Last Monday, students at the University of Missouri wrapped up a historic day of protests, including the resignations of Systems President Tim Wolfe and Chancellor R. Bowen Loftin.
Students of all races locked arm-in-arm in a display of unity at a prayer vigil on Monday night led by Concerned Student 1950, the group of student activists named for the year black students were first admitted at Mizzou. The students showed their solidarity by the campsite where graduate student Jonathan Butler risked his life on a week-long hunger strike to demand the resignation of Tim Wolfe.
While the students of this campus are well-aware they have just made history in the span of just several days, their pain is clearly evident. Many national news outlets have captured many emotional moments that stem from this racially charged campus environment. Not to mention, this tension existed long before national news outlets like CNN or ESPN showed up.
Tim Wolfe may be gone, but it's clear that the battle for racial justice has only just begun.
When Wolfe choked up as he announced his resignation, the university may have turned the page, but the chapter of racial tension on campus is far from over. It's going to require changing the culture of the school from within.
For one, students could spend less time looking and posting on social media sites such as Yik Yak. Even though the media has left and Butler is getting better, there are still going to be times where black students are walking down the street and get funny looks from others.
To start, the university needs to address the proposed policy changes of Concerned Student 1950 and the MU Graduate Students. This includes adding more black faculty and staff, implementing a mandatory diversity curriculum and training and increasing funding for social justice centers and mental health facilities.
But for most students, the real first step will come when a new university system president and chancellor. Obviously, these two leaders will need to acknowledge the problems on campus.
Monday, November 16, 2015
Monday, November 9, 2015
Blog Post #10: Things I Hate Most About College
College is great and all, but there are obviously some things that deserve criticism, especially from the students. Here are some of the aspects of college that I dislike:
1. Laundry Thieves
Unfortunately, there are times where you I temporarily abandon my laundry. Most of the time, I come back and my clothes are fine. However, I came back one time and noticed that one of my socks was missing. I thought, "I'll know who took it over time because they will be wearing it." Well, that did not happen. I proceeded to mourn about the loss of my missing sock and moved on with my life.
2. Bad Influences
There is always that one person who thinks it's hilarious to get drunk before an important exam or event the next day. Well, that person sucks. I am the only person that will ever be in control of the bad decisions I make. Thank you very much.
3. People Who Have Money
This is a time where most college students are broke. However, that is not the case for everyone. While most people would be content with their ramen noodles, there's always that one person who walks in with a hot fresh pizza even though this person has leftovers in their fridge from eating out for the past week.
4. Ramen Noodles... and Other Foods
Speaking of ramen noodles, I am in no way saying that ramen noodles are bad. Ramen noodles are AWESOME, and so are hot-dogs, peanut-butter and jelly sandwiches and other common staples among college students. The bad thing is that people will get tired of them... and fast.
5. People With Less Work Than You
There's always that one person who is never at the library or studying in general. This person is usually watching television, at the park or sitting on the couch just chilling. The worst part: they get better grades than you.
1. Laundry Thieves
Unfortunately, there are times where you I temporarily abandon my laundry. Most of the time, I come back and my clothes are fine. However, I came back one time and noticed that one of my socks was missing. I thought, "I'll know who took it over time because they will be wearing it." Well, that did not happen. I proceeded to mourn about the loss of my missing sock and moved on with my life.
2. Bad Influences
There is always that one person who thinks it's hilarious to get drunk before an important exam or event the next day. Well, that person sucks. I am the only person that will ever be in control of the bad decisions I make. Thank you very much.
3. People Who Have Money
This is a time where most college students are broke. However, that is not the case for everyone. While most people would be content with their ramen noodles, there's always that one person who walks in with a hot fresh pizza even though this person has leftovers in their fridge from eating out for the past week.
4. Ramen Noodles... and Other Foods
Speaking of ramen noodles, I am in no way saying that ramen noodles are bad. Ramen noodles are AWESOME, and so are hot-dogs, peanut-butter and jelly sandwiches and other common staples among college students. The bad thing is that people will get tired of them... and fast.
