journalistic framing

This week as I read chapter 9 in Web Journalism: Practice and Promise of a New Medium, the author discussed the responsibility of web journalists to report clearly, concisely, and conversationally.

"Good broadcast writers employ clear, precise language that contains no ambiguity."

Last night in my Radio and TV Journalism class, instructor Shannon Gore played two DVDs for the class: A documentary discussing 20/20, ABC's news magazine show and how they covered the case of Mumia Abu-Jamal, an journalist who has been on death row since 1981.


(indymedia.com)

Born Wesley Cook, he was a rising journalist with hopes for a continued successful future. One night in Philadelphia in 1981, he was involved in a multi-person altercation which ended with police officer Daniel Faulkner dead and Mumia wounded in the chest.


(totallydelco.com)

The details of the case were discussed and debated and tried in a court of law, which immediately found Abu-Jamal guilty, despite inconclusive evidence and a biased jury. Many contend that he did not receive a fair trial due to many reasons (lack of witness credibility, conflicting evidence, incongruent ballistic analysis, racism), and it caused an uproar. Dubbed a "political prisoner," Abu-Jamal's case was supported (and his conviction protested) by millions of people across the world, and especially by Hollywood stars and activists.


(daylife.com)

Faulkner's widow, along with the Philadelphia Fraternal Order of Police, have naturally lauded a huge case AGAINST Mumia and his supporters, pushing for his execution.



Connecting these two incidences, the book speaks about broadcast news coverage:

"Casual or conversational style, however, does not give the writer freedom to break the rules of grammar, to use slang or off-color phrasing, or to use language that might be offensive to listeners...focus attention on the content of the writing and not in the writing itself."

The first DVD that Ms. Gore played for us was a documentary about how ABC didn't report the case, but was rather building it up against him. Using phrases such as, "Abu-Jamal executed Faulkner," editing interview footage of the defense lawyer, portraying Faulkner's widow in white as the damsel in distress, and calling Mumia's supporters "his disciples" all lend a hand to biased reporting, created to cast an image in the viewers' mind--one of his guilt.


(enquirer.com)

They called him the "dreadlocked journalist." They severely distorted footage of his voice on the radio to sound haunting, "demonic," and echo-ey. They showed footage of "typical black" rastafarian types with dreadlocks and headscarves speaking about how Mumia "is like Jesus Christ and Martin Luther King," which also plays against him--he's obviously not, but they used the not-so-credible supporters with extreme positions to back him up. They also made Edward Asner and other celebrities who supported him look like idiots. They used his activism in the Black Panther Party against him.


So we watched the documentary about the 20/20 news special, and then we watched the actual episode without all the added commentary. Their bias and unfair reporting is blatantly obvious.


I know that 20/20 is a news magazine, always looking for the juicy stories and presenting them with dramatic flair. However, as a respectable news source that's been on the air for decades, I would expect a little more realistic reporting from Sam Donaldson and the like.

As of today, Mumia Abu-Jamal has had countless appeals denied, but is still alive and well in the State Correctional Institution Greene near Waynesburg, Pennsylvania. He has also published several books and other commentaries, notably Live from Death Row.


(phillyimc.org)

5th Annual Hispanic Heritage Reception

As a reminder, the 5th Annual Hispanic Heritage Reception is this Friday! You must RSVP, so if interested, please contact the number below.

Details from myDU:


The Latino Council invites you to join us this upcoming Friday, October 24th for the Fifth Annual Hispanic Heritage Reception in the Social Hall beginning at 6:00 p.m.
Enjoy delicious appetizers, homemade sangria, and musical entertainment while connecting with current students, faculty, staff, and Latino alumni.
The keynote speaker for the night will be Anita Alvarez, candidate for State Attorney, and the recipient of the Hispanic Heritage Award will be Hector Villagrana, ’95, for his outstanding demonstration of scholarship, service, and professional achievement since his time here at Dominican. We will also be raising money for the Latino Educational Support Grant.

Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Hope to see you there!

Please RSVP by either calling 708-524-6286 or emailing alumni@dom.edu.

Grassroots.

Sociology Professor Christina Perez posted a notice on the myDU website encouraging students to get involved in grassroots efforts, helping both presidential candidates by making phone calls to voters in swing states and encouraging people across the country to take advantage of early voting options.

The bulletin read: "The McCain-Palin Campaign needs you in Wisconsin Saturday October 25 and Saturday November 1.

The Obama-Biden Campaign needs you in Indiana Saturday October 25, Saturday November 1, and Sunday November 2.

For more information on volunteering and traveling to neighboring battleground states call ext. 6693 or email cperez@dom.edu"


I'm glad Perez is shedding light on what students can do to help; I receive numerous emails each day from the Obama campaign encouraging his supporters to reach out to the undecideds, visiting the numerous call centers set up across the city.

Diana Kobylarczyk reported a story in the Dominican Star earlier this semester about what our on-campus political organizations are doing. However, with a couple weeks remaining 'til Election Day, I'm surprised I haven't seen more action taken on campus by the College Democrats and College Republicans, other than a wall plastered with funky posters of Barack Obama, John McCain and Hillary Clinton.

I'm still also surprised to talk to several fellow students who shrug or say, "I don't know" when asked who they are voting for. With this being possibly one of the most interesting election seasons, I hope to see more from the College Democrats and College Republican organizations increasing students' awareness as we approach the big day.

Oh. I guess she just went home?

In regard to missing ELS student Trang Nguyen, Jessica MacKinnon, director of public relations, emailed the Dominican community last Friday afternoon with another update: The River Forest Police Department confirmed that Ms. Nguyen flew from Chicago back home to Vietnam on October 8, the day before she was reported missing. "This announcement confirms the police department’s original contention that Ms. Nguyen left her dorm room at Concordia University on October 7 of her own accord," the email read.

We may not find out the reasons why, but it's curious how one can pack up, withdraw from school and fly to the other side of the world with NOBODY being aware of this. Even Nguyen's aunt, who told the press her niece was spotted at the 7-11 on October 7, said she believed the student was still in the United States.

