The Religion Beat

After taking this class and specially reading the religion section, I have no doubts religion and ethnicity permeate most of the topics media and journalism cover.They are almost everywhere all the time because they are key aspects of people's identities and personalities.

However, media and news organization continue neglecting this fields. As we read on Religion in or Out of the News, AP, which is a huge news organization, had only one journalist capable to accurately handle the religion news. This makes no sense.

Media seem to pay more attention to beats most journalists and editors are more familiar with like sports, business or even crime. But when it comes to religion, media choose shortcuts. Help Wanted on the Religion Beat compares the differences between the staffing of regular beats and religion beats. In some news organizations, there is not even a religion department or reporter.

The religion beat is usually covered by reporters who are not acquainted with the subjects. An example of this was mention in Help the Religion Beat.... Diane Connolly was named religion beat editor for The Dallas Morning News without having any expertise. In the readings, they mention poor coverage is due to the fact that news gatekeepers don't give religion sufficient importance.

I think this happens because journalists don't receive enough training on the subject while in school. Why? Probably because religion is a rough area to walk through. Religion - and ethnicity - involve conviction, morality, and faith. All of them guide individuals' lives and permeate every aspect of life, like I said in the introduction. So everybody is somehow biased, including journalists and journalism professors.

It is probably harder to be objective and act independently when interacting with different, or even same, convictions, moralities and faiths. It also requires a sincere and open understanding of the "others", which is still society's pending class.

First Appreciation Day

 Platinum Boyz Barbershop is organizing a client’s appreciation day on June 9^th. The shop is going to offer free haircuts for kids and $ 5.00 for adults. They will open the doors with special ornament and play family-friendly music on that Saturday. They want the place look radiant and attractive for the occasion. 

Surprisingly, the idea of having an appreciation day did not come from the owner or manager. Sean Davis, a barber who has been working in the shop for a year and a half, is the motor engine of the initiative. “This is something we can do in return to the community,” Sean Davis said. 

Sean Davis believes being a barber is not only about making a living and charging money for labor. He is convinced barbershops play an important role in black communities. Barbershops have a unifying and ratifying role. They are the places where black males can freely enact their identities without the fear of being judged or misunderstood. “This is where everything happens,” said Sean Davis. 

Men of all ages gather in the shop to receive services, listen to music, make jokes, have political discussions, or simply watch some TV. The appreciation day will be another reason to stick around the barbershop at the time many families that have multiple children will benefit from the event. It will definitely strengthen the link between the Morningside community and Platinum Boyz Barbershop, the staff believes. 

Word-of-mouth is the main advertising for the event although a sign will be displayed as the day approaches. Throughout the entire month of May, barbers will inform every client about the event. “There is a good chance most of our clients receive the information because most of them come for a service once or twice a month,” Hanes Wousess, who is the manager, said. “Hopefully, other people are going to hear from our clients.”

They are expecting to be fully packed and serve as many clients as possible, especially kids. The staff thinks they might beat a number around 100 clients. There will be no shifts on that day. All barbers are on duty on June 9^th. “The boys are excited because this is the first time Platinum Boyz does this since it opened in 2009,” Sean Davis said. 

Platinum Boyz Barbershop hosted the Thanksgiving Day last year. They offered a free turkey to every client or family. The barbers assure that event was a success; but, what they are preparing for June has a totally different dimension. Giving turkeys in Thanksgiving is a tradition and is somehow predictable. “For the appreciation day, there is no other reason than giving back to the community,” said Sean Davis. 

The appreciation day will also bring more clientele as it calls the attention of more people in the community, Hanes Wousess expects. They want to do it every Summer as school is over. It is a win-win situation. The clients save money and the shop gets more recognition in the community. 

“I feel part of the community even though I’m not Haitian,” said Sean Davis.

Tell Me What Is Funny About This

This is a real situation that actually happened. Everybody knows that racism exists and is still in people's minds. But, a high state official of an industrialized country manifesting this way is more than sad. Public officials are supposed to promote civilization and advance their nations -far from this.

This was in a celebration at the Museum of Modern Art in Sweden. I can understand a piece that represents an African person. But, why putting a real person, who is not even black, as the head and play with it? That's not art. That's making racist jokes. Highly elaborated cakes can be art but it is very grotesque when it represents a human to be eaten alive. This is just twisted.

