In "When Worlds Collide: Navajos and the News Media," Michael Haederle describe a specific case study in the 1990's when journalists descended on a Navajo reservation in New Mexico to cover a "mysterious respiratory illness." From the start, the reporters proceeded to interview tribal members about their lost loved ones. It led one tribal leader to remark that incidents like this one suuggest a "clash of cultures" between reporters and Native Americans. The Navajos responded with large signs reading: "No News Media Allowed." One could argue that the journalists were just doing their jobs, but, on the other hand, what can this case study suggest about the very different cultural values that exist between the reservation and the newsroom, if not the larger mainstream American culture in general?
I suppose the journalists were just doing there job, but it seemed like the bare minimum. Like we discussed from Heider's book, journalists need to take the time to research the background of the topic or people they are covering. If they did that, they would have realized the cultural traditions of the Navojos, who did not like to speak about the dead. I think had the journalists known that, they would have been more sensitive to their interviewees and perhaps gotten more information.
ReplyDeleteI think this situation reflects the larger mainstream culture as well. I have to go back to Heider and the ideas of everyday and incognizant racism. We tend to think everybody is like us. We speak about loved ones who passed on, why don't they?
I also think the coverage of this "mysterious respiratory illness" served as a way to further segregate Americans and Native Americans. In their coverage, the journalists made it seem as if the disease came from Native Americans. It probably made ignorant news watchers afraid to be around them, for fear of cathcing something. It reminds me of similar incident. I was speaking with an older man and he mentioned something called the "Asian Flu." It seems like the name implies that the disease comes from Asian people, and therefore, they should be avoided.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7964016.stm
ReplyDeleteHere is an article in which the reporter has obviously taken the time to do extensive background research on the the history of Native American languages, as well as history on location of the languages. It educates the reader as well as inform them of the current issue: native languages becoming extinct in Native American cultures in the U.S.
I agree with the previous blog that the article only enhanced the segregation between Native Americans and Americans. It definitely made it seem as if the Native Americans dispersed the illness, as if they invented it. Because they aren't open to the media regarding this issue, the article was out of ignorance and needed much more in depth research in order not to guide the reader to assume negative things about Native Americans and the illness.
I do not think the journalists did their jobs. Yes, journalists are paid to report the news and important events, however, one of the main roles of reporters is to research background information before conducting interviews.
ReplyDeleteDeath is a sensitive issue for all societies, but journalists need to realize that different cultures grieve in different ways. At the very least, couldn't one of the journalists have asked "Are you okay talking about this situation with us?" As Heider discussed, most Native Americans already have a negative view and relationship with the news media, and this gives the reporters an even greater responsibility to be sensitive and empathetic to the views and beliefs of Native Americans.
I also feel like the journalists were responsible for everyday racism, as their stories made it seem as if the disease was a "Native American disease", and it obviously was not. Once again it put Native Americans into the "them" category, making them appear even more different, and even threatening to the "us" group.
Too many reporters believe that their job is to find a story, do some interviews, and write an article. A true journalist, however, is willing to do the background research and build the relationships necessary to accurately depict what is going on, and why it matters, to the rest of the world. Journalists have the unique ability to be a voice for the voiceless, and I think that specifically with Native Americans, they are not doing enough.
Check out this website: http://www.deathreference.com/Me-Nu/Native-American-Religion.html
ReplyDeleteThis website indicates that certain Native American cultures handle death differently, as part of their culture and religion.
The journalist interviewing the Navajos did not successfully do their job because they neglected to research the spiritual connection the Navajos have with the after life. Assuming that we all deal with death the same is a very insensitive assumption, especially by a journalist. They threatened the cultural emotions of the Navajos by neglecting to educate themselves on the subject being interviewed. As Melissa said, one of the main roles of reporters is to research background information before conducting interviews.
Although the reporter was insensitive in reporting the Navajos face with death within their community, the main story focus was the "mysterious respiratory illness." Why did they over step boundaries? Why not try to become at peace with the Native American culture?
But everyday racism overstepped the limits, yet once again...
I am very glad that one of the tribal leaders stepped out and put a stop to the media. They showed the need for change and the need for insensitive culture clash to stop.