I would imagine that there was somebody out there that knew she was leaving, but no one has spoken up. Sure, she could have packed her belongings in silence, booked a flight, hopped the CTA Blue Line to O'Hare, and flown to Vietnam of her own accord without telling anyone, but for someone who speaks little English and is new in this country, that's pretty bold. Her instructors didn't know? She didn't say goodbye to any friends or acquaintances? Or her family? I wonder what they have to say about all this! Especially since it was reported that she last told her friends that she "needed to get something from her dorm room."

Anyhow: it's possible, but not so plausible, and still quite strange to me.

The invisible knapsack, part II

Expanding on my post about Peggy McIntosh's White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack that many Dominican students read for their sociology or communications class, I thought I'd share a humorous, but practical example: Dave Chappelle's "Law and Order" sketch.

He introduces it by saying, "I've been hearing about these major corporations, Enron, Tyco, ripping everyone off, and they don't get time! ... It's like there's two legal systems! It'd be better if for like three days they put those guys through the legal system that we go through, and put our guys through their legal system."



A squat team ambushes the home of a white character named Charles Jeffries, CEO of "Fonecom," throwing grenades, guns a-blazin'. They shoot his dog and assault his wife.

Chappelle plays Tron Carter, his cocaine dealer character. The police call, apologizing for bothering him about an arrest warrant they received. They pander to him, saying he can show up to the station and turn himself in whenever. Tron says he'll turn himself in...Thursday.

"Is 1:00 good for you?" the cop politely asks.

"Ooh, that's no good for me," Tron says. "I got some trim comin' at 12. How about between 2 and 6?"

"Thank you so very kindly for your help," says the officer. "And again, I'm sorry for the inconvenience."



In the interrogation room, Charles is harrassed and beaten by the police. Tron shows up around midnight to his meeting with the District Attorney, to a table covered with exquisite wine and cheese.



In Charles Jeffries' court case, the cops lie and frame him, his jury of "peers" is a bunch of thug-looking gangsters, and the judge calls him "an animal, a filthy big-lipped beast," giving him life in prison.

When Tron goes to court, he's asked several questions about his drug dealing and "pleads the FIF" in response to each. After everything, his lawyer tells him he got his sentence reduced to a month.

wikimedia.org




This classic episode is funny, but a sad reality of the dual nature of our justice system and the American society.

McIntosh says, "I was taught to think that racism could end if white individuals changed their attitudes. [But] a "white skin in the United States opens many doors for whites whether or not we approve of the way dominance has been conferred on us."

As a woman of color, it does bother me when people just won't accept the fact that racism and white privilege still coexist today. A white ex-boyfriend of mine once told me, "No, racism is pretty much over. I mean, the executive and senior vice presidents of Starbucks are black women!

Ummm...yeah no.

It's that ignorance denial that perpetuates the system. And still today, there are people in America who won't vote for Barack Obama for the sole fact that he's black. As if he weren't just as white as well...one-drop rule, anyone? I'll be talking about that in the future as well.

McIntosh argues that the first step is to acknowledge the "colossal unseen dimensions" or racial privilege: "The silences and denials surrounding privilege are the key political tool here. They keep the thinking about equality or equity incomplete...making these taboo subjects." Furthermore, a resistive collective consciousness, lifting up marginalized people, is necessary. But can it be done?

People need to not be afraid of talking about these issues, hashing out their confusion and exposing their inner fears and denials.

Especially since the next leader of our country will probably be a half-black man, the human race must tackle this issue head-on and stop sweeping things under the rug.

The invisible knapsack, part I

In my blog about offensive ethnic stereotypes in the media and entertainment industry, I briefly mentioned how Dave Chappelle "unpacked the knapsack of white privilege" on his show.

I've been thinking about this lately, after a discussion with Professor Calabrese. He was expressing concern that his Dominican students who read Peggy McIntosh's article White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack, were in denial of the realities of this concept.

McIntosh describes white privilege as "an invisible package of unearned assets which I can count on cashing in each day, but about which I was "meant" to remain oblivious...[it's] special provisions."

She lists a number of conditions which whites take for granted and people of color cannot generally count on, including:

-I can go shopping alone most of the time, pretty well assured that I will not be followed or harassed.
-I can turn on the TV or open the front page of the paper and see people of my race widely represented.
-I can swear, or dress in secondhand clothes, or not answer letters, without having people attribute these choices to the bad morals, the poverty, or the illiteracy of my race.
-I can do well in a challenging situation without being called a credit to my race.
-I am never asked to speak for all the people of my racial group.
-If a traffic cop pulls me over or the IRS audits my tax return, I can be sure I haven't been singled out because of my race.
-I can take a job with an affirmative action employer without having co-workers on the job suspect I got it because of my race.
-I can chose blemish cover or bandages in "flesh" color and have them more or less match my skin.
-I can be sure that if I need legal or medical help, my race will not work against me.
-I can be pretty sure that an argument with a colleague of another race is more likely to jeopardize her/his chances for advancement than to jeopardize mine.
-I can worry about racism without being seen as self-interested or self-seeking.

Reflecting Calabrese's thoughts on how his students received (or didn't receive so well) the White Privilege article, it goes without saying that I agree and it's quite hard for many people to realize or accept.

I haven't experienced much blatant racism over the course of my life, but I do notice the undertones.
"You speak like a white girl!" [I speak the way I speak.]
"You're smart; you're not like those typical blacks." [Blacks aren't generally smart?]
"You're very articulate." [So are a lot of white college students; why is it a special commodity that I 'possess'?]
I do have to go to makeup specialty stores like Sephora or purchase Iman's line of cosmetics to find items that complement my skin tone.
I do have to "be on my best behavior" or "put forth my best efforts," lest someone pigeonholes and marginalizes me. And I'm sure many would agree.

In my interactions with people in Chicago where I currently live, many black people (mostly men) tell me, "I like your accent. You're not from here, are you?" Um, as far as I'm concerned, I am from here; I speak in my normal voice without putting up pretenses. I grew up in the suburbs, yes, but there are plenty of black people from Palatine who speak in the urban vernacular. There are plenty of white people from Palatine (and everywhere) who do as well.

So what gives? Why do people of a certain skin tone have to be lumped together? Why are "positive" characteristics attributed to "whiteness"? These are just a few of the many implications that people may not realize are serious issues.