After being cut, it looks like if it was actually bleeding. Take a look at the brightness of the red used on the inside stuff. It is evidently meant to represent a living black person. In the picture on the upper right section, the face has no expression at all. The actor is playing death. The crowd gathered around seems to think this is very funny.

It is difficult for me to determine if the cake represents a man or a woman. The big chest could be a breast. The face and the genitalia seem to be those of a male however.


Follow the link below to see the comments and reactions on facebook.

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=334979179898370&set=a.334979173231704.76495.332350303494591&type=1&theater

"Cutting Hair Keeps Me Afloat"

Cutting hair has kept Sean Davis, a 33 year-old barber, afloat in different circumstances and places throughout his life.

The Californian born, who now lives in Miami, started to cut neighbors' and friends’ hair for five dollars at the age of 14. “I was still in school but loved cutting hair,” Sean Davis said.

Sean Davis grew in East Oakland, California. As a teenager, Sean was selling drugs and cutting hair, while struggling with school. He got into a lot of trouble. East Oakland was a hostile area - plagued with gangs, crack and poverty. "There were not many jobs,” said Sean Davis. 

Sean Davis’ mother wanted a change for him before it was too late; so, she got a job in Virginia. Sean moved to Virginia with his mother and grandmother while his two siblings stayed with his father in Oakland. Sean quickly found a job in a barber shop in the Virginia Beach area.

It was easy for Sean to build clientele in a short period of time. The shop was by the corner of a high school in a nice neighborhood and people were way friendlier than in Oakland. “There was not much pressure to be tough in Virginia,” Sean Davis said.

Star Style, where Sean worked in Virginia, was a flourishing business. They offered a regular cut for $5 and a fade plus face for $ 10. The shop was always packed and Sean got used to make an average of $ 200 per day. He quickly started to lose interest for school, spending more time working. “It was like being back in Oakland selling drugs again; but, it was legal so you couldn’t go to jail,” Sean Davis said.

Back then in Oakland, he used to sell marijuana bags for five dollars. Now he was cutting hair for five dollars on a 60 % commission plus tips. It was the same energy but more fun. He made a lot of friends and saw a father figure in some of his older friends. "Once you cut it good, they respect you as a person,” said Sean Davis.

Davis finally dropped out of high school in 11^th grade. His mother did not like that decision so he promised her he would get a GED. “I went to a night school for five months until I got my diploma.”

Sean had his first daughter at the age of 17 and came back to California as he turned 18. “I missed California and my friends,” Sean Davis said

 From that point on, Sean worked in barbershops in Las Vegas, Arizona, North West DC, and New York. At the age of 22, Sean met a girl from Trinidad and had his first son. But, his continuous trouble making forced him to leave the town again so he came back to Virginia. He was arrested for trafficking and served two years in prison after having two daughters.

Sean cut inmates’ hairs on daily basis; he did between 10 and 15 cuts a day. He used to put Magic Shave on the hairline and shave the edges with a playing card. "You got to be creative to cut hair in prison because you don’t have all the tools," Sean Davis said.

The demand was high and Sean made money on it. He had learned how to cut in layers using a scissor and a comb while he worked in a Mexican barbershop in Tempe, Arizona. His only experience in a non-black barbershop had given him the skills to be highly appreciated in prison. Officers gave them the clippers twice a week before visitation but no attachment combs. Everybody wanted to look good and Sean was the only one who knew how to do layers with the clipper and a regular comb. "I never had a fight in prison,” said Sean Davis.

Once out of prison at the age of 27, Davis came back to California. He felt he was going down the same vicious circle. Sean knew he may either go back to the penitentiary or end up dead. Nothing had changed. "My friends were doing the same shit,” he said.

Sean’s sister had been in Miami for six years already. For several months, she insisted he could restart his life since nobody knew him in Miami. “She offered me a kit of tools and a plane ticket and I accepted.”

Sean has been in Miami for the last 18 months. He first tried a barbershop at Biscayne and 62^nd street but it was to slow. He quit after two weeks and has been working in Platinum Boyz Barbershop ever since. “It was a fresh start, a new me,” Sean Davis said.

Sean lives by himself . He talks to his children everyday and support them financially. His two daughters from Virginia are staying with him for the entire Summer. "I’m very excited.”

