Journalists as Advocates
By Rae Kirby
Journalists traditionally are to stay objective. An advocate is someone who publicly supports a cause. Mary Mitchell, Chicago Sun-Times columnist and editorial board member describes her role in journalism as an advocate for her community, in an interview.
Before coming in the newsroom, Mitchell knew poverty and racial discrimination existed. These critical issues that affect communities is something journalist need to know exist to provide society news on the real issues.
"They’re people who are raising families in the city of Chicago that are doing it against great odds. So I know when I came in the news room that these people exist," said Mitchell.
Speaking to just celebrities and politicians, to Mitchell should not be the only thing journalist worry about.
"They’re smaller people who have a voice and they deserve to have their voice heard," said Mitchell.
Sometimes the public, according to Mitchell, needs someone to tell them what is going on in society. That issues some people wish to overlook or undermine are just as important. If those who are expected to give the news and be the voice of the people ignore the real issues then we are just as responsible as those causing them.
" if nobody holds up a mirror to say there’s something wrong with it then we’re just as guilty as the people who’s doing it.," said Mitchell.
As an advocate journalist, you can pick which race to advocate for, but to Mitchell this does not mean you are anyway racist towards other ethnicities.
"Some readers cannot separate that fact you can be an advocate for an African-American without hating people of other races," said Mitchell.
By Rae Kirby
Journalists traditionally are to stay objective. An advocate is someone who publicly supports a cause. Mary Mitchell, Chicago Sun-Times columnist and editorial board member describes her role in journalism as an advocate for her community, in an interview.
Before coming in the newsroom, Mitchell knew poverty and racial discrimination existed. These critical issues that affect communities is something journalist need to know exist to provide society news on the real issues.
"They’re people who are raising families in the city of Chicago that are doing it against great odds. So I know when I came in the news room that these people exist," said Mitchell.
Speaking to just celebrities and politicians, to Mitchell should not be the only thing journalist worry about.
"They’re smaller people who have a voice and they deserve to have their voice heard," said Mitchell.
Sometimes the public, according to Mitchell, needs someone to tell them what is going on in society. That issues some people wish to overlook or undermine are just as important. If those who are expected to give the news and be the voice of the people ignore the real issues then we are just as responsible as those causing them.
" if nobody holds up a mirror to say there’s something wrong with it then we’re just as guilty as the people who’s doing it.," said Mitchell.
As an advocate journalist, you can pick which race to advocate for, but to Mitchell this does not mean you are anyway racist towards other ethnicities.
"Some readers cannot separate that fact you can be an advocate for an African-American without hating people of other races," said Mitchell.