"Many, perhaps most, of our white students in the U.S. think that racism doesn't affect them because they are not people of color," McIntosh writes. "They do not see "whiteness" as a racial identity." She argues that in order to combat disproportionate privilege, it has to be acknowledged. "Most talk by whites about equal opportunity seems to me now to be about equal opportunity to try to get into a position of dominance while denying that systems of dominance exist."


Thoughts?



buzzle.com

Ethnically offensive or pure entertainment?

Each week, Professor Ric Calabrese invites a guest to speak and discuss their culture and heritage with our Global Communications class. This evening, an international studies teacher spoke with us about her Italian roots. Throughout the discussion, the class asked questions, and one of possibly the most interesting inquiries came from Brian Hahn. "My international partner students are from Saudi Arabia," he explained, "and when I tell them I live in Cicero, they instantly think, 'Oh! That's where the Mob is, right? Gangsters and stuff?' So, what do you think of that TV show, The Sopranos, and its implications of Italians?"

Our guest responded that she adamantly disliked that show, "because it's like a cartoon. Every person on that show is a total character. You got the funny mob guy, the crazy mob guy, the mob guy's wife; the people are so extreme and it's all a joke. My brother works in Hollywood and he loves that show, but I don't."


newsday.com


Some students agreed that it was overly stereotypical; others insisted, "well it's entertainment and a brilliant show."

What do you think? I never watched that program, nor am I Italian, so I cannot speak on that matter.

Are there any television shows, movies, or other media forms that irritate or offend you and your personal culture that other people find hilarious?

I'm Zambian, and there are not many (if any) programs that particularly showcase African culture, but I can say that Eddie Murphy's Coming to America was ridiculous.


dvdtown.com

"Oh, but that's a hilarious movie!" You exclaim.

Well, my parents both have Zambian accents, and Eddie Murphy's rendition of a Zanzibar (or wherever the hell he was from) accent was weak and not believable. I speak in what most would consider a traditional Midwest American English accent (I wouldn't go so far as to call it Chicagoan, though), and I can do a WAY better African accent than Eddie Murphy was paid millions to do.



And sure, the concepts in the movie were a joke, but still perpetuated the silly stereotypes that non-Africans have about the continent and its diverse, rich countries and cultures. And no, Africans will not rejoice that they're rich if you give them a nickel.


I know many of the "prestigious" black American icons (Oprah, Bill Cosby) despised Dave Chappelle's show on Comedy Central. He played characters such as "Tyrone Biggums: Crackhead" ...


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...made fun of black people drinking generic Kool-Aid consisting of sugar, water and food coloring, "A lot of black people don't know about grape juice. Cause they had 'grape drink.' It's not the same formula. There ain't no vitamins in that stuff! What's juice? I want drink! Sugar, water, and of course, purple."


stuffhomieslike.blogspot.com

...and played off every stereotype one could think of. "You people? What you mean,'YOU PEOPLE?'"

I (still) love that show.

I don't think it has much to do with the fact that I am African, but I do like how I can relate to and understand the hilarity of black American life. He also unpacked the knapsack of white privilege in many of his sketches, portraying race relations as they are, for the most part, in America today. Also, it was a black man making the jokes, not Amos 'n' Andy.



Is there anything on TV or in the movies that annoys or offends you or your heritage?

The opposite of Missing White Woman Syndrome

Amy reported earlier this week that English Language Schools student Trang Nguyen has been missing for nearly a week.

As Amy stated, the schoolwide email from Jessica McKinnon (a name I've never heard in my Dominican career--anyone know who she is?) had the subject line of "Update."

Update? Yeah, no.

That was the first most had heard of the situation. Sure, "foul play wasn't suspected," but come on. For someone who lives on campus, this incident could pose a security threat to other students in the area. I don't think it matters that she's "not an official Dominican student;" someone who attends classes on our campus is a part of the student body.

If we had been notified of this promptly, in those first crucial 48 hours after a person goes missing, perhaps she would have been found by now. Beyond that, the chances of recovering the person steeply fall, but of course there are exceptions.

Call me Devil's Advocate if you will, but I can't help but wonder if this is another case of the opposite of what has been dubbed "Missing White Woman Syndrome." MWWS refers to the disproportionate media attention given to white women who go missing in contrast to people of color. Jon Benet Ramsey? Chandra Levy? Natalee Holloway, anyone?


freshcrime.com


What about prisoners of war? Most people recognize the name of Jessica Lynch, but what about Shoshana Johnson or Lori Piestewa? The black and Native American (respectively) single mothers received basically no coverage (even though they were ambushed in the same attack!), and even Lynch herself criticized the disproportionate positive discrimination in regard to her media coverage.


wikimedia.org



Getty Images


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What if the Trang Nguyen was a 20-something blonde who lived in the Priory?

I'm just throwing that idea out there, but ultimately I believe the university should be more responsible in reporting such serious incidences.

ELS Photo Essay

Dominican's English Language School Students: in Pictures








1 This sign is on the door to the main ELS office, but all around the English Language School, there are signs that say, "SPEAK ONLY ENGLISH!" When students are socializing in their native languages, they will consistently be reminded by both instructors and their peers to constantly practice English, rather than remain in their comfort zone.


2 Lee Fair, Head Training Supervisor of the English Language School department at Dominican University, chats with a colleague in the ELS office on a Tuesday afternoon. Dominican has the largest "and the best [ELS training] in the world," Fair says. "I have a busy schedule and a family to take care of here, but I feel like I've traveled the world by bringing these international students to me."


3 The English Language School gives every international student a calendar of important dates to remember, campus and city happenings, and information about academic affairs. It's helpful, including study session reminders, or extra tutoring workshops for final examinations. Slightly humorous: reminding grown adults to write letters home...and misspelling "forget" as "forest."


4 Four Asian international students study in an English Language School classroom at the Priory campus on a Tuesday afternoon, sounding out words and repeating after the instructor. "We're not simply teaching English," says Lee Fair, Training Supervisor of the ELS program. "We're teaching them communication, the nuances and semantics of language."