Ethnic Media Growth Is Just Impressive

Ethnic media play an important role in democracy. They have the ability to provide a more insightful view when it comes to ethnic news.

The section on ethnic media is full of examples of the unifying, directing and watching dog role of ethnic media for ethnic groups; but, its rapid growth really caught my attention. As the immigrant population increases, so does ethnic media. That makes total sense.

The news industry, especially newspapers, has been steadily shrinking for the last several years. According to the state of the media 2011 by the Project for Excellence in Journalism (PEJ), 1,000 to 1,500 more newsroom jobs will have been lost—meaning newspaper newsrooms are 30% smaller than in 2000. However, the readings on ethnic media reveal ethnic media growth is skyrocketing as it reaches impressive numbers in New York or expands to states that are not traditionally familiar with minority media.

Journalists are appealing to creative and diverse forms of journalism to survive in a changing, uncertain industry. The fact that ethnic media are growing as media in general is contracting makes me think that ethnic media could be or is the way for many journalists to build a career.

Ethnic media are not only increasing in quantity but also in variety. They are extending to multiple platforms as later generations start to consume their products. Some of them provide news in their languages of origin and English. Also, they are serving populations that were not even in the media landscape in recent years such as African groups.

Ethnic media also have a unique model right now. While mainstream media are predominantly owned by private corporations, ethnic media are still owned by independents or are family businesses. This might be a factor why ethnic media is still effective fulfilling a community role and feeding democracy in contrast with mainstream media. In 2010, mainstream media were effective generating more debate but highly ineffective expanding it, according to the state of the media annual report by PEJ.

Platinum Boyz, the Story

Platinum Boyz, a black barbershop located in a multi ethnic section of Biscayne Boulevard, prospers due to the warm environment they create and the professionalism of its barbers. Fancy furniture stores and restaurants, motels, community centers, and fast-food restaurants surround the barbershop in a collage of tones and flavors. But inside the barber shop, a different world takes place.

On the front left chair, the client was facing to the ceiling as Hanes Wousess, who everyone calls Kat and is also the manager, was meticulously doing the edges of his beard. Even though this requires surgical precision, Kat managed to handle the blade and rap in unison with the speakers, smiling in between verses.

Other three barbers were working at the front right chair and the contiguous chairs toward the back, doing a goatee and two cuts respectively. Two young men were patiently waiting on the comfy, black chairs next to the entrance. Everyone seemed to participate of a celebration while exchanging singings and looks through the mirrors hanged along the side walls of the rectangular room. The smell of after-shave lotion sealed the deal.

The idea of being pleased while getting a hair cut is the core principle of Platinum Boyz. That is why it was named after the barbershop a cappella vocal quartet Platinum, which has won several international quartet championships. Barbershop vocal music began in the late 1930s with a cappella quartets that used to sign simple songs to delight the clientele according to the Barbershop Harmony Society.

Platinum opened its doors in 2009. Ever since, the shop gives service mainly to the black community split at both sides of the busy artery, in an area known as Morningside. However, some clients derive from the various business places neighboring the barbershop.

Sean Davis, 33, who has been a barber in California, Virginia, New York, Las Vegas and Miami for the last 19 years, believes Platinum Boyz stands out in comparison to other black barber shops in the area because of its prices and quality of service. A regular cut costs $ 10.00 for kids and $ 15.00 for adults. Designs that include words, symbols and arts fluctuate around $ 80.00.

“We don’t have the advertising they have; but, we have lower prices and better performance," Sean Said.    "Clients come often times from those places and we have to fix what they did. Many of them become our regulars."

However, other barbershops such as T.O. Cutz Barber Shop, owned by NFL star Terrell Owens, and Chop Shop Barber Shop are way more popular than Platinum in the area. They spend robust amounts of money in celebrity advertising; therefore, many clients gravitate towards them, making serious competition to Platinum Boyz.

The shop’s website and word-of-mouth are the primary forms of advertising for Platinum boyz. Still, they find the way to appeal to the general public and celebrities alike. Rapper Rick Ross, singer Travie McCoy and Miami Heat Dexter Pittman are some of the celebrities Platinum barbers have worked with.  

