I’m 5 feet and 7 inches tall.
It’s a pretty standard height in the U.S. Maybe a little on the lofty side, but certainly nothing to brag about. And, unfortunately, my growth spurt hit later in life so those numbers weren’t much use as a kid pining after coveted roller coaster rides.
But, now, as a journalist, I have to pay attention to these otherwise insignificant measurements. I am constantly shooting photos from a 5’5″ perspective (dang, my forehead is really 2 inches?!). I’ve gotten some good shots from this perspective, but that’s the problem—it’s only one perspective.
In order to truly see the world, you have to look at it from all angles. I recognize the flaw in my work and try to compensate as best I can. It’s not uncommon to see me scaling a tree, twisting into odd contortions and dropping down onto the floor. Lately, I’ve been walking around and shooting from the hip just to see what happens (see the photo above!).
It’s a start, but if I really wanted to get better at my craft, I’d carry around a step stool and scope out the scene a few days beforehand.
Of course, perspectives go far deeper than camera angles.
We need to include more diverse perspectives in all aspects of news—especially in my field, science journalism. The National Association of Science Writers (NASW) has an obvious diversity problem. We’re a very Caucasian group, and this means we’re missing out on a LOT of valuable input and ideas.
So how do we fix the issue? It’s going to take a lot more than a step stool.
I attended a panel at the NASW conference this weekend that offered some great solutions, which are important for every newsroom—not just us science peeps. Here were the panel’s three, main takeaways:
- Go out of your way to get opinions from a diverse group of people. And, remember, diversity isn’t just ethnicity. Diversity is also socioeconomic status, gender, age, national origin, sexual orientation, education, etc. etc. etc.
- Be an advocate for diversity. You were hired because you knew someone. Perhaps a friend recommended you. Maybe you met your future boss through Twitter. But, let’s face it, it’s not about what you know, it’s about who you know. If you see a job opening, it’s your responsibility to spread the word. Email the heads of NABJ, NAHJ, AAJA, etc. Contact journos who you’d think would make a good fit. A talented candidate shouldn’t get passed over just because they never found out about the gig!
- Pay attention to the smart people who are talking about diversity. Ignorance is an excuse, but it’s a really crappy one. Here are some awesome resources written by communicators whom I admire. Check out their thoughts:
Culture Dish: Promoting Diversity in Science Writing
Twitter List of Diverse Science Writers
Supporting Diversity in Science Writing
Diversifying Science Journalism
Storify: The Diversity Conversation
