Saturday, January 22, 2011

On Being an American Journalist

In this article, it talks about journalists of America writing about wars and such. This may not seem like a big deal (because people would usually think: Oh, they're journalists...all they do is write.), but in reality, they put a lot at risk when they write about wars. Journalists go out to the battlefield to see for themselves what to write about. They risk their lives for us to know the truth.


Well, writing is not much easier than going out to hunt for the truth. When they are reconsidering the facts and writing, a decision has to be made. "Should I tell it as is?...Maybe I can leave out some truth..." Ahh, telling the truth...That's always difficult to do. Humans are known to lie naturally (-cough cough men cough cough- :] jk), it would be no surprise that journalists twist the truth. However, Loren Jenkins decides to stand against that and do what she believes is right. Even though it is not guaranteed that ALL journalists are like Jenkins, but for the ones that do, they are greatly respected for their work.

Thursday, January 13, 2011

King Still King?

"King still King?"
- I think, Yes.

Martin Luther King, the African American man that we have known (or studied) all through our educational career. Every now and then, people are reminded of him...It might be his famous "I have a dream..," or some ignorant teenagers down the street making a racist joke dissing King, reminding people of him. Born as an African American in the time where racism and segregation ruled above all, King chose to step up and show 'em who's boss. Just kidding, not really...But he did speak and fight against the mistreatment of African Americans. Because of this, he's forever remembered...But are we still as thankful as the people were during HIS time? Do we realize how big of a deal his hard work was?

In my opinion, because this is "history" (even though it was not that long ago), we are slowly losing the value of what King did. To most of us, MLK day is just another day off of school or work. We don't REALLY take a day off to think about or celebrate King's legacy. Instead, most of us take the day off for our own enjoyment. Based on this, it's sad to say, but King is no longer as "king-ly" as he was before.  

Sunday, January 9, 2011

Children of the Sea

Children of the Sea.
How do you picture a nation? What do you see when you hear the word "children?" Is it love? Is it something glorious and prideful? Is it a peaceful nation that you see?

In Children of the Sea, the words, "glorious," "peaceful," and "love" does not exist. It is the story of Haiti. The lives of the citizens of Haiti are in disarray and danger is everywhere. People escape onto little boats to sail to a haven. The ones being killed were the ones that had differing political views than the government. It is a silent nation, where no one can speak. Freedom is bounded within themselves, and the hope to make a change is risky. In the story, two teenagers write letters "to each other," depicting life in Haiti. Cruelty, hate, and violence penetrate through everyone in Haiti, even children. How innocent and naive children are...but they go through far too much than a normal adult can withstand. Beaten by fear, they are left with no choice but to flee their home. However, the journey to search of a new life is not a guaranteed success. Often times, the boats sink, and all souls on board are "sacrificed." Sacrificed for what? For freedom. For a voice. For a change.