Requirements:
Tell us in approximately 300 words how a specific work of journalism (not your own) had an impact on your desire to study
journalism. It can be from newspapers, magazines, broadcast or online news sources.
---------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------
Words have Power
Words have power. You grow up hearing "sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me". This isn't true. Even after more than 125 years the racial statements and the degrading references are just as powerful. The constant reference to the idea that a race can make someone less of person influences the position taken by society.
In the contemporary article "Twain Classics Drop Racial Slur" by CBC News, the argument of accepting history and the truth is an inspiration to pursue journalism. Alan Gibben and NewSouth Books are publishing a new edition of Tom Sawyer and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, replacing the word "nigger" with the word "slave". However, literary scholars argue that changing the word, which appears 219 within the novel, is rewriting history. Considered one of literatures finest, and a powerful example of American language, Twain's novels imply that each word was chosen carefully. Written in the heart of slavery, critics of the idea argue that the focus should be directed towards how racism is expressed in the 21st century instead of the actual word. Rob Morrison an English professor at Queen's University claims "I don't believe we can solve racism by pretending that word wasn't used during that time"1, furthermore the inaccuracy of taking out the n-word and replacing it with slave, may prevent future generations from a significant learning experience.
By erasing the truth of history, it is difficult to monitor the evolution of humanity. By accepting the use of the racial term, society has progressed in establishing equality and human rights, although nothing is ever perfect. Therefore, journalism allows an opportunity to demonstrate how the world continues to suffer, as well as prosper with the use of language. Therefore a single word has the potential to change or maintain within a society forever.
Tell us in approximately 300 words how a specific work of journalism (not your own) had an impact on your desire to study
journalism. It can be from newspapers, magazines, broadcast or online news sources.
---------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------
Words have Power
Words have power. You grow up hearing "sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me". This isn't true. Even after more than 125 years the racial statements and the degrading references are just as powerful. The constant reference to the idea that a race can make someone less of person influences the position taken by society.
In the contemporary article "Twain Classics Drop Racial Slur" by CBC News, the argument of accepting history and the truth is an inspiration to pursue journalism. Alan Gibben and NewSouth Books are publishing a new edition of Tom Sawyer and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, replacing the word "nigger" with the word "slave". However, literary scholars argue that changing the word, which appears 219 within the novel, is rewriting history. Considered one of literatures finest, and a powerful example of American language, Twain's novels imply that each word was chosen carefully. Written in the heart of slavery, critics of the idea argue that the focus should be directed towards how racism is expressed in the 21st century instead of the actual word. Rob Morrison an English professor at Queen's University claims "I don't believe we can solve racism by pretending that word wasn't used during that time"1, furthermore the inaccuracy of taking out the n-word and replacing it with slave, may prevent future generations from a significant learning experience.
By erasing the truth of history, it is difficult to monitor the evolution of humanity. By accepting the use of the racial term, society has progressed in establishing equality and human rights, although nothing is ever perfect. Therefore, journalism allows an opportunity to demonstrate how the world continues to suffer, as well as prosper with the use of language. Therefore a single word has the potential to change or maintain within a society forever.