5 Halina Lagowska, a Dominican undergraduate student, shows photos of her family to Jia Liu, an ELS student, outside the Priory entrance. Polish-born Lagowska has been in the U.S. and speaking English for only four years, so she has a special empathy for Liu, who is from China and has recently begun learning English.


6 Career women: Fernanda Quintana and Julieta Sanchez ride a Chicago Transit Authority bus down Harlem Avenue from the Priory Campus. Quintana, 36, works in the Ecuadorian marketing industry and in order to advance her career, decided learning English would be the next step. Similarly, Sanchez, 38, is a human rights social worker for disadvantaged Colombians, and came to Dominican to learn English in order to enhance her international communication skills.


7 When it comes to fashion and style of dress, the people of South America dress quite similarly to North Americans. There are a handful of U.S. brand name stores in South America, but overall the style of dress and fashion is the same. Here, Maria Orozco and Fernanda Quintana stand in line with the reporter at Starbucks, waiting for their orders.


8 Maria Orozco, 20, and Carlos Velez, 31, discuss their reasons for learning English at a Starbucks cafe in downtown Oak Park. Orozco, a high school graduate, is studying English so she can be fluent before enrolling at La Gran Colombia University in Bogota, Colombia. Velez, who also works in marketing in Bogota, was passed up for an executive position with Red Bull International because he failed the English part of his interview.


9 The South American students say they keep up with American news, but in general do not like the way the U.S. reports. When discussing media coverage, they all mentioned the Elian Gonzalez case of 2000 as being terribly mishandled. Said Julieta Sanchez, "Your news here is very bias[ed]. Even with the election news, everyone has their opinion and side and it is not balanced."


10 Julieta Sanchez, Carlos Velez, Maria Fernanda Quintana, and Maria Alejanda Orozco--all ELS students from South America--hang out at the Harlem and Lake shopping center in Oak Park and discuss their cultural similarities in food tastes. Drinking aguardiente (a South American word for a hard liquor beverage) and eating chicarrones (fried pork skins) are their people's popular pasttimes. The students have been in America for less than three months, but already have a broad grasp of the English language and can communicate effectively with native English speakers.

New Black Student Union Government

This afternoon's Black Student Union meeting focused on electing our new officials for the year. The numerous students running for office shared their platforms and vision for BSU, and we voted at the end.

Congratulations to our new officials:

Jeremy Porter - President
Portia Anderson - Vice President
TaSheena Dorris - Secretary
Jasmine Johnson - Treasurer

Black Student Union

Again, the Black Student Union is meeting today, at Mulroy Lounge at 5 p.m. Come share your ideas!

Interesting photo from 23/6 News

From the article, Ahem, Senator McCain... Barack Obama is "The One," not "That one." Linked to from the Huffington Post.

Great example of "reaching across party [or color] lines," Mav!

Ghana: Gateway to Africa

Next week, the students who participated in Dominican's second study abroad program to Ghana, Africa will be giving presentations about their experiences. It will be held in Lewis 310, October 14 at 2:15 p.m.

I was one of the students who went on the first Ghanaian study abroad two summers ago, and giving this same presentation last year was a wonderful outlet to share about the unknown treasures and beauty that the continent has to offer.

If you've ever been curious about Africa, I highly recommend attending your fellow students' presentation.



These are some photos from my trip overseas:


The Dominican students pose for a photo op after having lunch with Ghana's Parliament.


Ghanaian schoolgirls


A tour guide teaches us students about African textiles at the University of Ghana



The students and teachers, dressed in traditional wraps, take photos with a high Priest and high Priestess in the Klikor region of Ghana



Me with some Ghanaian children who live in the compound lead by the above Priest and Priestess



Young boys demonstrate their silk weaving techniques on crude looms.


Taking a nature walk of several miles to see the Wli Waterfall


Me with cutie Ghanaian babies we encountered on the trail


Our group in the mesmerizing Wli Waterfall


At Tamale, in the northern region of Ghana which is primarily Muslim, we met the ladies of the Women's Shea Butter Extract Plant.


Ever wonder where your shea butter from The Body Shop comes from? Right here.


We attended a drum/dance session in Larabanga, dancing and celebrating with the locals



Darleisha, on the right, is a Chicago Public Schools teacher. Here she poses with David, headmaster of the Larabanga School, in front of his classroom



Professor Nkuzi Nnam, down to his last few dollars, is still tempted to buy more things from the street vendors banging on our tour bus windows



Tour guide shows us the dungeons where enslaved Africans were held at the Cape Coast Castle



Mariya Kozlova and I drink fresh coconut, purchased on the side of the road through our tour bus window


The beautiful Cape Coast beach

textually active: how do you get YOUR news?

I'm in my broadcasting night class, and unfortunately we'll be watching Veronica Mars tonight instead of the presidential debate, so I'll have to cnn.com it up when I get home from class. But thankfully, I have Twitter to keep me posted!

Do you Twitter?



Twitter's official website describes it as a "social networking and microblogging service utilising instant messaging, SMS or a web interface."

Basically, it's like Facebook's "status updates." Via Twitter, anyone can say whatever they want in 140 characters or less, and potentially reach thousands of people in seconds. You can opt to receive your friends' updates via text message, and can update your Twitter using your cell phone as well. For those who follow thousands (or don't have unlimited text messaging), they can read their friends' updates on a streaming page on the web.

So why am I talking about Twitter?

It's become a huge platform for everyone--regular people like you and me, businesses and marketing professionals, bloggers, whoever--but the presidential candidates have been using Twitter to reach their audiences as well. Twitter's ELECTION 2008 page (Check it out! Very interesting) has a constant stream of people from around the world sharing news or stories, or giving their commentary on the goings-on this election season. In addition, Barack Obama and John McCain each have their own Twitter accounts (I only follow BarackObama), and send their followers updates on their wherabouts or breaking news, or whatever's going on.

And yes, even GOD Twitters (so does Satan!).



My Twitter stream this evening:

BarackObama: At Belmont University in Nashville, Tenn. Watch the debate tonight at 9pm ET. Reply with your thoughts after.

Charlotte: @BarackObama damn dude i'm in class but counting on twitter bugs to keep me posted!

Jaley: Not watching the debate. Obama already won in my heart. and McCain makes me want to tear out my hair...I like my hair. I want to keep it.