5. People With Less Work Than You
There's always that one person who is never at the library or studying in general. This person is usually watching television, at the park or sitting on the couch just chilling. The worst part: they get better grades than you.
Monday, November 2, 2015
Blog Post #9: Advancement of Social Media + Impact on Journalism
Journalism, and the news industry in general, is constantly changing and trying to keep up with new technological advancements. While social media outlets open up new opportunities for journalists, they also impact the way journalism is presented and how it is done.
In other words, journalists today are required to do more with less. For example, reporters are now required to submit stories across a multitude of platforms, ranging from television, radio, print and online. For a journalist in today's media landscape, it essential to be multi-skilled.
For many journalists and media organizations, convergence is a great strategy. There is a growing realization in the journalism community that you can't report an entire news story on your own. In essence, one media outlet can't serve as the lone source of information in the world of social media. As a result, partnerships are formed. For instance, Facebook and CNN teamed up for "live tweeting" during US President Barack Obama's inauguration.
The world of journalism is changing drastically as a result of social media, where the old systems are disappearing and the new ones are budding. This society was once hooked on traditional media like newspapers and radios. Now, society has given way to a much more complicated media landscape where journalists have the ability to tell their own stories in powerful, innovative and creative ways.
In other words, journalists today are required to do more with less. For example, reporters are now required to submit stories across a multitude of platforms, ranging from television, radio, print and online. For a journalist in today's media landscape, it essential to be multi-skilled.
For many journalists and media organizations, convergence is a great strategy. There is a growing realization in the journalism community that you can't report an entire news story on your own. In essence, one media outlet can't serve as the lone source of information in the world of social media. As a result, partnerships are formed. For instance, Facebook and CNN teamed up for "live tweeting" during US President Barack Obama's inauguration.
The world of journalism is changing drastically as a result of social media, where the old systems are disappearing and the new ones are budding. This society was once hooked on traditional media like newspapers and radios. Now, society has given way to a much more complicated media landscape where journalists have the ability to tell their own stories in powerful, innovative and creative ways.
Monday, October 26, 2015
Blog Post #8: The NBA is BACK!
Kevin Durant is back from injury, LaMarcus Aldridge is back in his home state of Texas and the Golden State Warriors return their most of their championship team.
The Western Conference is full of teams that are capable of winning it. In the East, one team appears to stand out... maybe it's finally Cleveland's year to stand above everyone else in the NBA.
The Cavaliers, who fell just short of an NBA title last season, not only have big goals but a big payroll. After shelling out big money to assemble one of the most expensive teams in NBA history, there is no excuse why they shouldn't represent the Eastern Conference in the NBA Finals in June.
The Warriors were just too much for the Cavs and everyone else last season, winning 67 games under first-year head coach Steve Kerr. The reigning coach of the year will miss the season opener Tuesday while recovering from back surgery, but MVP Stephen Curry and every other important piece is back from last season.
Many of the teams after the Warriors return stronger, with Oklahoma City getting former MVP Kevin Durant back from last season's broken foot. LaMarcus Aldridge left the Portland Trail Blazers for the San Antonio Spurs and a spot on the best frontline in the NBA next to Tim Duncan and Kawhi Leonard. In addition, teams like the Houston Rockets and Los Angeles Clippers added their potential missing pieces in Ty Lawson and Paul Pierce, respectively.
Memphis will be rough and tough as always, and New Orleans has one of the fastest rising players in the league in Anthony Davis, making it possible to predict their path in the Western Conference. It's going to take AT LEAST 45 wins to get into the playoffs in the wild, wild Western Conference.
As for the East, don't expect much drama. The Cavaliers should win the conference once again barring any major injuries to key players.
The Western Conference is full of teams that are capable of winning it. In the East, one team appears to stand out... maybe it's finally Cleveland's year to stand above everyone else in the NBA.
The Cavaliers, who fell just short of an NBA title last season, not only have big goals but a big payroll. After shelling out big money to assemble one of the most expensive teams in NBA history, there is no excuse why they shouldn't represent the Eastern Conference in the NBA Finals in June.
