1. Chapter 17 Multicultural Sensitivity

2. What do you think of when you hear the word alien?

3. What about “Illegal Alien” • What do you think of when you see or hear that? • Does it apply to a specific demographic group?

4. The Language of Multi-Culturalism • Even carefully chosen words • Can be interpreted differently than intended • Things that influence interpretation • Gender • Race • Geographical • Ethnic background

5. Define the following words • Majority • Ghetto • Inner City • How did you learn the definition of each? • Do you think that the definitions people have of these places • Help to develop stereotypes?

6. There are terms used in newswriting that are preferred by different groups • African American • Chicano • Hispanic, Latino • People of color • How do you know what term is appropriate at any given time? • Reporters often ask members of the group how they would like to be addressed

7. Minorities in the News • There are many organizations that help promote fairness • NABJ • NAHJ • NAAJ • NAGLJ

8. During your newsgathering • Consult different groups & sources • To find the appropriate terms to use • Age, Race, Gender, etc • This goes with the sensitivity that we discussed earlier • Also helps to get different points of view

9. One way the media can be more sensitive to the needs of minorities • Is to hire more minorities • Encourage them to express their diversity • Minorities make up • 13-14 percent of the 54 thousand full time journalists • 21 percent of the workforce in TV & Radio

10. The increase in the Hispanic population • Has led to the development of • More Spanish speaking publications • Multicultural sensitivity • Not only includes the sources, but also the kinds of stories chosen • Stereotypes presented in the media also impact the groups portrayed

11. Take out a piece of paper and something to writer with • We’re going to take a little quiz

12. Gender Differences • When covering stories of different genders • Try to avoid incorporating stereotypical elements • Use appearance descriptors only if used for both genders • Tips to avoid sexism, listed on Page 326-327

13. Writing about special groups • Every group has some special needs and concerns about language. • How would you describe the following • A man in a wheelchair • A person with AIDS • People over 65 • Best place to start is to ask the people you are discussing

14. People with disabilities • Don’t characterize someone as disabled • Unless it’s important to the story • Avoid the word “handicapped” • When interviewing people with disabilities • Be aware of – Pg 329 • Volume • Perspective when writing • Use of Adjectives

15. Stories about aging • The U.S. Population is aging • Often stories about elderly people are • Written by younger people • Developed from a younger perspective • Lack sensitivity towards age • When writing about people over 65 • Avoid descriptors that apply only to older people • Avoid stereotypes • More on pg 330

16. The next written news story • Interview members of various ethnic and racial groups on campus or in your community about their concerns and the kinds of stories they think newspaper are not writing about them. • Devise 10 story ideas based on your interviews and select one to do a story on.