At issue: Supporting other student organizations
Our take: All of our work deserves recognition
One day after a contentious midterm election, President Donald Trump and CNN reporter Jim Acosta debated a migrant caravan at a press conference. After Acosta criticized Trump’s classification of it as an “invasion,” Trump turned to another journalist and told Acosta to “put down the mic.”
“CNN should be ashamed of itself having you work for them. You are a rude, terrible person,” Trump said. “You shouldn’t be working for CNN.”
The White House later suspended Acosta’s press access.
It’s hard enough being a journalist on a national and international level. Politicians and others question our credentials and professionalism. We are reduced to “fake news.” We, as journalists, sometimes have enemies, so it’s important to support each other. After the president berated Acosta, NBC Correspondent Peter Alexander came to Acosta’s defense.
“In Jim’s defense, I’ve traveled with him and watched him,” Alexander said. “He’s a diligent reporter who busts his butt like the rest of us.”
We need to follow Alexander’s example.
The Beacon admits we can do better. More Beacon members should consume news from all campus broadcast, radio, and print outlets. We should actively read, listen, and watch every campus program instead of only when our friends are in it, and we hope members of other organizations actively reciprocate.
As student journalists, we dedicate hours every day ensuring we fairly represent the student body and give accurate and timely information. We’re in it for the belief that journalism represents the truth––not for recognition from the college. However, we believe the college could do a better job recognizing the hard work students devote to organizations.
And this culture of support should span beyond the journalism department. Emerson brims with creative organizations producing valuable work—theater productions, magazines, comedy troupe performances, film screenings, business events, cultural events, and more. The campus cultivates more content than one can possibly consume. But this unending quantity of work should not hinder student’s efforts to acknowledge and appreciate all of it. In fact, students should strive to absorb as much as possible.