Charlotte: @Jaley Of course obama has my vote but I need more fuel for my blogs and want to see what the mav camp will come up with next!

Jaley: @Charlotte All you need to know for tonight's debate: A maverick is an unbranded range animal, especially a motherless calf

Julie: Gee, I keep finding my middle finger popping up and this debate is only twenty minutes long so far

God: McCain has bigger jowls than a pitbull. Oh yeah, and he's also a liar.

God: McCain is NOT your friend. He keeps saying "my friends". He doesn't mean it. Oh yeah, and he doesn't understand economics.

Jaley: I've found @God, and he is RIGHT!

Charlotte: @God? Are you there?

God: McCain reminds me of Harvey Keitel in "Bad Lieutenant".

Jaley: Someone let me know if McCain actually smears Obama on stage... i hear it's getting heated.

Angelique: Mccain makes me sick

God: Obama is a cool cat. As you all know, I can be pretty vengeful at times.

God: "My friends, My friends, My friends, My friends, My friends, My friends, My friends, My friends, I am normally not this mild-mannered!"

Jaley: There are a lot of frustrated sighs echoing throughout our corner of the universe... Can you hear teeth grinding?

God: @Charlotte i am

Jaley: @Charlotte OMG! @GOD SPOKE TO YOU!

Collin: Do we want to have our president lead from a hospital bed or a crib?

God: BREAKING: McCain and Obama both agree that genocide is generally not a good thing!

Angelique: John, why are you so vague?

Jaley: Is it time @satan to call McCain home?





Updates from the Election 2008 Twitter feed:

whelski: Mccains website says Obama offered more of the same tonite. Funny. I'd call that consistancy.

sarahgirgis: pretty sure that McCain's not my friend and wishes he'd stop referring to himself as such

d2k: Pat Buchanan likes Obama. We must be at the end times.

rosshill: The McCain Answer Process: Talk about the Army, bag Obama, sidestep the question - time's up!

Palin_McSame: @berlin FOX news callers voted 85% in favor of McCain as Debate Winner...surprise surprise, dontchaknow!




Journalist and blogger Ana Marie Cox (Time, Radar, author, and founding editor of Wonkette) on the debate:

anamariecox: McCain to Obama: "no have time for on the job training" -- UNLESS we're talking about vice-presidents. Then it's vital. And our only hope.

anamariecox: Obama holds his mic with the relaxed grip of a mega church pastor. McCain grips it like a dying man.

anamariecox: The "telegraph," of course, is the form of telecommunications that McCain is most familiar with.

anamariecox: Nicolle Wallace, responding to q's about McCain's "that one" remark called Obama's team "the fussiest campaign in American history."


Someone created Obama's new campaign logo, thanks to John McCain's comment:


What a great sport The Mav is!


So, I haven't even watched the debate yet, but I know so much about how it went down, thanks to Twitter and the internet.

I love all this.

The VP Debate

I suppose by now it's "old news" as we gear up for the second presidential debate tonight, but I wanted to wait a couple days, fan the flames of astonishment that were raging inside me, and now give my follow-up commentary on Senator Joe Biden (D) and Governor Sarah Palin's (R) vice presidential debate held last Thursday at Washington University in St. Louis. Journalist Gwen Ifill was the moderator.

There's no question that Senator Barack Obama's running mate "won" the debate...that was a given. I've heard people say that Palin "spoke with conviction" and "did a good job," but that's only because she was able to step over the low, low bar of expectation that was set for her. I can't help but wonder if her blatant ignorance of factual information during her Katie Couric interview was another one of the GOP's gimmicks...but probably not, because she really doesn't know much of anything.

I watched the entire broadcast on CNN. Incidences that stood out to me were when Palin had the audacity to claim that the Republican party would not cut taxes for oil companies. Um...

Biden stated again that the vast majority of workers in the U.S. would have their taxes cut under an Obama administration. Those who make millions of dollars should bear the tax burden, especially since their wealth is so disproportionate to good ol' "Joe Six-pack." Republicans don't care about Joe Six-pack! I don't understand why people who aren't millionaires would vote for that party. They're just lying to themselves...and it's not about liberals playing the "victim" card.

Furthermore, the McCain "policy" of a $5000 tax credit used to purchase healthcare is preposterous... Biden rebutted that health insurance costs approximately $12,000, and in addition, that tax credit would be taxed, and go directly to the insurance company. Not a good deal. What's the big problem with making it accessible for everyone? And I don't want to hear that old excuse, "Well, you'll be waiting for months to see a doctor..." something is better than nothing.

Both speakers were cordial to one another and good sports, although I'm sure Biden wanted to run over to Palin's lectern and put his hand over her mouth and scream, "What the hell are you talking about, woman?!" I wish he'd been tougher on Palin's misstatements, however.

He exercised good restraint, refuted every one of Palin's false claims and twisted statistics, and answered the questions more directly. Biden gave a solid performance (yes, debates are what I'd call "performances"), did what he had to do, and although he also was asked for clarification to clearly state his answer, he was much more direct that Palin. At the very least, he understands the issues and spoke with poise, confidence and prudence.



It is beyond me why Sarah Palin thought it'd be acceptable to tell Gwen Ifill that she wouldn't be answering the questions the way the moderator wanted her to. Seriously?

In a debate, when asked, "Do you agree with that statement?" You don't say, "No, I disagree with Joe over there about the mortgage crisis, but what I REALLY want to talk about is energy, don'tchya know! I know everything about energy!"

Like three times? Wow.

Palin was evasive, didn't answer the questions, and didn't represent the McCain party well. To be honest, I had wanted to hear from her. She complains about the "mainstream media" filter, so this was her chance to show who she is. Epic fail. She basically tried to run her own show, spewing out lines of well-rehearsed responses that had little or nothing to do with what she was being asked. It's amazing what a week in Voice and Diction 101 training camp in Arizona can do for you. Not to say that all politicians don't rehearse or have scripts, but Palin's delivery is weak.

And her overplayed "folksiness" attitude was just plain annoying. Stop winking at me, and stop giving shout outs to third graders...this is not B96.