The Warriors were just too much for the Cavs and everyone else last season, winning 67 games under first-year head coach Steve Kerr. The reigning coach of the year will miss the season opener Tuesday while recovering from back surgery, but MVP Stephen Curry and every other important piece is back from last season.
Many of the teams after the Warriors return stronger, with Oklahoma City getting former MVP Kevin Durant back from last season's broken foot. LaMarcus Aldridge left the Portland Trail Blazers for the San Antonio Spurs and a spot on the best frontline in the NBA next to Tim Duncan and Kawhi Leonard. In addition, teams like the Houston Rockets and Los Angeles Clippers added their potential missing pieces in Ty Lawson and Paul Pierce, respectively.
Memphis will be rough and tough as always, and New Orleans has one of the fastest rising players in the league in Anthony Davis, making it possible to predict their path in the Western Conference. It's going to take AT LEAST 45 wins to get into the playoffs in the wild, wild Western Conference.
As for the East, don't expect much drama. The Cavaliers should win the conference once again barring any major injuries to key players.
Monday, October 19, 2015
Blog Post #7: John Oliver and Other Satirical News vs. The New York Times Editorial Staff
The difference between satirical news hosts/shows and The New York Times editorial staff falls in line perfectly with the conflict of real and fake news. When one watch fake news, they watch for entertainment purposes. While it is meant to be funny, it also helps form viewpoints on different issues. When one watches real news, they are more likely to look for truthful information.
Fake news and entertainment has become increasingly popular in the past decade, with show hosts such as John Oliver paving the way for this revolution. While these hosts are entertaining to watch on television, it's not likely that they will the whole picture on a big news story or political issue.
For some people, fake news is their only source of news. As a result, these people are not getting all of the information about a candidate and his policies. When they show up to vote in the voting booth, these people may not be making the decision they think they are making.
These hosts such as Oliver like to spin real news (like the FIFA scandal) and make it biased and entertaining by using sarcasm and irony. Most people find this kind of presentation of news entertaining and it's a good thing that people are getting some kind of news, though it is troubling that they are not getting the whole picture.
On the other hand, The New York Times editorial staff makes sure that all of their stories address both sides of an argument. In addition, the staff and reporters make sure to include as many details as possible so that readers can come away with the entire story instead of certain parts like in fake news.
Fake news and show hosts like John Oliver are not necessarily a bad thing for society. It actually causes people to think more in-depth about the real story that are trying to satirize. It might appear to be all fun and games on the show and anyone can find humor in it, but a more informed politically active person will be able to get all of the jokes.
If people choose to get political information from fake news sources, it would be smart to compare the information they receive from real news sources.
Fake news and entertainment has become increasingly popular in the past decade, with show hosts such as John Oliver paving the way for this revolution. While these hosts are entertaining to watch on television, it's not likely that they will the whole picture on a big news story or political issue.
For some people, fake news is their only source of news. As a result, these people are not getting all of the information about a candidate and his policies. When they show up to vote in the voting booth, these people may not be making the decision they think they are making.
These hosts such as Oliver like to spin real news (like the FIFA scandal) and make it biased and entertaining by using sarcasm and irony. Most people find this kind of presentation of news entertaining and it's a good thing that people are getting some kind of news, though it is troubling that they are not getting the whole picture.
On the other hand, The New York Times editorial staff makes sure that all of their stories address both sides of an argument. In addition, the staff and reporters make sure to include as many details as possible so that readers can come away with the entire story instead of certain parts like in fake news.
Fake news and show hosts like John Oliver are not necessarily a bad thing for society. It actually causes people to think more in-depth about the real story that are trying to satirize. It might appear to be all fun and games on the show and anyone can find humor in it, but a more informed politically active person will be able to get all of the jokes.
If people choose to get political information from fake news sources, it would be smart to compare the information they receive from real news sources.
