AP Writing Difficulties

Journalistic writing has proved to be very difficult for me. I am used to writing academically and the changes are hard for me to switch over when all the other classes I am in require me to write academically. I enjoy writing in both styles but I wish that one style was applicable to all my classes. Once Writing for the Mass Media is over I plan on selling back my AP stylebook and reverting back to academic writing. In the meantime, I will struggle to transfer back and forth from AP style writing in JMC 2033 and academic writing in every other facet of my life.

Diversity on the Web

The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamations (GLAAD) is dedicated to promoting and ensuring fair, accurate and inclusive representation of people and events in the media as a means of eliminating homophobia and discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation. GLAAD is in the business of changing people's minds through what they see in the media.

People watch television and read the newspaper. These media influence how the consumers view and treat the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people around them. GLAAD feels that they have the responsibility to make sure that those images foster awareness, understanding and respect.

When the images that the media portray are fair, members of GLAAD find themselves increasingly welcomed into a society that respects difference. When the images show negative stereotypes about the lifestyles that gay, lesbian, bisexuals and transgender individuals lead, the world at large can become an unsavory environment.

GLAAD continues to help in the fight for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender rights, making great strides in their steady march toward full equality. A key component of their work is strong messaging within a strategic media plan, especially in light of the intense media scrutiny on issues like marriage and the military. GLAAD provides key messaging tools and background research to state organizations and plays a key role in strategizing around consistent messaging throughout the movement.

Fair, accurate and inclusive media images shatter stereotypes. They prove that we are connected through common, human experience. These are the stories that GLAAD feels they have the responsibility to share.

Cultural Sensitivity

Parents are responsible for the way I view other cultures and the way I treat the idea that there are different beliefs in the world. My ancestors were from all over the globe and I am the first person on my mom's side of the family to be born in the United States. My mom encouraged me to know about my ancestors and the challenges they faced for our family to be where it is today. Using language that is sensitive to other cultures is not difficult because I was raised to keep the feelings of other cultures in mind.

Concerns of Writing for the Mass Media

Writing for the Mass Media has caused much frustration in my life and the class seems as though it has just begun. It has been some time since I have needed to do such a copious amount of writing. English class in high school was less about style and more about content so I have a lot to work on. I consider myself a decent speller but I have room for improvement when it comes to grammar. My quiz grades thus far have not been impressive but I will work hard to improve on what I already know.

JMC 2033 Overview

The Journalism & Mass Communication class entitled Writing for the Mass Media prepares students for professional communication that can be applied to any media field that the student desires to pursue. This class helps students to improve their writing skills. Students become more effective communicators not only through informative lecture but also through a hands on lab with interactive exercises guided by well trained instructors.

Writing for the Mass Media concentrates on words and how the student can use them to achieve his or her communication goals in a professional atmosphere or on a day to day basis. No matter which media field a student is interested in, they must be capable of effective information gathering and message delivery. The messages need to be personalized to fit the needs of the audience receiving the message, whether writing a blog, magazine article, newspaper article, or designing an ad for an ad campaign. With such diverse audiences throughout the media students must be able to structure their messages to reach their target audience effectively.

Media professions are driven by language and the creative use of it. In order to effectively use this, media practitioners must be critical readers and thinkers as well as be knowledgeable in the way the mass media has been shaped throughout history. Media is constantly evolving and students must have the correct context in which to use words to effectively communicate. Our country is a place where students must have strong language skills and an understanding of diverse audiences and a sense of ethical principles and behaviors in order to succeed.