I am in a living and learning community called Social Justice. As a Social Justice member, I have to take a social justice course that broadens our perspectives on various issues, events, and statistics around us. During one of our reading assignments, we read about free speech and cultural terrorism. The article was very enlightening and interesting in a sense that it discussed real life situations in which we overlook, yet know they are there.
I could agree and relate to the low statistics of minorities who don’t serve on college newspaper staffs. When the article discussed how few minorities and people of color go into journalism and writing, I almost said to myself, “Damn right!” Studies have shown that many students of color go into business, law, and the medical field because these are sure and definite ways to success. As many of us are first generation students, we feel an obligation and pressure to go far and succeed. Journalism is not guaranteed success. Many whites go into this field because some of them have wealth, so if it doesn’t work out, they have families and wealth to help support them. I feel as though I only have 1 chance, and I will not mess that up. Whereas whites have more options in some cases, I have to make the best of what I have, what I can get, and what works for me. And that aint’ journalism. When writing a journal, a story, or a newsletter ensures a mortgage payment, car note, food, and personal pleasure, then I will partake in it. Until then, I will be the next Johnny Cochran.
Minorities have a lot of pressure on their shoulders. When going to college we are expected to do this and that, and in the end, make this amount of money, not saying that whites do not have the same expectations. Culturally, whites will do what makes them happy whereas minorities and students of color have to beat the system and find a sure way to success. We have to make a difference and not be a statistic of low wage earners. It is understandable for minorities to not pursue journalism and be staff members on the newspaper committees. Many non-minorities do not face some of the same issues that we face. It is not that it is a waste of time, but more that we have to find and take a sure way out, and journalism does not promise that.
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I think you raise some compelling points about the realities and pressures of students of color and first generation students. In some ways, certain professions are more of a luxury, or aren't as appealing for folks who feel that need and desire to succeed in ways that aren't as visceral or immediate for folks who may have grown up presuming their success from the very beginning. It does make me sad, though, to think that we may lose talented journalists, teachers, social workers, etc., because of the issues you correctly acknowledge. But I recognnize such sadness may also be a result of my own privilege. Although as the first person in my family to go to college, I think I get some of the pressures you talk about. Even in academia, you can feel a bit lost as you work your way up the cultural ladder. Thanks for your candid, thoughtful, and very engaged response.
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