People have blamed Gwen Ifill for not being a good moderator, but from what I saw, she asked Palin to clarify, to restate her answers, to respond, and answer the questions correctly. It wasn't up to Ifill to make Palin say something she was unwilling (or unable) to say. It was just sad, and a joke.

Everything Palin said seemed canned. Not genuine. I can forgive the gaffes. Who doesn't get a name wrong every now and again? Who doesn't misspell a simple word once in awhile? But what I can't forgive is the obvious lack of knowledge on issues that a governor running for Vice President should know.



Anyhow, the second presidential debate is tonight; hope you'll be tuning in.

And in case you missed the VP debate, here's a great recap: this is pretty much exactly how it went.

Campus Climate and BSU meetings

The Black Student Union is meeting (today! right now!) again in the Mulroy Lounge (across from the President's office in Lewis) to discuss more issues and follow-up on the campus incident last week.

I personally think it's pretty lame and pathetic that someone would spray paint the N word on a dorm wall here on this little campus. What is the cowardly, passive-aggressive culprit trying to prove? Maybe this incident says more about the backwards mindset of many individuals that lingers on today.



Also, Campus Climate is getting back to the action! The group that organized much of last year's International Week will be holding an Open Forum Wednesday, October 29, from 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the Springer Suites, and you're invited! The topic is, "How Big is Enough?" I don't know what that pertains to, but I will be emailing Nkuzi and Angela Frazier to find out.

Lee Fair and the English Language School - we have the best!

Tuesday afternoon, Lee Fair met with my Intercultural Communications class to speak about all his endeavors with international issues, and told us about his life's journey from a lone white high school student on an all Native-American campus to being the Training Supervisor of all ELS teachers across the world, bringing the best of the best to Dominican University.

Fair, originally from Oklahoma, started his path to international affairs as a high school exchange student in New Mexico, with all Indian and Mexican students. It was government subsidized, and he couldn't eat at the cafeteria, and had to pay a lot extra for things he, as a white student, was not eligible for.

The culture was vastly different from the typical southern American life: "One of the first nights I was with my host family, I was taking a bath and my host mother walked right in, sat on the toilet, and started having a conversation with me!" he laughed, gesturing how he had sat up awkwardly in the tub, trying to cover himself. "I didn't know what to say, so I just responded, 'Si, como no?' to everything she said!" [Si, como no translates to "Sure, why not?" in English]

In the 1960s, after the assassination of President Kennedy, many young people were looking to make a difference in the world and promote peace. Fair, in his early 20s, decided to join the Peace Corps. He requested to go to an island nation, and was instead deployed to Afghanistan. He says the experience changed his life and he absolutely would do it again if he had to, falling in love with the Persian culture and lifestyle.

After his time in the middle east, became interested in library science and decided to pursue his Master's Degree. "I figure, I know nothing, but I can find everything," he told us, jokingly.

But then he realized that he could teach English to international students, got his degree certification at Concordia, and began working for the multi-national English Language Schools. Owned by a company called Berlitz, the ELS program is the largest English training school, "and the best in the world," Fair added. "There are 50 alone in the United States!"



He started the ELS program at Concordia, then brought it here to Dominican over 20 years ago--and the rest is history.

"We're not simply teaching English," Fair told my class. "We're teaching them communication, the nuances and semantics of language." It's so much more than just vocabulary.

Judging from my experiences with my international students from Colombia and Ecuador, the program is doing fantastic. And at $2500 per month, it better be! At times, I can hardly believe that my new friends have been here for only a few months--their English gets better every week I meet with them. My group is wonderful, and I'm so thankful for Lee Fair and the ELS program for giving us the opportunity to create meaningful relationships with people who are so different from me, yet very similar.

So, who WON the debates?

I personally believe Barack Obama "won" the debate.

Stephen Colbert said it right: watching John McCain "speak" is about as interesting as watching paint dry--and he knows, because he painted over his television screen while McCain was speaking and the paint was much more exciting!

Here's some more spin for ya from CNN.com



The Obama campaign's official statement about their candidate's performance:

"This was a clear victory for Barack Obama on John McCain's home turf. Senator McCain offered nothing but more of the same failed Bush policies, and Barack Obama made a forceful case for change in our economy and our foreign policy. While Senator McCain wants to keep giving huge tax cuts to corporations and said nothing about the challenges Americans are facing in their daily lives, Barack Obama will be a fierce advocate for tax cuts for the middle class, affordable health care, and a new energy economy that creates millions of jobs. While foreign policy was supposed to be John McCain's top issue, Barack Obama commanded that part of the debate with a clear call to responsibly end a misguided war in Iraq so that we can finish the fight against al Qaeda in Afghanistan. John McCain needed a game-changer tonight, and by any measure he didn't get it." -Obama-Biden campaign manager David Plouffe.



The McCain campaign's take:

"There was one man who was presidential tonight, that man was John McCain. There was another who was political, that was Barack Obama. John McCain won this debate and controlled the dialogue throughout, whether it was the economy, taxes, spending, Iraq or Iran. There was a leadership gap, a judgment gap, and a boldness gap on display tonight, a fact Barack Obama acknowledged when he said John McCain was right at least five times. Tonight's debate showed John McCain in command of the issues and presenting a clear agenda for America's future." –Jill Hazelbaker, McCain-Palin 2008 Communications Director


Of course each camp is going to spin it their way; but who really won?

According to polls, Obama. The majority of undecideds saw him as the debate winner. But, even polls have margins of error.

So, according to common sense, again, Obama.

With only a few weeks left to to vote, the heat is on.

images from Associated Press via cnn.com

My debate-watching experience

What were your thoughts? Experiences?

It was, admittedly, the first presidential debate I had ever taken genuine interest in. I had a music show to attend at 9:30 p.m. last Friday, but that didn't stop me and five of my friends from buying a bottle of Absolut and gathering in front of the television in my boyfriend Shane's basement to watch as much of the debates as we could before leaving for the show.

As the debates went on, and McCain continuously did that annoying blinky look of confusion thing with his eyes whilst scowling at Obama, you could hear Shane's parents upstairs yelling at the T.V. while we young people scoffed at the hypocritical audacity of the Republican candidate, taking drinks to dull the madness. We were definitely in a liberal house.

