Glossary

9.3 Amplifying voices and perspectives of underrepresented communities

7 min read•august 13, 2024

Amplifying underrepresented voices is crucial in trauma journalism. It ensures diverse perspectives are heard and challenges dominant narratives. By actively seeking out marginalized sources and providing platforms for self-representation, journalists can promote inclusivity and social change.

Ethical reporting on marginalized communities requires cultural competency, , and careful language choices. Journalists must be aware of their biases, protect vulnerable sources, and consider the impact of their stories. This approach fosters trust and promotes more authentic, nuanced storytelling.

Platform Diverse Voices

Actively Seeking Underrepresented Sources

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Top images from around the web for Actively Seeking Underrepresented Sources

  • OjoVoz App Helps Underrepresented Communities Go Digital With Their Storytelling · Global Voices View original

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  • Building Journalists with Integrity and Impact: A Community Journalism Project Takes Shape in ... View original

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  • Journalists should actively seek out sources and stories from underrepresented communities
    • Avoids relying on the same limited pool of voices and perspectives
    • Ensures a broader range of experiences and viewpoints are represented in reporting
  • Building trust and relationships with marginalized communities is essential for gaining access to authentic stories
    • Stories and experiences may not be readily shared with outsiders due to historical mistrust or fear of misrepresentation
    • Investing time in building rapport and demonstrating genuine interest and respect can help foster trust and openness
  • Techniques for finding diverse sources include partnering with community organizations, attending cultural events, and using social media
    • Community organizations (advocacy groups, cultural centers) can provide valuable connections and insights into underrepresented communities
    • Attending cultural events (festivals, performances, gatherings) can offer opportunities to engage with diverse voices and experiences firsthand
    • Social media can be used to connect with a wider range of voices and identify potential sources or stories that may not be on the mainstream radar

Contextualizing and Framing Diverse Voices

  • When platforming diverse voices, it's important to provide proper context and framing
    • Ensures their stories are accurately and respectfully represented
    • Avoids perpetuating stereotypes or misrepresenting the complexity of their experiences
    • Provides necessary background information for audiences to fully understand and appreciate their perspectives
  • Journalists should be mindful of power dynamics when working with marginalized sources
    • Avoid exploiting or sensationalizing the experiences of marginalized individuals for the sake of a story
    • Recognize the inherent power imbalance between journalists and vulnerable sources, and take steps to mitigate this (empowering them to share on their own terms, giving them control over their narrative)
    • Be transparent about the purpose and potential impact of the story, and obtain informed consent at every stage of the process

Self-Representation and Empowerment

Reclaiming Narratives

  • Historically, marginalized communities have often had their stories told by outsiders
    • Has led to misrepresentation, stereotyping, and the perpetuation of harmful narratives
    • Outsider perspectives often lack the nuance, context, and authenticity that comes from lived experience
    • Reinforces dominant power structures and denies agency to marginalized voices
  • Self-representation allows individuals from underrepresented groups to reclaim their narratives
    • Enables them to share their experiences on their own terms, in their own words
    • Challenges dominant narratives and promotes more authentic, nuanced understandings
    • Empowers marginalized communities to take control of their own stories and representation

Supporting Self-Representation in Journalism

  • Journalists can support self-representation by providing resources, training, and platforms
    • Providing resources (equipment, funding, mentorship) can help empower marginalized individuals to tell their own stories
    • Offering training in storytelling, media production, and journalism skills can build capacity for self-representation
    • Creating dedicated platforms or spaces for marginalized voices to share their stories directly can amplify their perspectives
  • Collaborating with community members as co-creators, rather than just subjects, can ensure stories are told authentically
    • Involving community members in the storytelling process from start to finish can help center their perspectives and priorities
    • Co-creation models recognize the expertise and agency of marginalized individuals in telling their own stories
    • Helps build trust, accountability, and reciprocity between journalists and the communities they serve

Journalism for Inclusivity

Shaping Public Discourse

  • Journalism has the power to shape public discourse and bring attention to overlooked issues and experiences
    • Sets the agenda for what is considered newsworthy and important in society
    • Influences how people understand and relate to the world around them
    • Has the potential to challenge dominant narratives and promote more inclusive, equitable perspectives
  • By amplifying the voices of marginalized communities, journalism can help promote greater understanding, empathy, and inclusivity
    • Exposes audiences to a wider range of experiences and viewpoints, fostering greater appreciation for diversity
    • Humanizes the struggles and triumphs of , encouraging empathy and connection across differences
    • Promotes a more inclusive public discourse that values and centers the perspectives of those who have been historically excluded

Giving Voice to the Voiceless

  • Giving voice to the voiceless means seeking out and platforming stories from individuals and communities who have been excluded or silenced in mainstream media
    • Recognizes that some voices and experiences are systematically marginalized or erased from dominant narratives
    • Actively works to counteract these exclusions by centering the perspectives of those who are most impacted by systemic inequities
    • Amplifies the voices of individuals and communities who have important stories and insights to share, but lack access to mainstream platforms
  • Inclusive journalism requires a commitment to diversity not just in sourcing, but also in newsroom staffing, story selection, and framing
    • Diverse newsrooms are better equipped to identify and report on a wide range of stories and perspectives
    • Inclusive story selection means prioritizing stories that center the experiences of marginalized communities and challenge dominant narratives
    • Mindful framing avoids perpetuating stereotypes or biases, and instead promotes nuanced, contextualized understandings of complex issues

