Blog 3- Douglas Blackmon Foster Foreman Presentation
Situational Definition
Pulitzer Prize winning author and journalist, Douglas Blackmon, spoke on Thursday, October 25 as part of the Foster- Foreman Conference. He spoke about his experience as a journalist and detailed specific dangerous encounters that he often endured as part of his work. Some of his most notable work is his book, “Slavery by Another Name: The Re-Enslavement of Black Americans from the Civil War to World War II”. Blackmon often discussed ethical considerations. Some highlights in his presentation included his southern upbringing and the impact that it had on his work. He also talked about the emotional impact that came with the intensity of his work.
Analysis
Blackmon talked about his southern upbringing. He said that he was always known as the guy from nowhere. Many audience questions allowed Blackmon to dive deeper into his upbringing and the impact that it has on his work. One of Blackmon’s most notable pieces of work was his book ““Slavery by Another Name: The Re-Enslavement of Black Americans from the Civil War to World War II” which won a Pulitzer Prize. When asked about what inspired him to write the book, Blackmon explained that he grew up in the south around many black people. He explained that the house that his lives in, stores that he goes to, and places that he sees everyday are built with bricks that were created by slaves. He was able to write his nonfiction novel because of the pertinence that the content has to his own life.
Blockman also talked about the emotional impact that journalism has on him. He explained a story about reporting on the death of a child. When at the scene, he was told to find the mother of the child and asked how she felt. Although this seems uncomfortable, it is a piece of information that people want to know. After talking to the mother, Blackmon said that he felt disgusting, invading someone’s privacy. From then on, Blackmon always said that he, “could never find the mother.” Journalists often come to a point in their career where they come to an ethical debate. In this case, Blackmon put the impact of tragedy for the mother over an interesting quote for a story. In a presentation to inspiring, young journalists, it was comforting knowing that someone very established in this business is able to place his personal morals over the content of a story.
Conclusion
I really enjoyed hearing from Doug Blackmon. As an experienced journalist, it was interesting hearing him recount many stories from his work. He talked about ethics in journalism, which relates directly to class. I found his attachment to his roots inspiring. I think that journalism is interesting when you can relate it back to your own life and find passion in your work. Every journalist needs to have a strong ethical foundation. It was reassuring to hear him speak so highly about a topic that we often discuss in class. He further established the basic foundation of journalism into the audience.
References
- Conley, D. (2009). Media Law and Ethics: Intersection of The New York Times Code of Ethics and Cases. Conference Papers — National Communication Association, 1. Retrieved from http://ezaccess.libraries.psu.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=ufh&AN=54434318&site=ehost-live&scope=site
- Ricchiardi, S. (2002). Preparing for Battle. American Journalism Review, 24(6), 38. Retrieved from http://ezaccess.libraries.psu.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=6912183&site=ehost-live&scope=site