Last Class on February 23, the Mystery of Bubble/Bobby

In my first visit to the barber shop, one of the barbers didn't identify with his actual name. He said his name was "Bubble". Or, at least that's what I understood. Two weeks ago, professor Reisner asked me how this guy spelled his name or nickname. I didn't know because I didn't ask him. Last class, we watched the movie "Barber Shop".

One character named "Eddie" mentioned a word that seems to be related to what that barber told me. "Eddie" mentioned "Bobby" as the paradigm of a respectable barber. Maybe, Bubble really meant Bobby - a detail I perhaps missed due to my language limitation, his accent, and more probably because of the stress I was under in that first visit.

Anyway, I was determined to ask Bubble not only the spelling but also the meaning of it. I went to my third visit on Friday 24; but, several barbers including Bubble were not working that day. Platinum Boyz was kind of slow because of the All Stars game in Orlando. So, I couldn't see him.

I did some online research and found "Bobby's World" is a very respectable barbershop recognized by giving service to Hip Hop celebrities. This shop is run by a superstar barber known as "Bobby". I clearly remember Bubble told me, or I understood, "My name is Bubble because I live in a Bubble world." Now, I don't know if Bubble referred to the famous barber shop "Bobby's World" or to the paradigm mention by "Eddie' in the movie. Or, maybe "Bobby's World" comes from what it's mentioned in the movie. I'm going to have to wait until Bubble explains all of this to me in my next visit.

I'm amazed how the simple fact that I entered the world of black barber shops took me through this path of cultural codes that seem intriguingly mysterious for me. I don't want to draw conclusions in advance; but, if Bubble, Bobby, and Bobby's World are connected through meaning and use, that would be a remarkable example of the integrating function of slangs in a cultural/ethnic context. But, that's to be confirmed.

Third Visit, We Coversed Finally

I was less nervous than the last time for my third visit to Platinum Boyz. The doughnuts and the smiles have given me the hope and spirit to come back for more.

This time, however, was not less surprising than the previous ones. The barber shop was slow. There were five barbers but three clients. I only greeted the ones I know: Sean and James, who were pleased to see me. A black female barber was done with a client who left right away. This woman looked young, probably under 25. Jon, the old barber who refused to answer any question in my first visit stepped outside. I did not attempt to talk to him. I did not even look at him to give him space and time, hoping he will come to me at some point.

"Why is it so slow today?" I asked Sean. "Because it's the Basketball All-stars game weekend in Orlando and people travel," he responded. That gave me the perfect excuse to initiate conversation.
"Do you guys like basketball? What sport is the most popular in the United States Baseball, Basketball or Football?" I asked. They were all engaged in the topic. A teenager, whose tattoos give him a tough appearance, answered, "Basketball.... But every body is going to answer the one they like the most." Sean added, "Basketball because more people play Basketball in the streets."

 Another barber, who was working on a client and I had not met yet answered, "Football is more popular that Basketball. Check the Superbowl." His client agreed with him. I took advantage and introduced my self. "My name is Kat," he said. I finally got to know my first contact, the mysterious guy I never met. I was surprised he was so young. He remembered we spoke on the phone and kindly apologized for not being present in my first visit as we arranged.

I redirected to the conversation. "I like Football but I don't understand it. I have to switch the channel after five minutes," I said. They were more than willing to help me. All of the sudden I had three of them explaining me the rules from the yard marking of the field to the scoring system. The client receiving service actually downloaded to his phone a clip on the beginning of a game to show me how it works. For several minutes I kept asking and they kept explaining, accompanied by some jokes and comments here and there. I got the names of the two clients, Carl and Jeff.

It was time for more interesting questions. "Why is it that there are not many black players in Baseball major leagues?' I questioned. Carl, the client receiving service, answered, "I used to liked baseball when I was a kid; but, I never had the chance to play it. The schools I went to didn't have a Baseball field and my mom couldn't pay for it." And Sean added, "Few years ago, they put the rule that all natives have to play at least one year in college before they get into major league. There are not many black guys in college that play baseball. That's not fair. Players from other countries can go straight to major leagues; it makes no sense." Kat continued, "If there is no black stars black people don't watch Baseball. Who are they going to follow?"

This time, Bubble and Muhammad were not in the shop so my chances to materialize their stories are in hold. However, this visit was more than wonderful. I solidified my connections in Platinum Boyz. This hour I spent there was not field work. It was leisure time. I related to people I do not have the chance to get in contact with every day. I learned from them, and more importantly, I started to enjoy spending time in this place.