I found it commendable that Obama could at least admit that he agreed with McCain on a few points, but pathetic that McCain was such a flip-flopper on his position, especially in regard to the economy and the so-called "war on terror." It seems that McCain was still caught up in personal bashing of Obama.

During the debates there was an ongoing CNN's voter meter monitor going across the bottom of the screen, with three colored (red-Republican, blue-Democratic, green-Independent) lines gauging the audience reaction to what was being said, and every time McCain opened his mouth all three lines dipped significantly.

Despite the comedy routine that occurs whenever McCain speaks, my friends and I devised a game out of it, taking a drink whenever:

+ The word "POW" is used
+ McCain describes himself as a "maverick" or "the Sheriff"
+ The words "change" "hope" "idealism" and "liberal" used in a derogatory way
+ Every fifth hypocritical statement made by McCain (if we drank for each one, we'd never make it to the show)
+ The phrase "America first" is used (try to keep the alcohol down on that one!)
+ There is a glaringly obvious attempt to avoid similarities with current administration
+ Being older than dirt is mistaken for having experience
+ Obama is portrayed as "elitist" (Republican code for "uppity")
+ McCain's military experience is used to ironically "prove" he: has character, will defeat the terrorists, would make a good president, is a good guy, is smart, is strong, farts American flags, etc.


Obama FTW.

So, we watched the debates, laughed a little, cried a little, and went on with our lives to the concert. Did you watch? Can't wait to see the vice presidential debates!


image from Associated Press via perezhilton.com

Democrat? Republican? Undecided? Like Cajun food? Watch tier two of the debates!

In tradition of keeping students in tune with the election process, Dominican is hosting another viewing party this Thursday, Oct. 2nd in the Springer Suite. Hosted by Take-a-Stand '08, there will be interactive games and prizes! Sarah Palin and Joe Biden will face off Thursday night, so if you're around, feel free to join in and be informed!

And as if bipartisan partying wasn't enough, there will be Cajun food. Festivities are between 7:30 and 10 p.m.



photos from wikimedia.org

Alternative winter break in Mexico!

Sorry, I'm not talking about Cancun.

But if you're feeling especially altruistic this winter (and would like to get away from the harsh Chicago winters...), International Habitat for Humanity and the Cuernavaca Composting Center are offering students the chance to go to Cuernavaca, Mexico for service work. Cuernavaca is the capital and largest city of the state of Morelos in Mexico.



Anyone who volunteers knows the personal benefits (and good karma) of serving others, and especially when it comes from the right place.

"In effect, service can only be performed in 'a relationship between equals' while help is based on a relationship of inequality, especially since it assumes that one side of the relationship is 'stronger' than the other.[2] CCIDD therefore does not wish for its students to 'help' the local Mexican population; let the tourists do that, it wants its students to 'serve' the people.



If you're interested, the information sessions will be held Tuesday, Sept. 30 at 2:30 p.m. in Parmer 109, or Wednesday. Oct. 1 at 12:30 p.m. in Parmer 107

For Catholic students, or anyone...

This is something I'm not sure has happened consistently before on campus, especially since there's an announcement for it on the Campus News page. For those who wish to "make a private confession or receive spiritual direction," Father Stan Azaro OP, will be available for the sacrament of Penance every Wednesday. Hours are from 12:00-1:00 p.m. and 7:00-8:00 p.m. in the Reconciliation Room located in southeast corner of Rosary Chapel, near St. Joseph’s statue.

Lovely!

Hate Crime on Campus?

One of the issues addressed at today's BSU meeting pertained to the recent incident on campus. Racial slurs were spray painted on the wall at Aquinas Hall late Monday night. Trudi Goggin, Dean of Students, emailed the entire campus yesterday with sincere apologies and reminded everyone about the Dominican standard:

"To guide our behavior and build healthy relationships Dominican University has developed standards of behavior in support of the intellectual, physical, spiritual, and emotional development of each student. In the spirit of our university motto; Caritas et Veritas truth and compassion. Please remember these standards - Integrity - Community - Fairness - Respect and Responsibility as you reach out to one another in mutual dignity and support."


No information was given about who committed the crime, nor have we been updated on the investigation; I'm sure we'll hear more about it in the days to come. Did anybody see the graffiti, or has it already been cleaned off?

Clearly, these things happen often at colleges and universities; it's just a shame that someone felt the need to do this on our peaceful campus.


For ways to get involved in raising awareness of tolerance and respect on campus, you can visit this helpful website:

http://www.tolerance.org/campus/

Black Students on a National Level

For students interested in going deeper with involvement, the National Black Student Union has announced it will be holding its 11th Annual NBSU Conference November 21-23, 2008 at the Lincolnshire Marriott Resort in Lincolnshire, Illinois.

Countless universities are affiliates with the National Black Student Union, including Dominican University, Harper College, Southern Illinois University, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Northern Illinois University, Illinois Weslyan University, Columbia College, and so many more.

Included in the agenda for the weekend forum is a Corporate Fair, which is a Graduate Studies Forum, as well as workshops and networking opportunities, and personal professional development forums. The all-day events will serve meals as well, with entertainment and music at the end of each day.

It's a great opportunity to meet other black students in the professional field, network with associates and professionals, and develop skills for your career! Reminders will be posted as the event nears.

Dominican's Black Student Union Meeting

Dominican University's Black Student Union held its first meeting of the school year today in the Mulroy Lounge. Each year the BSU plans events and activities promoting the African and African-American heritage and culture, and the first meeting was held to brainstorm and start developing events for all students.

If you missed out on the meeting and would still like to give your imput, hear tentative ideas, or see how the group is run, there will be a general meeting Thursday, September 25 from 2:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Turkey Between Two Worlds

Stephen Kinzer, Dominican University’s 2008 Lund-Gill chair, will be speaking about Turkey's political situation and potential in Parmer Hall room 108. The event will be taking place this Thursday, Sept. 18 at 7:00 p.m. Kinzer was the New York Times correspondent in Turkey for four years.

source: Dominican University main homepage

Grito de Dolores!

"Cry of Dolores!" was the battle cry of the Mexican War of Independence back on September 16, 1810 by Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, a Roman Catholic priest from Dolores, near Guanajuato in Mexico.

