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
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