Challenging Systemic Inequalities

  • Journalists have a responsibility to use their platform to challenge systemic inequalities
    • Reporting can expose the ways in which social, political, and economic systems perpetuate marginalization and injustice
    • Investigative journalism can hold those in power accountable for their role in maintaining or exacerbating inequities
    • Solutions-oriented reporting can highlight effective strategies for promoting equity and inclusion, and inspire audiences to take action
  • Advocating for marginalized communities means using journalism as a tool for social change
    • Elevating the voices and experiences of those most impacted by injustice can help build public awareness and empathy
    • Reporting on successful advocacy efforts and social movements can inspire others to get involved and push for change
    • Using journalism to hold those in power accountable and demand systemic reforms can contribute to more just, equitable outcomes for marginalized communities

Ethical Reporting on Marginalized Groups

Cultural Competency and Sensitivity

  • Reporting on sensitive topics related to marginalized groups requires a high level of cultural competency, empathy, and care
    • Journalists must educate themselves on the histories, experiences, and cultural contexts of the communities they are covering
    • Demonstrating respect, humility, and a willingness to listen and learn is essential for building trust and rapport with sources
    • Avoiding assumptions, stereotypes, or generalizations is crucial for accurate, nuanced reporting that does justice to the complexity of people's lived experiences
  • Journalists should be aware of their own biases and limitations when reporting on experiences outside of their own lived reality
    • Recognizing one's own positionality and privilege is an important starting point for ethical reporting across difference
    • Seeking out guidance and input from members of the communities being covered can help fill gaps in understanding and ensure more authentic, responsible storytelling
    • Collaborating with journalists from diverse backgrounds and experiences can bring valuable insights and perspectives to the reporting process
  • Informed consent is crucial when reporting on sensitive topics
    • Ensures that sources fully understand the potential risks and implications of sharing their stories
    • Involves clearly communicating the purpose, scope, and intended audience of the story, as well as how their information will be used
    • Gives sources the opportunity to set boundaries around what they are comfortable sharing, and to withdraw consent at any time
  • Journalists should take care to protect the privacy and safety of vulnerable sources
    • This is particularly important when reporting on topics such as abuse, violence, or discrimination, where sources may face retaliation or further trauma
    • Measures to protect privacy may include using pseudonyms, blurring identifying details, or limiting the amount of personal information shared in the story
    • Journalists should also be mindful of the potential impact of their reporting on the safety and well-being of entire communities, not just individuals

Language and Framing Matters

  • Language and framing matter when reporting on marginalized groups
    • Journalists should be mindful of avoiding stereotypes, generalizations, or sensationalism in their coverage
    • Using respectful, accurate, and inclusive language is essential for humanizing sources and fostering understanding across differences
    • Framing stories in ways that highlight agency, resilience, and solutions, rather than just victimization or despair, can promote more empowering narratives
  • Journalists should consider the potential impact of their reporting on the communities they are covering
    • This means being mindful of how stories may be received or interpreted by different audiences, and taking steps to minimize harm or unintended consequences
    • Responsible reporting requires ongoing reflection, dialogue, and accountability to ensure that stories are being told in a way that is accurate, fair, and respectful
    • Journalists should also seek out opportunities to amplify positive stories and examples of resilience, leadership, and change within marginalized communities, to counteract dominant narratives of deficit or dysfunction

Key Terms to Review (18)