Tuesday marked the 198th year of Mexico's celebration of Independence from Spain, and the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month. I live in the Little Village neighborhood of Chicago, and also lived in Pilsen a few years back. The celebrations in these Hispanic neighborhoods were lively and fun, and despite the incessant rain this past weekend, the annual parade marched on in La Villita.

Looking for a way to get involved and celebrate? Events will be going on this month, and a great place to get a taste of the Mexican culture would be in Pilsen, on 18th street between Halsted St. and Wood St. The Pilsen East Art Gallery at 2003 S. Halsted is also holding its 38th Annual Artists' Open House from September 26th through September 28th. The Opening Night Event is Friday 6-10 p.m., and the Open Houses are also on Saturday and Sunday from 12-7 p.m.

Viva la Mexico!

International experience...down the street!

I'm obsessed with travel and foreign countries. This semester I am enrolled in Professor Ric Calabrese's Global Communications class. My convergent journalism beat is diversity, and my Dominican Star beat is multicultural affairs. It seems there is so much variety surrounding my life at this moment!

"At this moment" is one phrase I learned that South Americans tend to use in their speech quite often. It's not necessarily odd; I just noticed they say it more than an American would. I'm not making generalizations--I hung out with four South American English as a Second Language students for two hours this evening on the Priory campus! In the Global Communications course, each of us American students is grouped with two to four international students, and our "assignment" is essentially to log 30 hours of time with them throughout the course of the semester...but most importantly, to develop relationships with them, and get to intimately and empathetically learn about another culture.

The international students are from everywhere: Korea, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Taiwan, China, Colombia, and Ecuador. I was grouped with the South Americans--two females and a male from Columbia, and another female from Ecuador. Ranging in age from early 20s to mid 30s, we were quite the diverse group.

We hit it off right away, quickly learning we all have much in common. According to Richard D. Lewis in The Cultural Imperative: Global Trends in the 21st Century, people from Latin/Hispanic countries are multi-active, as opposed to linear active or reactive. This means they tend to be more emotional, loquacious and impulsive...favoring relationships and connections and lively conversation. Other cultures in this category include Sub-Saharan Africans, Italians, Portuguese and Arabians.

(Linear active cultures are more task-oriented, planned, straightforward and direct [including Germans, North Americans, Norweigians and the Danish]. Reactive cultures are more of the listeners, introverted, and good nonverbal communicators [including Japanese, Chinese, Koreans, and Indonesians])

That the South Americans were multi-active was demonstrated quite clearly to me the moment we all sat down to chat! Each of my group members was eager to share about their lives and budding English skills, and the nonstop conversation was lively and exciting.

I honestly learned so much about South American culture in that short introduction time, random things about popular alcoholic beverages called aguardiente, or why the Galapagos Islands are popular (they have the world's largest and oldest turtles!), and personal things pertaining to family values and human rights. I will be sharing and discussing my experiences as the semester progresses.

People in any major would benefit from taking the Global Communications class, but you don't have to be earning credit hours to make new friends and hear different perspectives. I encourage other Dominican students to get to know our ESL/international students; It changes your paradigms and is simply fascinating!

Calling all music fans!

Intent on increasing the live music presence on campus, Dominican's Sounds Society has been busy at work planning the second annual Fall Rock Concert. It will be held in the social hall the evening of November 8, 2008; keep an eye out for posters, flyers, and ticket information coming soon!

According to the Sounds Society, last year's Rock Concert was quite successful with a hefty turnout, giving musicians and music fans a fun and artsy event open to the public.

The tentative list of artists and musicians who will be performing this year is stellar: With a Vengeance, Bright Light Brigade, Averno, Fotosputnik, Ian Watts' band (name unknown at publishing), and Jess and the Rest.

The show will be a blast so keep your calendars open!

If you'd like to get involved selling tickets or coordinating, contact Shahzeb Shaikha (shaikshah@dom.edu), Maryann Dreas (dreamary@dom.edu), or Nicholas Callahan (callnich@dom.edu).

Check out some of the artists now!

Fotosputnik:


Averno:

Support your local music!

The Sisters' Secret Garden in the news

I was turning the pages of the Sunday paper when the words "Sister Jeane Crapo" caught my eye. Chicago Tribune reported a lovely story on the history of the scarcely known Dominican nuns' garden, first planted back in 1979 when the university was called Rosary College. Recently, elementary school-age Girl Scouts rehabilitated and re-beautified the garden, which had been abandoned and become dilapidated for many years. Seeing Dominican covered in a national newspaper was a pleasant surprise, and the story is inspiring.

The Office of Multicultural Affairs is Changing!

Congratulations to Dr. Robbi Byrdsong-Wright! The former Director of the Office of Multicultural Affairs has been promoted to Assistant Dean of Academic Success.

In her new position, she will be looking at the challenges students face and designing and implementing innovative strategies to address those issues and fix the problems.

She has worked for years serving the Dominican community in all aspects of multicultural affairs, and we congratulate her in the next step in promoting the welfare of students on campus.

Viva la Italia!

Italian? Or maybe you're just interested in the culture? All are welcome to attend the first meeting of Dominican University's Italian Organization. This Thursday, Sept. 11, join the Italian Club for their introductory gathering. Meet the new officers, learn about the events planned for this year, and enjoy some pizza! They'll be meeting at 2:30 p.m. in the Dining Hall.

Interested in studying abroad in El Salvador?

Or maybe you just want to learn more about the culture from your peers? The students who participated in last semester's study abroad program to El Salvador will be giving a presentation Wednesday, September 17 from 6:30 pm-8:30 p.m. in the Lewis Lounge. Come to hear about their experiences, see photos, and learn about what it's like over there.

Catholics and Politics: Does Religion Really Matter?

Retired history professor David O'Brien will be answering that question later this month here at Dominican. O'Brien taught for 40 years at Holy Cross College in Massachusetts. A social activist, his commentaries have appeared in numerous publications over the years, and he'll be speaking in the Martin Recital Hall on Monday, Sept. 22 at 7:30 p.m.

Welcome!

Welcome to the 2008-09 school year! This blog is dedicated to Diversity on campus here at Dominican University.