Cultural differences are seen everywhere. The journalists should have researched and become familiar with the culture. Their insensitivity was not just that, but it was disrespectful. They went in expecting a response on an illness that was claiming some lives. The report of the illness was also insensitive. Headlines, and articles singled out the the Navajos. It could have been perceived by others to be a racially related illness rather than a geogrphical relation. The article notes some people treating the Navajos differently after the coverage of the illness began. I can only hope that if the journalists were aware of the cultural belief that involved not speaking of the dead, they would have showed more concern and respect for that cultural difference.
ReplyDeleteIt deleted my comment!
ReplyDeleteTo summarize without having to type the whole thing over again.
- The journalists got what they deserved. They were insensitive to Navajo culture and death practices.
- After reading Heider's book, I am not surprised that the Navajo acted in such a fashion. The news media were only concerned with spectacular events on the reservations. Otherwise it was either too far or socially blocked off for Albuquerque stations to cover.
- I am sure that the Navajo do not get much airtime so they are able to air their grievances with the media. So their protest serves two purposes, it airs their grievances and takes advantage of their airtime.
- The reporters could have used more sensitivity and background in their reporting. The negative stories that associated the virus as a "Navajo virus" were incorrect and was not good journalism.
Articles on the possible resurgence of uranium mining on or near the Navajo reservation.
ReplyDeletehttp://inthesetimes.com/working/entry/5090/native_american_uranium_miners_still_suffer_as_industry_eyes_a_rebirth/
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/10/24/AR2009102402023.html?hpid=moreheadlines
The bombardment and approach that the media took when attempting to interview members of the Navajo nation was insensitive, but understandable (that doesn't mean acceptable) when you refer back to Heider's book. Most of the general population goes through most of their life acquiring little education on Native Americans. I have a feeling that if there was breaking news on one of the Seminole reservations in Florida and reporters were dispatched to cover the story, there would be similar reports of "culture clashing" between the Seminole people and the media.
That's the thing about "incognizant racism" though, the perpetrator isn't aware that they are behaving this way. Sure, there are some people who may take a second to step back and ask, "What is the historical context surrounding this group of people?" but for the most part we see ourselves as an interconnected world, and as such we must share more general similarities than differences. But, some people in America have more culturally conscious customs that are deep-rooted on this continent and go back further than the Mayflower.
Heider suggested that reporters take the time to learn about the history of the areas they cover. We could put the burden on the media outlets to hold sessions for all of their employees on the history of their state or area of coverage. Or, the journalist could just be taught the importance of doing so throughout their careers on their own accord. Personally I say teach it in the schools, k-12. Make it a substantial part of history lessons.
As for titling the disease as the "Navajo flu," that is just plain wrong. Could you imagine the media declaring a disease outbreak the "Caucasian flu" or "African American flu?" It wouldn't happen because they know they would never hear the end of it. The Navajo though, not only being a race of people but a sovereign nation as well, were stigmatized even more. It is just an example of plain ignorance on the media's part.
In Haederle's article, I believe that the Journalists who were reporting on this case were just doing their job. Except that seemed to be the problem I thought. How well were they actually doing their jobs though? In one of the assigned readings for this class there is a part in which News Watch offers "Tips for Journalists." I think these tips are very helpful when it comes to covering a "racial or ethnic" story.
ReplyDeleteIn one of these points it states, "When it is, the sensitive needs to be sensitive." As Journalists we might cross these boundaries, especially if we're covering a topic that is not considered in "mainstream America" that some might not know too much information to begin with, if any. The Journalists who are mentioned in this article don't seem like they were concerned with the entirety of the situation and looking at the big picture. If they wanted to be great Journalists they would've done their research beforehand to have a better understanding and knowledge. This obviously would’ve been much more helpful, so not to come off like vicious bull dogs chasing after a story. If they had been more patient and more cooperative the situation could have gone a lot differently. Not to mention to the Navajos’ feelings of the loved ones left behind by their families and friends could’ve been spared if the Journalists would’ve done their research. What really got to me about this article was how the Journalists went to report on the respiratory illness, then to make matters worse, headlines like the “Navajo flu” and the “Navajo illness” started coming out. Like stated in the article by Beyel, “It’s not a racial disease, it’s a regional disease.” I was very offended by this being an aspiring Journalist.