Blog Post #5: Stereotypes
Most people have unfortunately experienced the negative effects of stereotyping. Stereotypes are thoughts of an individual or group of people with certain traits, behaviors, looks, etc. It may or may not reflect the actual reality of perception.
One time, I was interviewing football players from my home high school after a heartbreaking loss to their biggest rivals. As I was talking to them, I could tell that they did not have much respect for me for a variety of reasons. For one, I was much smaller than most of them, which was weird for them since I was a year older than most of the team. As a result, none of the players took me seriously and it was hard to get any good quotes out of the players.
One time, I was interviewing football players from my home high school after a heartbreaking loss to their biggest rivals. As I was talking to them, I could tell that they did not have much respect for me for a variety of reasons. For one, I was much smaller than most of them, which was weird for them since I was a year older than most of the team. As a result, none of the players took me seriously and it was hard to get any good quotes out of the players.
After this experience, I learned that I need to do a few things differently as a journalist.
1) Be myself.
When people ask questions concerning yourself, tell them information about you that will make them say, "really, I always thought that..." and "you've changed my way of thinking about certain stereotypes..." This will often engage the person a little bit more into the conversation into keen interest and even a bit of fun debating.
2) Go against the grain of a stereotype and accept it.
If you're constantly aware of a certain stereotype that you perceive as negative, strive to tweak it in the way that you want. In addition, once you have accepted the stereotype and who you are as a journalist, it's so much easier to move with things rather than against it. You have to realize that you are different and there are a lot of other people that are different from the stereotype.
3) Walk in their shoes.
To relate or develop empathy for yourself or someone else, a good exercise to combat negative stereotypes is to role play a certain stereotype group. In other words, pretend you are someone from that group in terms how they think, how they act, and how they want others to view their stereotype group. It's good to experience what it feels like to have certain responses from the public, people you know or strangers. Doing this also increases empathy on the negative feeling that may develop from negative stereotyping.
Monday, October 12, 2015
Blog Post #6: Vice Article Summary
https://sports.vice.com/en_us/article/faster-in-the-head-can-video-games-make-soccer-players-better
My article has to do with the sport of soccer and whether playing various video games improve the players' performance on the field.
A couple of years ago, the coaching staff at Hoffenheim, a top flight soccer club in Germany's Bundesliga, requested that team psychologist Dr. Jan Mayer find a way to teach players to think faster. With the pace of the game increasing over the last 15 years, players must adjust both physically and mentally.
At Hoffenheim, every player has been forced to go through a series of diagnostic tests before the season. Some players are skeptical at first, but they come around once they hear about how many great players in today's game have scored very high on these types of tests.
In the end, Mayer believes that there is no way to test the improvement in a player's performance if they play video games such as FIFA 15 or Call of Duty. However, video games could the difference, and at the very least to no harm.
In my opinion, video games have nothing to do with improvement in sports like soccer. Either you are born with this special skill set or your not. Players like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo were born to play the game of soccer. People like me, who got cut from his high school soccer team, were obviously meant to pursue other interests in life. Again, video games play a very little role in improvement and performance.
My article has to do with the sport of soccer and whether playing various video games improve the players' performance on the field.
A couple of years ago, the coaching staff at Hoffenheim, a top flight soccer club in Germany's Bundesliga, requested that team psychologist Dr. Jan Mayer find a way to teach players to think faster. With the pace of the game increasing over the last 15 years, players must adjust both physically and mentally.
At Hoffenheim, every player has been forced to go through a series of diagnostic tests before the season. Some players are skeptical at first, but they come around once they hear about how many great players in today's game have scored very high on these types of tests.
In the end, Mayer believes that there is no way to test the improvement in a player's performance if they play video games such as FIFA 15 or Call of Duty. However, video games could the difference, and at the very least to no harm.
In my opinion, video games have nothing to do with improvement in sports like soccer. Either you are born with this special skill set or your not. Players like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo were born to play the game of soccer. People like me, who got cut from his high school soccer team, were obviously meant to pursue other interests in life. Again, video games play a very little role in improvement and performance.
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