The media and the poor

      This weeks reading assignment captured my attention because it was about the little focus poverty has in the media. I agree with Dionne that the poor are not priority in news until they are seen as troublemakers. Most people, if asked, are not aware of the high numbers of poverty that are present in today's society. It is devastating to know that people in most need are not receiving necessary resources because they are not seen, by the media, as important enough for coverage that can bring awareness. Yet, when you do read about the poor it is mainly in a tragic story. Either they hurt someone or they created a problem big enough to damage society.
     So what can we do? You may ask. Well, like Dionne says, "...put an issue on someone's bulletin board, sometimes literally in their kitchen." We might not go to the extreme of their kitchen, but the main point is that we need to remind people that the poor are also human beings and they, like most of us, need support. Reporters should create awareness rather than put a dark light on poverty. I think they shouldn't wait to hear a story about a poor person causing trouble in society in order to classify it as "news worthy." As a future social worker I know that the media can be a great resource to reach potential donors, but it will be a difficult task to do if news agencies continue to neglect the poor.

Link: "Media Do Not Focus on Poverty as an Issue" Race, Gender, and Stereotypes in the Media pg.155-156

No limits in gender

    The reading for Monday was very relatable to me and the career I have chosen. As a Strategic Communication major I have struggled too many times because I feel like I can not succeed in the PR business due to my gender. Women and men are equally represented in this field but the highest positions are dominated by men. This statistic makes women seem as though their knowledge and capacity is only worth for the fun and simple parts of PR. Thus, men are worthy of the higher more critical decision. This, I fear, makes me think I am inferior to men and that no matter what I do, chances of me obtaining a high position are limited.
    Reading about Sally Jenkins, Charean Williams, Gina Miller, Jennifer Floyd Engel, Hillary Clinton, and Sarah Palin has made me realize that there is hope. I admire women who, although told they are not good enough for a "man's" job, still continue with their dreams. They not only accomplish their dream by being one of the few women with high positions but also with successful outcomes during that time. Those outcomes are the evidence that women are as capable as men to achieve great things in whatever field they desire. It is these role models that should motivate us women to not be afraid of doing something most people, men especially, say we are incapable of doing.

Race, Gender, and Stereotypes in the Media, 37-51; 59-70

Bic's pens For Her

   In this article it is obvious women are upset about the Bic company. With this new direction Bic has taken you can see the way women are still portrayed in society. We are seen as superficial and weak. The colors used for these pens make it seem as women only focus on looks and being "pretty." The design is made especially for women's hands, which I personally see offensive because we are seen with no strength what-so-ever. It is a bit exaggerated to say women need a special design for something as simple as holding a pen.
     The reactions these women have shown are not out of the ordinary. Us women are tired of being misunderstood and misrepresented in this society. I believe that Bic should consider their new design and not look at the pen but rather what it is trying to say about women. Living in the 21st century you would think equality is a strong value for society, but with Bic's action it seems that society has not really adopted this value.

http://prdaily.com/Main/Articles/12532.aspx