Why does objectivity in journalism cause so much controversy?
I think that objectivity in journalism causes so much controversy because it seems that it is virtually impossible to be so.
Throughout history have there even ever been any completely objective newspapers? There is always a motive, whether it is obvious or not. There will always be biases (i.e. political parties etc.), and people know where to go to get the news that agrees with their own opinions. It has been this way since the foundation of our country, when political parties first emerged. Even the newspapers then were formed around political parties. In order to be completely objective, the newspaper, and journalist would have to cut out all affiliations. They would not be able to be considered either a conservative or liberal or anything in between paper. Is this possible?
It is also incredibly difficult to get all sides of a story. For a journalist to get all of the side, facts, and opinions in every story is incredibly difficult, and it may not be the information that they wish to deliver to the public (depending on what medium they are working for).
Don't get me wrong, I still think that journalist must at least strive towards being objective, but I don't think that it is something that is actually attainable, especially in today's society. Without the ideal of objectivity news would no longer be news, but rather commentary ( which some "news source" have already become but I will not name names in honor of trying to remain objective myself).
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
A Liberating Restriction?
Does having a particular structure that you must adhere to limit the creativity in your writing?
I have often been prone to answer yes to the above question, but I have decided to look into the other side of this argument.
I think that writing within a particular structure or format can enhance the creativity in your writing. When a writer is working with a particular structure it may in fact relieve some of the pressure from them, because it is one less thing that they must worry about. Having one less thing to worry about inevitably allows them to focus more on the content of their writing. If a writer is not as concerned with developing a certain style or structure in their writing they become more able to work within the piece itself as a means of expression. I think a good example of this is with poetry. Certain forms of poetry have extremely strict structures, but there is endless room within the poem to be creative.
On the other side I also think that having to adhere to one particular structure can be very detrimental and greatly restrict the creativity in a piece of writing. If a writer must keep in mind a particular structure while they are writing, they may become somewhat obsessed with that and their focus will be directed away from the content and creativity of the piece. I also believe that certain structures may stifle a writer's voice or style. Having to stick with one format may also prevent a writer from developing their own individual style or voice. A lot of times when a writer must stick to one structure there is often a great deal of pressure involved, which I think may lead to a great distraction from the content itself.
I have often been prone to answer yes to the above question, but I have decided to look into the other side of this argument.
I think that writing within a particular structure or format can enhance the creativity in your writing. When a writer is working with a particular structure it may in fact relieve some of the pressure from them, because it is one less thing that they must worry about. Having one less thing to worry about inevitably allows them to focus more on the content of their writing. If a writer is not as concerned with developing a certain style or structure in their writing they become more able to work within the piece itself as a means of expression. I think a good example of this is with poetry. Certain forms of poetry have extremely strict structures, but there is endless room within the poem to be creative.
On the other side I also think that having to adhere to one particular structure can be very detrimental and greatly restrict the creativity in a piece of writing. If a writer must keep in mind a particular structure while they are writing, they may become somewhat obsessed with that and their focus will be directed away from the content and creativity of the piece. I also believe that certain structures may stifle a writer's voice or style. Having to stick with one format may also prevent a writer from developing their own individual style or voice. A lot of times when a writer must stick to one structure there is often a great deal of pressure involved, which I think may lead to a great distraction from the content itself.
Monday, January 29, 2007
# 2 in Points for Consideration and Discussion (p. 37)
In the book Writing for the Mass Media by James Glen Stovall, the point is made that knowing the rules of grammar is crucial to good, successful writing. I completely agree with Stovall on this issue because knowing the rules of grammar, and being able to apply them correctly, allows you to express yourself in a very clear, concise manner.
I think that grammar is especially important in writing for the media because you are not writing for your self, but to express some kind of idea or fact to others. If your writing contains spelling and grammar errors, it will ultimately cause the reader to consider the intelligence, and trust worthiness of the source. When writing for the media, the writer must be aware of the grammar used because it could turn out to be very detrimental to the source if over looked.
Another reason that I believe knowing and applying grammar in a correct manner is so important is because it is a reflection of not only your writing, but on you yourself. If your writing is incoherent; lacking proper grammar, punctuation and spelling, it causes the reader to make a judgement not only on the source, but on the writer as well. The reader is liable to make a judgement concerning your level of intelligence, expertise, and professionalism.
Ultimately I think that your writing (as well as your speech) should, and a a reflection of who you are. In knowing how to use grammar, you are only making your writing that much stronger.
I think that grammar is especially important in writing for the media because you are not writing for your self, but to express some kind of idea or fact to others. If your writing contains spelling and grammar errors, it will ultimately cause the reader to consider the intelligence, and trust worthiness of the source. When writing for the media, the writer must be aware of the grammar used because it could turn out to be very detrimental to the source if over looked.
Another reason that I believe knowing and applying grammar in a correct manner is so important is because it is a reflection of not only your writing, but on you yourself. If your writing is incoherent; lacking proper grammar, punctuation and spelling, it causes the reader to make a judgement not only on the source, but on the writer as well. The reader is liable to make a judgement concerning your level of intelligence, expertise, and professionalism.
Ultimately I think that your writing (as well as your speech) should, and a a reflection of who you are. In knowing how to use grammar, you are only making your writing that much stronger.
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
My Academic Career Thus Far
My academic career thus far has been extremely uncertain. I have transferred schools several times, and just transferred to Manhattanville this past fall. In the past I have taken a little bit of everything and have finally decided that I am going to be majoring in political science, and minoring in English.
I am very passionate about both areas and I feel that they are extremely important. I feel that these two areas of study compliment each other very well. I think that writing is an invaluable tool that I will undeniably be in need of regardless of what field I end up in in the future, and that is why I have chosen to minor in it. In the future I would like to incorporate the two areas and possibly write for some form of political journal whether it be a newspaper, magazine, etc.
I am very excited to be a voice for politics, and I think that it is very important for young people to be aware of what is going on in not only in our own country, but in others as well, because sooner than later it is going to have an affect on our future.
I think that this course will be helpful to me because I think that I am going to come out of it better able to express myself for the type of writing that I would like to do. I want to make my voice heard and I think that this class is going to hopefully provide me with the tools to be able to successfully do so.
I am very passionate about both areas and I feel that they are extremely important. I feel that these two areas of study compliment each other very well. I think that writing is an invaluable tool that I will undeniably be in need of regardless of what field I end up in in the future, and that is why I have chosen to minor in it. In the future I would like to incorporate the two areas and possibly write for some form of political journal whether it be a newspaper, magazine, etc.
I am very excited to be a voice for politics, and I think that it is very important for young people to be aware of what is going on in not only in our own country, but in others as well, because sooner than later it is going to have an affect on our future.
I think that this course will be helpful to me because I think that I am going to come out of it better able to express myself for the type of writing that I would like to do. I want to make my voice heard and I think that this class is going to hopefully provide me with the tools to be able to successfully do so.
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