We all know this feeling: We open the latest edition of a newspaper, we scroll through our news feed on social media and most of the reports revolve around politics and business. Here a new Head of State, there new scandals, corruption there.
Diversity as a treasure
- 08 February 2021
We all know this feeling: We open the latest edition of a newspaper, we scroll through our news feed on social media and most of the reports revolve around politics and business. Here a new Head of State, there new scandals, corruption there. Stories about people who have more money and power than oneself. Stories that often feel far away. The noise of the world is reflected inside.
Why have people stopped enjoying reading a magazine with calm? Taking time to watch television or listen to a long radio broadcast? Because stories often don't really deal with ourselves at first glance, with the complexity of our own lives. Stories that touch us and make us feel closer to the bigger picture. Stories that make us understand: There is no me without a we.
Where is diversity? Stories of people who are slightly different from the norm? Where are the stories of gay, Muslim rappers, whose art shatters entire world views? Where are the stories of women who dare to take different paths? People, who start new projects, because they want the world to look a little different. Stories of all those, who often don't dare to be a part of society, because they don't find a place in media? And this despite the fact that, in the EU, they are exactly what defines the world: they are diverse, they have a variety of opinions, they have visions.
Where are the journalists who not only talk about "these people", but also depict such diversity? Editorial offices where not everyone is white, has studied journalism, is married and has children? Editorial offices, where not only French and English are spoken, but Japanese, Turkish and Farsi are equally understood? Media houses, where the reporter Noel has already had 17 different assignments, from being employed as a cleaner, optician to as a lawyer, and now is writing about new working models? Where is Ezra, the queer journalist, who reports on why in Russia transgender people are no longer allowed to drive? Where is XXL-wearing Denise, who gives a hearing to people who are discriminated because of their weight? Where are the stories that show positive things, innovative ideas in favour of environment protection, against food waste or hereditary diseases? Is there such a place? Stories emerging that are far more than news tickers: Stories from real life, relating to people people who are like you and me, simply different. Stories that make you think: This is something I have to share.
A place, that shows me how fast the world is spinning, and I can observe. I don't have to be ashamed if I have more privileges than others. And I can learn to be more careful with them. A place where people with disabilities are also part of society. A place where people of every skin colour, age and sexual orientation are allowed to tell about their life experiences.
Such places exist. Where journalists from all European countries come together and network. A place where diversity is not just a marginal part of the story. Where respect and solidarity are cultivated with new awareness. Because everyone is worth the same, and that is something worth reporting on: About the multitude of cultural differences, gastronomic diversity, exciting innovations in remote regions. A place where diversity and creativity go hand in hand. Where journalists can learn from each other to collect best practice examples for the journalism of tomorrow, to tell better stories for all. For more prosperity and peace.
The EU Regions' Week is one of the rare places, especially during a global pandemic, where journalists from different countries can come together and exchange ideas, create new cross-media projects and share personal experiences: How does one live in different parts of the European Union? The conversations burn under the skin: the Bulgarian journalist who has her own medium because her country's freedom of the press is increasingly restricted. According to Reporters Without Borders it has dropped to 111 out of 180. A Croatian journalist, who talks to former prisoners on her radio show, discussing what their social life could look like after release. Or the exciting stories of the Slovenian journalist, who, through his travels, has a deeper insight into the European history. And the details by the Cypriot research journalist, who can finally explain all the activities that took place around illegal passport sales on the island.
These are the stories that are different at first sight. Stories you have never heard before, as you are not part of these communities. Stories of people who live completely different lives than yours, and yet are so much more like you. These are the stories where you stop scrolling and know: Exactly my story, even if I haven't read it yet.
Written by Anastasia Lopez, participant in the Youth4Regions programme 2020