The only reporter who I found had the knowledge and respect necessary for a story like this was Fritz Thompson. He was actually escorted from the funeral of a 13-year-old Navajo girl from Gallup and ordered away from another funeral in Sandspring, NM. He said this was one of the hardest stories he’s ever covered. Thompson mentioned an example of putting the Navajo culture on one end of a spectrum and the news media at the other, saying you simply can’t put those two together, because “it’s like a real bad marriage.” The Navajos were venting their anger at even the reporters who tried not to offend.
The beliefs and values the Navajos’ hold for the dead is called hozoho. This is where for first 4 days you do not speak of the dead, because you're holding that person back from returning to the 4 elements (Earth, water, air, and fire) where all things were created. These may not be our beliefs, but if one is going to report on something similar to this then that person needs to do serious research. If they’re not going to take the time to do so, they should probably start looking for another job. What if the tables were turned, wouldn’t you prefer the media to respectfully get their story and go about it in a positive way?
As far as the signs that said “No news media allowed,” I would’ve done the same thing. As an aspiring journalist, I’d like to be able to put the everyday and incognizant racism aside as hard as it may be at times, and knowledge myself before going after something. Look at what happened in this situation. The Journalists seemed rude, aggressive, ignorant, and insensitive; these are all the things I aspire NOT to be.
Sometimes I feel like our industry doesn't respect certain traditions like in this case study. As a journalist, had I known that it was customary to not speak of the dead four days after they departed, I would have wanted to go after the why.
ReplyDeleteI think the Native American culture might be more in tune with the news media if they were portrayed in better light. I also think they might be more open to talk to the media if someone went and found out their why.
For mainstream society, it is typical to jump to the root of the problem and find the solution. As journalists, we are constantly subscribing to that notion. We don't stop to think about how our reactions are affecting others. If someone had been respectful of the Navajo's boundaries in this case, then the story could have been gotten without so much hardship.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThe journalists that were involved in this incident did not know the customs of the Navajo, and were lazy in their research for the reports. The negativity created by calling the outbreak “Navajo Illness” only heightened the tensions between the reporters and local interviewees.
ReplyDeleteThe outbreak occurred in several states; not just on the Navaho reservation. It could have been called the Four Corners flu, or the Anglo or Latino flu. Since H1N1 is called the Swine Flu, maybe it should have been called the Phoenix Flu.
Reporters that barge in and ask personal questions are remiss. They should learn the cultural norms and traditions. The Navaho had every right to be offended, and reporters should have been aware of the hozoho.
The indifference of the dozens of reporters is appalling. The Navaho nation is just that-a sovereign nation within our borders. Other countries can ban journalists for differences in ideology, reservations were created to give the Native Americans freedom to pass their own laws and practice indigenous customs.
The journalists were trying to do their job, but didn't do it well. They should have done extensive background research on the Navajos and their culture. They should have shown some respect. They made it sounds as if the Navajos spread this illness but it was "not a racial disease; it's regional." There were other resources the reporters could have gone to in the area. I feel that sometimes we neglect to take the time to understand beliefs/cultures that are different for our own day to day lives because it's not something we're faced with everyday. Kind of the "out of sight, out of mind" mentality.
ReplyDeleteI thought this was interesting. It's a film project about Native Americans and spiritual grounds. http://www.sacredland.org/index.php/home/films/overview/
Basically, I agree with what most everyone has written so far. It is a case of the journalists going in without awareness of a certain culture and their practices. It's an arrogance that most Americans have. We assume everyone will tailor to our desires and customs...That's why the rest of the world learns English. (I am aware this is not the SOLE reason, but you know what I mean).
ReplyDeleteSo when the cultures clash, and the Navajos already have their presuppositions of the media and how they behave, it was quite understandable that they closed off.
It comes back to the overall cultural awareness that this class is intending. We have to fight ignorance with information. Education. It feels cliche' to say "Walk a mile in their shoes", but things become cliches for a reason, and usually, it's because they are accurate.
As journalists, and as citizens in society, it is our responsibility to be aware of the people we are in community with.