The Politics of Race, Ethnicity, Religion & (Fill in the Blank)

It is kind of sad that politicians have to appeal to race or ethnicity all the time. It seems like if they constantly have to reassure their stances on ethnic basis to keep voters of all groups happy. Either they have to confirm and reaffirm their origins to please the ethnic group they come from or they have to demonstrate they will not favor their own groups to be supported by others. The thing is race and ethnicity are always an issue.

In one of the articles of this section, the author mentions that it is demonstrated that candidates that have refrained from relying on ethnic or racial approaches have managed effectively to earn diverse votes, president Obama being the clear example. Is it that the public is so programmed to overweight race and ethnicity because that's what politics offers? Then, the solution is relatively easy in my mind. Political candidates and their campaigns should consciously diminish the importance of these subjects; or better, they should give it the right weight. The problem really is that politicians could be permeated with racial and ethnic prejudices too.

But to be frank, this is not the only thing campaigns are based on that pisses me off. Religion is another area politicians need to show off if they want to be elected. Isn't America mature enough to understand what itself stands for? Separation of religion and state is the foundation of this nation - except for choosing candidates. If one is atheist or even practices a non-Christian religion, he/she is facing a potential defeat. It is not enough coming from a religious background; they have to demonstrate they practice it.

Sexual orientation and marital status are other aspects that are overrated. They must demonstrate they are heterosexual and belong to a perfect family [within the traditional scheme] like if those features would upgrade their abilities to administer or govern.

It looks and sounds very much like a double standard to me.

It is absurd that Williams, senate president in the state of Kentucky, launched attacks to governor Steve Beshear because he participated in a Hidu ceremony. First, nobody should make an issue of it in a country that preaches freedom of religion. Secondly, no public officer criticizes another official for participating in a Christian ceremony. Bush was criticized for wooing a black community in a church; but not for being part of a Christian religious activity. Again, Mr. Williams is making ethnicity a tool to judge an official.

Another interesting case is the one of republican congressman Marco Rubio. Does the fact that his parents left Cuba for economic reasons or political reasons make any difference in his abilities to serve in Congress? I doubt it. He is not more or less Cuban in any of the cases. Cuban-American candidates over inflate their Cubanship for the sake of votes too often.

Race and ethnicity are part of the American political landscape, which seems to have several weak sides still.

On the Beat

The section "ON the Beat" reveals the complexity of the racial issues for the purpose of journalism. I found some of the subsections particularly useful. For example, "Handling Race/Ethnicity with Discretion" mentions the fact that race or ethnicity should not be used to describe subjects, especially when dealing with negative events that can generate negative criteria on a given group. Or at least, race should not be used as the only description of subjects. I totally agree with this idea.

Giving the color alone presupposes all blacks or Hispanics or Asians are the same and further description is irrelevant. If, for instance, the news are on a crime, that might suggest that all blacks or Hispanics or Asians are criminals. However, the skin color can be of effective use when seeking information about fugitives. Still, more information like height, clothing and age should be given so that the description is not racist.

I think the term minority could be effective under certain contexts still. Minority should be used when describing a situation in which the subject was actually part of the minority, not just because he/she belongs to a given group. For example, a Hispanic who was arrested in Hialeah should not be mentioned as a minority member if the report does not include an angle from the national perspective. Referring to whites as minorities if reporting about a context in which whites are the actual minority would be fair then; even though, it is otherwise at the national scale. This approach could actually be more effective to contextualize the report. In regard to "people of color", which is the other topic in this subsection, you know my opinion from another post. I do not find this term fair or accurate. Otherwise, I find it very racist. See the "Colored People" post.
 http://3188lappin.blogspot.com/2012/01/colored-people.html

"Rethinking the Race Beat" talks about the Journal-Constitution in Atlanta, which is a city with a long history of civil rights issues-still today. But, that resembles Miami a lot. "Race is a factor in virtually everything we write in this community," editor Mike King said. That's not very far from what we face in Miami. This is a multi ethnic community in which the minorities are majorities.

Johnathan Tilove advocates for journalists to be experts in racial topics for more ethical and accurate approach. It might sound logic but I disagree with that idea. He says that certain journalists covering health care or military affairs are experts, which avoids any bias or prejudice.

