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.