Time is Moving Forward, but is Society?

Mia White

mw964917@ohio.edu

It is no secret that the white-cis-men of society have the most power, but why should they? When taking a look at almost anything in the world, sure we see diversity, but who is really at the top, and are we truly that diverse? For example, when it comes to journalism and the media it is apparent that most of the staffs are white and/or men. 

In a column from the Columbia Journalism Review, it states: "According to the Census Bureau, racial and ethnic minorities comprise almost 40 percent of the US population, yet they make up less than 17 percent of newsroom staff at print and online publications, and only 13 percent of newspaper leadership. " Now, why is that?

Gabriel Arana, the publisher of said review, often mentions that is favorable to hire someone with a wealthier background whether it be for a job, internship, or even to get into journalism school.

He also makes a good point by saying, "Job applicants with the top credentials—Ivy League degrees, internships at prestigious publications, recommendations from prominent editors—will most often be white, but hiring managers would be wise to consider the life experiences of people of color, who have insight and access that others don’t." 

When we look at the lack of diversity in newsrooms, we also see a lack of good news. Diversity is important because it gives everyone a chance to have more insight and learn/know things they wouldn't from their own lives. 

An article in Forbes Magazine talks about many mistakes that newsrooms have made when it comes to their stories and people of color. For example, when Kobe Bryant passed away, the BBC played footage of LeBron James, another African-American basketball star, mixing the two up. This mix-up caused tons of criticism from the public considering that most of the BBC staff is white and they confused two African-American sports stars.

According to the Forbes article, "In 2018, BBC Newsnight, a flagship current affairs news program, confused two Pakistani cricketers. They played footage of Wasim Akram bowling, instead of Imran Khan. In 2015, ITV News confused Lenny Henry, a black British man, with Ainsley Harriott, a black British TV chef."

When does it end? 

Picture source: Newsbreak.com

Sure, everyone makes mistakes, but when mistakes become a pattern it is simply not okay. By having diversity in the newsroom, or anywhere in the world for that matter, it makes the world a more equal place to be. If there were more people of color covering stories, maybe there wouldn't be as many mistakes or biases when it comes to certain stories. 

While the world has been evolving in regards to racism, it is not at all where it should and could be. We see that in the news, and we need change.