Understanding others to understand ourselves

 Olivia Orf

oo373220@ohio.edu

When tasked with the question "What is journalism and what is it for?" one can find many answers for each question. 

Bill Kovach and Tom Rosensteil address many aspects of these questions in The Elements of Journalism. The first point that brings up a conversation is the idea of looking back through history, we see messengers being selected with a set of 3 qualities: run swiftly, carry accurate information and deliver said news. 

Looking back through decades, we realize how important timely delivery, accurate information, and follow through are three major aspects. 

The history of journalism and communication leave those who dare to search, a trail of evidence and explanation for what has worked and what has not. 

According to this article, we have morphed from the writing era to the technical media era and now to the digital era... 

While there are no problems with that — it is important to ask yourself the following hard questions.

Does digitizing make media and communication more durable and safe? Instead of a writing carved into a caveside, we have tablets notes apps and virtual posit notes — because who needs a pen and paper?

We still do!! 

In this era of "fake news" skewed news and down right biased news sources pushing us constant notifications all day long — are we still sure we receive our information from somewhere we trust? Not trust because a friend of a friend utilizes it or is it REAL; but true independent and accurate information that is as unbiased as can be found. 

That is the first crucial step in journalism.

I am a large believer in having an educated and informed society. Whether we are becoming educated for internal or external circumstances, an educated society is the key to success. 

Informed voters make differences, informed parents make differences, the list goes on and on... 

The fact of the matter is that in order to grow, learn and become educated - you have to be able to recognize that growth equals admitting you have gained new information and are ready to change your stance/view or opinion. 

 Redefining your own opinions is a freeing feeling. It is not admitting defeat, not admitting you were wrong, and not stating that you are up for debate. In fact, quite the opposite. 

Redefining and recentering ones opinions is based in the idea that your personal opinion was based on the information you had, at the time of the decision. Admitting that you did the best you could with the information you had at the time is the very best you can do— but now you know more, have seen more, and are prepared for this. 

Working towards a highly educated society one day at a time is hard work; but we have good means, a history of communication evolution behind us, and citizens that are ready to stop receiving news in blurbs, 1000 times a day, every day.