Yes, the journalists were doing their jobs, but as many people have mentioned above, they really didn't have all of their bases covered. These reporters assigned to cover this story should have done/been presented with research and information on the culture and it's customs. Although, when you're rushing out of a newsroom to catch the story that "them, them and them" are covering already, I can understand leaving empathy at the door to get the story.
ReplyDeleteFritz Thompson describes being kicked out of a 13-year-old Navajo girls funeral, even though he was on "his best behavior". It goes on to say that even if reporters are on their best behavior, Navajos are "apt to disapprove of the news-gathering process itself, which often involves asking detailed personal questions."....I have to ask myself; How will we ever get past this hurdle of lack of coverage of certain groups of people and lack of knowledge of other cultures, if both parties are unwilling to take that first, very uncomforatble step towards change and understanding?
This is a question I thought about while reading the article. I am not saying that it's the Navajo's fault for not wanting to speak to the media about certain issues, and I am not saying it is the journalists fault for not understanding the Navajo's customs, but I do believe that both parties should be more empathetic of the other, and hopefully this will encourage a better understanding.
Although the journalists are doing their jobs, their lack of knowledge and sympathy for the culture seriously damages the outcome. By not doing research on the practices of the Native Americans, the journalists are lacking in ethical and obligation morality on any level. When a culture is placed in the limelight for news media purposes journalists should be obligated to some understanding before covering the story.
ReplyDeleteThis topic also goes back to geographical knowledge and history on news coverage. The longer a journalist has to go to cover a story (physically and psychologically) the less likely it is to be covered. Get in, get the story, and get out. Everyday racism also emerges out of the interpretation of this culture by the news media. Due to the lack of knowledge possessed by journalists covering the story, infiltration of everyday practices become institutionalized. Heider suggests that in order to bridge the gap journalists must take the time to learn about the areas/cultures being covered. By submerging and really getting one’s hands dirty the clash of cultures may be lessened with a greater understanding.
A journalist's main objective is to obtain information needed for the public's self-governance. In this sense, the journalists were doing their jobs asking questions and trying to get information from the Navajo people. But getting this information must be done in such a way that the least amount of harm is caused. The journalists were aware of Navajo customs regarding death, and reported insensitively on the situation by relating the illness to the public as specifically a Navajo sickness. The same information could have been obtained in a different, more respectful way, where each party could be satisfied. Instead, the public was advised that a "Navajo illness" was killing "Navajo people" shedding a negative light on their nation overall. Clearly the values of the newsroom and their culture conflicted immensely to the point where they literally banned media from their property.
ReplyDeleteI think the journalists' approach to obtaining information for the story on this mysterious illness was insensitive and ignorant to the Navajo Nation and their culture. It seems like the media had no regard for their cultural differences. The journalists may have been trying to do their job by getting the information, interviewing, asking questions, trying to get access, but they clearly didn't do their homework beforehand.
ReplyDeleteSometimes all it takes is a little research, and a look through the other person's perspective. If the journalists had been more familiar with Navajo customs, and asked themselves, "How would I feel if..." I think they would have been much more successful with the story. And, they would have been able to maybe build some trust between the media and the Navajos.
Also, I can't believe it was referred to as the 'Navajo flu'. What a way to make a huge population of people feel alienated.
"No means No" right? Not if your Native American
ReplyDeleteWhen is a huge sign saying "No News Media Allowed" not a clue that you're not welcomed at this time. Yes, it's true that the reporters may not have known the customs of the Navajo,but to impose your journalistic responsibilities, after they expressed their wishes of no outside media is simply disrespectful. In many cases, don't we as Americans ask that some funerals not be broadcast by the media, and we don't ignore those request just because it is the job of journalist to get the story.
And then let's punish them for not letting our journalists or medical people to investigate, by reporting an epidemic of " Navajo Flu," when clearly other races of people were being infected and not enough reserach was done yet.
And look what that did to the children who couldn't meet there pen pale because the un-ethical reporting of the press. I never had a pen pale, but I would have loved meet a kid like me who I wrote to on a regular basis.
We as Americans treated the Natives like crap throughout history (ironiclly killing them with the European diseases brought to America), and even though they are self governing, we want them to abide by all of our social norms and rules. According to the NAJA, their goal is to build stronger communication with society through media, but we have to let them do it in a way best for them.