Experts journalists are not the only ones who report or write on these topics with dignity and efficiency. Leaving the topic for experts only would actually create more taboo than bringing it to the table all the time by everyone. What should be the focus is that each journalist must know how to approach race/ethnicity free of restrains, biases or prejudices. This is the actual idea of democracy. The more people talking on a subject -in the right way- the more progress in the area. This is real diversity.

Second Visit, Building Trust

It took me three weeks to go back and do my second visit to Platinum Boyz Barber Shop in Morningside. I have to say that part of it was due to the fear to face the difficult task and perhaps another failure.

This time I felt confident, hopeful to be accepted in a place that is far beyond my comfort zone.
Maybe, I was confident and serene due to the fact that I was armed with two boxes of doughnuts as I was advised. I entered the place without hesitation like someone who does not want to rethink. Platinum Boyz seemed a totally different place this Friday. All six barber chairs were busy, the waiting room areas inside and outside the shop were packed. And as the first time, Hip Hop was loud.

Just crossing the door, I saw the face of Bubble, the tough guy who treated me harshly in my first visit. He drew a surprise expression. His face resembled that of someone who has not seen a close friend in a long time, which was surprising for me too. "Hi Bubble, how is it going?", I said as I strongly shook hands with him. He stopped working and widely smiled; but, it was the sincere, spontaneous smile only joy can produce, not the bully one he gave me the first day. "You are for real man," he said with polite tone of voice. "I told you I was coming back. I brought a little something for you gays, I hope you enjoy," I said. This was definitely a good idea.

Sean, James, Jon and the rest of the staff looked at me with an expression I will never forget. Their faces were telling now you're welcome here. I could see behind the mask of big, tough guy of these men the humbleness to recognize and respect others. After seeing the other side of the coin, I feel they were testing me the first time. Having come back was probably the way to pass.

Also, I perceived Bubble is kind of a leader even though he is not the boss of the place. If Bubble likes you, you are safe in the place. 

I walked toward Sean, the supervisor who I first spoke to in my first visit and let him know I had brought the doughnuts as gratitude for having me over the first day. Sean shook my hand and smiling said "Any time man." I went to Jame's chair and he not only shook my hand but also leaned his body against mine as black dudes do. This was quite remarkable for me. I initiated my observation right away.

In the back right side of the room, there was a barber I did not see the first time. I did not introduce myself like I did the first time with every single person in the place. This time I used a different strategy. I greeted the ones I already knew. The bottom line is that they introduce me to others at certain point. This barber was actually working on the only white person in the place, who was wearing business casual attire.I found it very interesting the way this barber was talking to him. The barber conducted himself in a soft manner and reflected kindness at all times. They were laughing on jokes the client was doing.

Sean was cutting the hair of a little boy three years old at most. He accidentally stuck the machine behind the kid's right ear. The kid jumped and vocalized, expressing pain. But, what happened next was mind-blowing for me. Sean said "Don't complain. You are two slow. You reacted two minutes late. You have to be faster in the world." I assume a young man sitting in the chair right in front of Sean was the boy's father. He just looked at Sean and smiled like approving the comment. This is completely different to the reaction I would expect from an Anglo or even a Hispanic father. In most cases, the Anglo or Hispanic father would react serious about the incident and would make sure it does not happen again. I understood they are not concerned about this incident; but,  they do not make a big deal of it.

I also realized in this community one learns how to be ready and fast early on life. A two or three years old kid cannot certainly understand the terms Sean used. But, he is getting familiar with the patterns and behaviors he will have to deal with throughout his life. That taught me that surviving violence is a very important lesson in a black community. The issue is not the danger but how you react or deal with it. This kid has started to learn it already.

A barber I met the first time was this time sitting outside probably waiting for the next available barber chair. He has a huge tattoo on his right forearm I could not see it the first time because he was wearing a long sleeves hoodie. The tattoo is a huge flag I had never seen or at least I am not familiar with. "What country's flag is it?" I asked. "Palestine," he replied. I was shocked. The first visit, I erroneously assumed he was Latin because of his appearance. I did not even ask his name. I focused on my supposed mission: African Americans. "What's your name," I asked again. "Muhammad," he answered. This is a turning point definitely. A Palestinian working in a black barber shop is too attractive not write a story about I think. Hopefully, I will be talking to him next visit.

