Journal 1

I really liked the interaction that took place within the first week of class. I felt comfortable hearing about different ethnicities and how one's viewpoints on others might be biased. The exercise that involved different chosen races within a community was an eye-opener that made me understand the different stereotypes that one has unconsciously about others. The activity proved the point that we are all stereotypical, which is only natural for us. It is essential to address questions to other races that I probably never thought of asking. Why should I be afraid, possibly because I do not have the same ethnical background, and they might get offended? Fear is the key of our failures, and as a journalist, I should overcome it.
Overall, I believe the movie Barbershop is a great example on how different races can relate to one another and influence the community. There is a white barber at the shop that apparently doesn’t seem fit enough to cut hair for black individuals. The black men that were waiting for a haircut did not want to cut their hair with him. Stereotypes are not just created with races, but with gender as well. When the black girl that works at the barbershop came in work, she was moody and that created a notion of agitation for her customer whom left and said he will be back later. Every person at the shop was different, but yet they all worked together within the same community.
I think it takes a lot of effort for a person to change his or her perspective on a place. In regards to Liberty City, people from a different race do not seem to want to take the time to get to know the community. There is good and bad neighborhoods everywhere. Within each race, there are different social classes and that creates a notion of prejudice. In regards to the article by Keith Woods, one can move beyond fears by reading, writing and talking, which makes sense because the more you know about the person and how their lifestyle is, how they think like, what they like to do, it will be easier to interact with them. Once a reporter interacts with the person and can relate to them then that creates a comfort zone, which can create a great source. I do agree that one should go beyond white and black because that allows you to see a person by their feelings and actions. What Molly Hennessy-Fiske did for the victim, Rashaun Williams, of the shooting was quite impressive because it portrays the human side of her, of not just a reporter or a journalist, but a person that is willing to help another individual no matter the circumstances.