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How Journalists Miss the Mark: A Perspective on Communication and Education
As a new dog owner, I was eager to learn about house-training techniques, but nothing seemed effective. My dog, Bella, was anxious and uncomfortable, resulting in weeks of using the bathtub as her designated spot (a smart yet inconvenient choice). One day, to my relief, she led me to a tree pit on the streets of New York City to relieve herself outdoors. What I didn’t realize at the time was that dog urine can be harmful to soil, damaging nearby plants. This became evident when a man, on his way into his brownstone, stopped and unleashed a tirade:
“Are you serious? Get your dog out of there! You know you can’t let her do that!”
This encounter taught me the term “tree pit,” but more importantly, it highlighted a common communication failure. Instead of imparting knowledge, he went straight to condemnation. He assumed I was deliberately ignoring the rules, akin to a rebellious child. However, this aggressive demeanor only fueled my frustration. Rather than feeling remorse, I felt compelled to retaliate with my own act of defiance.
This scenario illustrates a broader issue in communication: too often, people bypass the teaching moment and leap directly to punishment. They accumulate grievances and project their anger onto others, mistakenly believing that everyone should inherently know what they have yet to learn. Consequently, the intended lesson is lost, replaced with feelings of anger and confusion. The person being reprimanded recognizes their wrongdoing but lacks clarity on the specifics, resulting in a feeling of being bullied for their ignorance.
As I composed myself after the encounter, I turned to the man and remarked, “Oh, you’re one of those people.”
“Excuse me? One of those people? Who do you mean?” he shot back, advancing toward me, visibly annoyed.
“The type who shrinks the world with rage instead of expanding it through conversation.”
“Shut up.”
“Exactly,” I replied, walking away, proud yet shaken from the confrontation.
This unprocessed anger manifests everywhere, but I’ve noticed it increasingly within journalism. Writers often scold and belittle readers instead of enlightening them, as if readers should already possess knowledge that they are seeking through the article. The tone has grown more moralistic and confrontational, overshadowing informative content.
The frustration surrounding social justice issues is palpable. In 2014, many of us were still fighting for fundamental rights that should be inherently ours. Daily, individuals face oppression based on their race or gender. These despicable acts often stem from fear and ignorance. Those who have been educated about these matters have a responsibility to teach others, no matter how exasperating it is to confront a world where not everyone shares the same understanding of right and wrong.
It’s crucial to recognize that sanctimonious attitudes do not inspire change; they foster hostility. Condemning readers and filling articles with accusatory language achieves little in terms of progress. Such approaches highlight the writer’s inability to connect authentically with others. Hostility breeds distance, and when a writer prioritizes tone over topic, readers are left feeling uncomfortable and alienated, which can create negative associations with both the author and the publication.
Anger, while it may feel like an action, is ultimately passive and detrimental. Articles steeped in combative language often shift the burden of the problem onto the audience, rather than offering constructive solutions. This type of journalism perpetuates the belief that difficult conversations should be avoided, while simultaneously shaming readers for their lack of knowledge. These pieces become aggressive campaigns fueled by unprocessed rage, ultimately harming societal discourse and contributing to mental health struggles.
While it’s easy to express anger, engaging with complex truths is challenging. It’s important not to blame others for their fear or laziness when we ourselves fail to articulate our perspectives. Writers who seek conflict often resort to unfiltered anger as a means of coping. However, this can be isolating; few are willing to support someone perpetually in fight mode. The more we inform others, the less alone we feel. A solitary protester may be ignored, but a collective voice can create a movement.
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In summary, effective communication requires a balance of empathy, understanding, and education. Journalists should strive to inform rather than admonish, fostering a dialogue that encourages learning and growth rather than alienation.