you not only a good journalist, but a good contributor to society. An open mind to others beliefs helps one build tolerance and an understanding for people's motivations. "Religion shapes people’s actions and reactions in very private and very public ways across the range of news and features. Without it, you’re often not getting the whole story." - http://bit.ly/9iaYjO
I found this blog interesting in expressing views on journalism and religion:
http://nowthedetails.blogspot.com/2010/04/religion-and-journalism.html
Another major contributor of journalism is the religion of the reporters themselves. A journalist's upbringing and certain values and morals affect how they report and view themselves in the role of a journalist. No matter a journalist's personal beliefs though, they should always seek truth and hold the public in their best interest.
Here's also a link to a youtube video of people of different religions speaking out about media's effect on their beliefs:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RXLNhRQ75AI
In a world of differing beliefs and opinions, it's a touchy subject for many. People have a hard time associating themselves with things they don't understand.
But journalists should beg to differ. It is a journalist's duty to have an objective and open mind, to try to understand, and to report on subjects like religion in an unbiased manner. It is an issue that's just as important as any other beat that's covered in the media. Religion is an easy topic to tip toe around, for fear of giving incorrect information or hurting others feelings. In fact, I believe reporters should feel a little apprehensive in religion reporting to protect the beliefs of others, but that doesn't mean that they shouldn't be assertive. Journalists should keep in mind that there will always be skeptics.
I think studying faith and religion makes you not only a good journalist, but a good contributor to society. An open mind to others beliefs helps one build tolerance and an understanding for people's motivations. "Religion shapes people’s actions and reactions in very private and very public ways across the range of news and features. Without it, you’re often not getting the whole story." - http://bit.ly/9iaYjO
I found this blog interesting in expressing views on journalism and religion:
http://nowthedetails.blogspot.com/2010/04/religion-and-journalism.html
Another major contributor of journalism is the religion of the reporters themselves. A journalist's upbringing and certain values and morals affect how they report and view themselves in the role of a journalist. No matter a journalist's personal beliefs though, they should always seek truth and hold the public in their best interest.
Here's also a link to a youtube video of people of different religions speaking out about media's effect on their beliefs:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RXLNhRQ75AI
I couldn't agree more with the need society has to be better informed about the many faiths existing in America. I think ignorance in almost any arena hinders our society to advance, and builds walls around us as individuals and as a nation. The more we know, the more we will understand. The more we understand, hopefully, the better we treat everyone we come into contact with, regardless of their race, socioeconomic status, religion, politics, appearance, or education. And as journalists, the more we understand a topic, issue, or person, the better we will be able to explain it and help to clarify it for the public. I can't think of a situation where gaining knowledge and understanding is a bad thing.
ReplyDeleteThis is a great post! Ignorance is so annoying, I hate that that is the one thing that gets in the way of everyone just being friends and being happy!! We need to understand, as journalists, that we have the opportunity to tear down those walls of ignorance like Garrett commented above me. We have so many cool opportunites as journalists, and I think that this is just one of them. Hopefully we can be a part of a movement to make everyone more open minded in this nation and around the world.
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