Advocacy journalism: Advocacy journalism is a style of journalism that seeks to promote a specific cause or viewpoint, often by highlighting social issues and bringing attention to marginalized voices. This form of journalism aims not just to report the news but also to influence public opinion and drive social change through storytelling that resonates with the audience. It connects deeply with themes of trauma journalism, where the focus is on amplifying underrepresented perspectives and fostering trust within communities that have been impacted by trauma.
Collective Trauma: Collective trauma refers to the psychological and emotional impact experienced by a group of people who have undergone a shared traumatic event or series of events. This type of trauma can affect entire communities or societies, leading to long-lasting psychological effects, social disruption, and a breakdown of cultural identity. Understanding collective trauma involves examining how trauma resonates through generations and influences the collective memory, resilience, and recovery efforts of affected groups.
Community engagement: Community engagement is the process of building relationships with individuals and groups to foster participation and collaboration in addressing community issues and promoting social change. This concept is crucial as it emphasizes the importance of listening to and involving community members in decision-making processes, ultimately enhancing trust and understanding between journalists and the communities they serve.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) refer to the intentional efforts and practices aimed at creating a fair and respectful environment that values different backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences. DEI focuses on recognizing and addressing systemic inequalities while promoting the representation and participation of diverse groups within various settings. These concepts are essential for amplifying voices and perspectives of underrepresented communities, as they encourage a more comprehensive understanding of societal issues.
Do No Harm: Do No Harm is an ethical principle in journalism that emphasizes the responsibility of journalists to avoid causing further trauma or distress to individuals and communities affected by traumatic events. This principle guides journalists to approach sensitive topics with care, ensuring their reporting does not exacerbate the suffering of those involved and respects their dignity and privacy.
Eli Saslow: Eli Saslow is an award-winning journalist known for his in-depth storytelling and focus on social issues, particularly the experiences of underrepresented communities. His work often highlights personal narratives that amplify the voices of those who are typically marginalized in society, offering a more nuanced understanding of complex issues. Saslow's commitment to portraying the realities faced by these communities plays a crucial role in fostering empathy and awareness among a broader audience.
Indigenous populations: Indigenous populations are groups of people who are the original inhabitants of a region, often having distinct cultural, social, and historical identities. They typically possess unique languages, traditions, and ways of life that have developed over thousands of years, making them a vital part of the world’s cultural heritage. The importance of these communities is amplified in discussions about representation and voice, as they have often faced marginalization and loss of their rights.
Informed consent: Informed consent is the process of obtaining permission from individuals before engaging them in research or reporting, ensuring they fully understand the implications, risks, and benefits involved. This concept is crucial in trauma journalism as it protects the rights and dignity of trauma survivors while fostering trust and transparency in the reporting process.
Intersectionality: Intersectionality is a framework for understanding how various social identities—such as race, gender, class, and sexuality—intersect and create overlapping systems of discrimination or disadvantage. This concept emphasizes that individuals do not experience these identities in isolation; rather, their combined effects shape unique experiences and challenges. Recognizing intersectionality helps in understanding the nuanced struggles of marginalized groups and underscores the importance of inclusive representation.
Jill Sklar: Jill Sklar is a notable figure in trauma journalism, recognized for her commitment to amplifying the voices and perspectives of underrepresented communities. Her work often emphasizes the importance of inclusive storytelling and highlights the narratives that are typically overlooked in mainstream media. Sklar's approach reflects a broader movement within journalism to address systemic inequities and give a platform to marginalized voices, ensuring that their stories are told authentically and with sensitivity.
Marginalized groups: Marginalized groups refer to communities that experience social, economic, or political disadvantage, often leading to exclusion from mainstream society. These groups may include people based on their race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, and socioeconomic status. Their voices and experiences are frequently overlooked or undervalued in public discourse, making it essential to actively seek and amplify their perspectives.
Narrative competence: Narrative competence is the ability to understand, interpret, and convey stories in a way that resonates with audiences, particularly in contexts involving trauma and marginalized communities. This skill allows journalists to effectively communicate complex experiences and emotions while being sensitive to the unique challenges faced by these groups. It fosters empathy, promotes inclusivity, and enables storytellers to amplify voices that are often overlooked.
Participatory Journalism: Participatory journalism is an approach to journalism that encourages the active involvement of the audience in the news creation process, enabling individuals to share their own stories and perspectives. This form of journalism aims to democratize media by giving a voice to those who are often marginalized, fostering greater community engagement and representation in the media landscape. It emphasizes collaboration between professional journalists and citizens, allowing for a more diverse array of viewpoints to be shared.
Post-traumatic growth: Post-traumatic growth refers to the positive psychological change that can occur after experiencing trauma. It involves personal development and transformation that can lead to improved relationships, a greater appreciation for life, new possibilities, and personal strength. Understanding this concept helps highlight the importance of support networks and professional help in the healing process, the role of therapists in guiding recovery, and the need to amplify underrepresented voices in trauma narratives.
Storytelling practices: Storytelling practices refer to the methods and techniques used by journalists and communicators to convey narratives effectively, particularly those that resonate with audiences and highlight important issues. These practices often involve careful consideration of the audience's perspective, the cultural context of the stories, and the ethical implications of representation. In the context of amplifying voices from underrepresented communities, storytelling practices become crucial as they ensure that diverse experiences and viewpoints are authentically represented.
Systemic bias: Systemic bias refers to the ingrained and often unconscious prejudices that exist within an organization or system, leading to the unequal treatment of individuals based on their identity or background. This form of bias can affect policies, practices, and representations in media, resulting in the marginalization of underrepresented communities. Recognizing systemic bias is essential for amplifying diverse voices and fostering inclusive narratives.
Tokenism: Tokenism refers to the practice of making a symbolic effort to include members of underrepresented groups, without providing meaningful participation or inclusion in decision-making processes. This approach often serves to give the appearance of diversity while failing to address the underlying inequalities faced by these communities. In many cases, tokenism can undermine genuine efforts to amplify voices and perspectives of marginalized individuals.
Trauma sensitivity: Trauma sensitivity refers to the awareness and understanding of the impact of trauma on individuals and communities, guiding interactions and communication in a way that recognizes their experiences. This approach prioritizes empathy, validation, and respect for the affected parties, allowing for the amplification of voices from underrepresented communities and minimizing the risk of stereotypes and stigmatization in reporting. By acknowledging the nuances of trauma, professionals can foster a more inclusive and supportive environment for those impacted.
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