After about 15 minutes I decided to leave. Bubble asked me to stay a while but I said I was too busy. I wanted to make it short and effective this time. They know I am coming back next week. There was no threat, bullying, aggressive talking, nasty face or Creole this time. I felt profound satisfaction.

Last class cleared out some of my doubts and insecurities regarding the listening post assignment. Because I could not obtain usable information for building a story in my first visit, I felt terribly frustrated. I felt I was not able to insert myself and gain people's trust in such environment. And, I felt a mixture of fear, frustration, and excitement. After hearing everybody else's experience, some relief pored on me. Prof. Reisner reminded us that this is not going to be easy. He told me I did what I was supposed to, which gave me some comfort. I will check my own mistakes for the second visit. I will revise myself to remove fears that can be noticed by other and create mistrust. I am looking forward for success.

The First Visit, the Ice Broke Me

 I was full of excitement, ready for my first, real journalistic experience. Kat, the supervisor of Platinum Boyz Baber Shop in Morningside, had granted me green light so I hit the road and got my destination. 

Morningside is not the typical black neighborhood. It is dissected by a nice segment of Biscayne Blvd where all kinds of nice businesses flourish.  Platinum Boyz blends in the block, which ethnicity is difficult to define. 

Morningside has a historical value because it emerged as a pillar of the MiMo architectural movement in the 1920s. Real Estate in small pockets of Morningside is actually skyrocketing.  Therefore, the authorities keep this major artery and other spots well presentable. However, the landscape drastically changes just turning in any direction on any corner.  The combination of low-income and black presence is obvious then. The contrast is somehow shocking.

Two men were sitting in the tables by the sidewalk at the perimeter of the barber shop. I passed by and said, “Hi”. As soon as I grabbed the doorknob, one of them a big, black guy intercepted me. “Can I help you”, he asked.  I introduced myself as the student journalist who had talked to Kat. “Kat is not here but come with me”, he kindly said. My host took me inside and walked me to one of the six barber chairs –the only one that was not in service located at the end of the row - and told me, “Have a seat”. The chair had on top a big bag of hair-cutting tools and other devices he removed for me to seat down. I have to say that looked a little awkward to me; but, I sat down anyway. He left the store right after.

An on-duty barber was narrating a story that had everyone around engaged: the three costumers sitting in the waiting area, the co-workers, and the costumers receiving service. The story was evidently about some argument with a sort of enemy from the past. The teller emphasized the seriousness of the event with his body language. I was confined   to the back of the room. I and the barber in front of me  -working on a kid- seem to be in a whole different world. I spoke to him for several minutes; but, he looked Hispanic and was working with the only white people in the premise. 

I barely could understand the potential story occurring at the front. The speaker pumping loud Hip Hop music was right behind me and the distance from the action was also considerable. So, I decided to move to the waiting area at the front. 

I exchanged handshakes with two of the barbers and introduced myself and traded little salutes with the costumers. Jon and James avidly introduced themselves. About one minute later the third barber finished talking and started to throw questions on me, which I found kind of normal. “So, you are a student? Where do you study? What are you looking for?” Right after, I asked him his name to which he replied “Bubble, Bubble is my name because I live in a bubble world”.  “Oh, good to meet you Bubble”, I said while shaking his hand.  Everybody else was sort of surprised or puzzled. They displayed short smiles followed by a silence that lasted for several minutes.

All of the sudden, the three barbers started to speak Creole. I didn’t imagine these guys were of Haitian origin. The costumers remained silent as the Creole chatting continued. 

Bubble came back to me in English and told me, “You missed all the action. All the news people were here already, including the channel 7”. “What happened”, I asked. “I am not gonna tell you. If you wanna have stories, you should go to the salon next door. I can give you their number”. “I don’t think so, I am good here”, I replied. 

I stood for probably another fifteen minutes. They barely responded to my attempts to establish a topic. Jon, the oldest of the three barbers, actually told me, “I don’t want to talk to you”. Shawn, the man who welcomed me at the door returned. He was less apathetic than the rest. I decided it was time for me to leave. I thought maybe I pushed a little bit too much already. I went by each of them shaking hands and saying bye, including the rough Bubble who surprisingly drew a smile. 

