Overcoming Bias Analysis
On the evening of January 11, DU had the pleasure of hosting Carlos Jiménez as a guest speaker during a Multicultural Journalism class filled with a blend of students and faculty. The presentation was intended to inform DU community members on how disadvantaged groups use media.
Jiménez began the discussion by introducing himself, and allowing each member of the audience to introduce themselves and their interest in pursuing a career in the field of media and communication. He then went on to discuss his personal experience in the field and how he decided to pursue a doctorate degree in Media and Film Studies.
Alongside pursuing this project and his research, Jiménez hopes to eventually become a director of a mentorship that serves as motivation for others that are thinking about becoming graduate students. “I want to motivate hundreds of underrepresented students toward their Ph.D. that would not have previously considered the option.”
As the first person in his family to earn a PhD, Jiménez felt a …show more content…
responsibility to immerse himself in the world of education and research as much as possible. Ultimately, his research will “shed light onto migrant use of various forms of media to exchange information and overcome harsh living and working conditions.” A recipient of the Ford Foundation Fellowship, he developed a community-funded project, Radio Indigena, which trains members of the Mexican community to become radio announcers. Jiménez stressed how important it is in his work to consider how social, cultural, and economic constraints produced by migration cause farm laborers to engage with media in unexpected and creative ways, both at home and at work.
Jiménez advised each member of the room to think like a journalist as he presented the question: “How do we figure out how to be open in this world that is incredibly diverse?”
He gave two, intentionally vague, answers that drove the room into a deep conversation about the issue. As a community we must 1) acknowledge diversity and 2) acknowledge blind spots.
Comments were heard from all corners of the room, all diverging into the concept of biases.
“How do we overcome biases,” Jiménez asked.
Again, a few faint suggestions were heard, but Jiménez took control of the conversation once more. He addressed the importance of informing oneself, acknowledging ones own biases, reflecting and seeking feedback.
The well-known book, Overcoming Bias by Sue Ellen Christian, was referenced in his lecture as he mentioned key points in journalism and the problems it currently faces. Jiménez highlighted what Christian wrote regarding the ethics of inclusion and the practices of self-analyzation, informing oneself, understanding multiple perspectives, and identifying ones own biases.
He went on to discuss what the book defined as “fault lines” or social categories that separate people. Jiménez derived suggestions from the audience as to what these might be and drew the social categories of race, gender, generation, class and geography.
“That’s why this list exists, so that you can process it,” Jiménez boldly
stated.
Self-awareness and its crucial role in our community was the platform to his lecture, as the world of journalism begins to adapt to the evolution of media and the press. This nation in particular faces a harsh two-party system with information being presented instantly at our fingertips, and we must hold a firm moral stance in the progression of diversity and acceptance. Jiménez rose from a disadvantaged family, and overcame the instance of harsh living and working conditions. He hopes to understand them, and to help the rest of the world understand them as well.
Jiménez concluded his presentation with excitement towards the future of journalism, media and politics. He left the room feeling enlightened and aware of how dynamic the world of mass media truly is: “The point is understanding, not necessarily agreeing.”
Jiménez began the discussion by introducing himself, and allowing each member of the audience to introduce themselves and their interest in pursuing a career in the field of media and communication. He then went on to discuss his personal experience in the field and how he decided to pursue a doctorate degree in Media and Film Studies.
Alongside pursuing this project and his research, Jiménez hopes to eventually become a director of a mentorship that serves as motivation for others that are thinking about becoming graduate students. “I want to motivate hundreds of underrepresented students toward their Ph.D. that would not have previously considered the option.”
As the first person in his family to earn a PhD, Jiménez felt a …show more content…
responsibility to immerse himself in the world of education and research as much as possible. Ultimately, his research will “shed light onto migrant use of various forms of media to exchange information and overcome harsh living and working conditions.” A recipient of the Ford Foundation Fellowship, he developed a community-funded project, Radio Indigena, which trains members of the Mexican community to become radio announcers. Jiménez stressed how important it is in his work to consider how social, cultural, and economic constraints produced by migration cause farm laborers to engage with media in unexpected and creative ways, both at home and at work.
Jiménez advised each member of the room to think like a journalist as he presented the question: “How do we figure out how to be open in this world that is incredibly diverse?”
He gave two, intentionally vague, answers that drove the room into a deep conversation about the issue. As a community we must 1) acknowledge diversity and 2) acknowledge blind spots.
Comments were heard from all corners of the room, all diverging into the concept of biases.
“How do we overcome biases,” Jiménez asked.
Again, a few faint suggestions were heard, but Jiménez took control of the conversation once more. He addressed the importance of informing oneself, acknowledging ones own biases, reflecting and seeking feedback.
The well-known book, Overcoming Bias by Sue Ellen Christian, was referenced in his lecture as he mentioned key points in journalism and the problems it currently faces. Jiménez highlighted what Christian wrote regarding the ethics of inclusion and the practices of self-analyzation, informing oneself, understanding multiple perspectives, and identifying ones own biases.
He went on to discuss what the book defined as “fault lines” or social categories that separate people. Jiménez derived suggestions from the audience as to what these might be and drew the social categories of race, gender, generation, class and geography.
“That’s why this list exists, so that you can process it,” Jiménez boldly
stated.
Self-awareness and its crucial role in our community was the platform to his lecture, as the world of journalism begins to adapt to the evolution of media and the press. This nation in particular faces a harsh two-party system with information being presented instantly at our fingertips, and we must hold a firm moral stance in the progression of diversity and acceptance. Jiménez rose from a disadvantaged family, and overcame the instance of harsh living and working conditions. He hopes to understand them, and to help the rest of the world understand them as well.
Jiménez concluded his presentation with excitement towards the future of journalism, media and politics. He left the room feeling enlightened and aware of how dynamic the world of mass media truly is: “The point is understanding, not necessarily agreeing.”