I felt I was in the eye of a hurricane.  I guess I did something wrong or many perhaps. The fact is that I still don’t know if it was me or this is just the way this is supposed to happen. I feel terribly frustrated and confused. The frustration is due to the fact that I could not get a story. On the other hand, I feel my experience is a story.

One thing I can tell. I will be back soon. I have the intuition it is going to be way different next time. They already know I am coming back. 

I tried to break the ice but the ice broke me. 


http://www.platinumboyzbarbers.com/

Colored People?

At the beginning of the class Prof. Reisner played an audio on the Implicit Biased Study and it was a good start for me. In the first interview, the lady referred to the "color people". I was very glad this came out because this is something I have always thought about. Isn't the terms "color people" or "people of color" implicitly racist? It is for me.

When I hear this terms, I have the perception that "color people" is a synonym of "the other peoples". Why? Well, it is very simple. "People of color" is used for any race or physical appearance other than the white Anglo. It feels like being white is OK/normal and having color makes you specific or different, the other. Most whites won't get offended if you call them white.

I've never heard someone saying non-color people or people without color. There is not an equivalent to "color people" for white people. The whole idea is actually wrong. All skins have color. Melanin, the pigment that gives the skin its color, varies from light yellow to dark brown. There are other factors like oxygenation, blood supply and other proteins in the skin that can affect the skin appearance. Therefore, there is no such a thing as white or black skin.

I understand that the term probably began as an alternative not to use black, brown or the like in an attempt for being sensitive. But ultimately, it makes it worse. It looks prejudiced and accents the differences even more. This term feeds the taboos and fears that surround the racial topics.

Janey is not a racist

Last class many things happened. But, one caught my attention the most, probably because I connected to it instantaneously. When Janey said other blacks have called her "white" because of her attitudes, I rapidly reflected on it.

I have noticed that for a certain racial or cultural group not only other groups stereotype but the own group does it as well. The members of the given group expect all individuals to behave according to the cultural traits and mannerisms that form the stereotype. Self stereotyping is probably the worst because no one knows the group's manners better. Any margin of deviation from it is not welcome and the individual is labeled as unequal. Many times this happens in the form of jokes but still it carries the same load of infringement.

I was born and raised in Cuba. Sometimes friends and relatives called me "the European" not because of my physical appearance but for my attitudes. Cubans are expected to be loud, not worried about formalism and norms, and of course, spectacular dancers. I just don't meet the criteria. Or better, I meet it partially. Still enough to be labeled. I'm kind of loud but not loud enough. I do care about others' concerns. And, my dancing is not so good. I don't drink coffee either.

 Just because I preferred Heavy Metal over Salsa, it doesn't mean I'm not Cuban or Cuban enough. In fact, I always, and still do, felt as Cuban as the "Palma Real". 

Personality and behavioral patterns depend on environmental factors such as family upbringing, culture, geography and education. However, all of that is just a part of the being. The individual has his/her own set of preferences, taste, and inclinations people sometimes ignore. So, I'm convinced Janey is not racist at all. She is simply Janey.

Biased?

Are we all biased when it comes to ethnicity? Yes, we are. I think, like Prof. Reisner argued in class, we all have predetermined stereotypes learned at home, with our cultural group, or through media. We rely to stereotypes the most when dealing with people we do not really know. For me, stereotypes assign meaning to the unknown, uncomfortable or even feared.

The problem is that in most cases stereotypes appeal to false or incorrect assumptions that can create or increase conflicts. The exercise in the class demonstrated so. The instructor asked what our thoughts are about Liberty City and most of us responded with simplistic, negative assumptions. The reality is that many of us never spent sufficient time in that location to get to know the people and dynamics of Liberty City.

Intro

I am starting by saying that the first encounter with Mr. Reisner's Multi-Ethnic Reporting class unwrapped what this course is about. I previously thought this was a course pretty much on how to board multi-ethnic reporting from an ethical/legal or even technical stamp point. Those ideas alone made it interesting enough for me.

However, that first meeting revealed the real nature of this course: approaching multi-ethnic reporting from a more humanistic perspective free of biased, preconceived stereotypes in a fearless environment. The good reporter should be able to view through the lens of the different communities and cross the boundaries amongst them.

This is a difficult task for everyone; but, I look forward to check inside and scrutinize myself, struggle, face the unwanted and more than anything learn. I buckled up my seat-belt and I am ready for the ride.