Spring Break
Rare view of journalism by
Jonathan Pearson
Issue date: 2/5/07 Section: Culture
- Page 1 of 1
Journalism has the potential to be, but isn't always, sexy - even according to a weekly college newspaper.
From "He Said, She Said" with Kevin Bacon and Elizabeth Perkins to the ultra-chic role of Carrie Bradshaw in "Sex and the City": I never realized my job carried so much inherent passion.
How come I don't feel it?
Some say "romantic" or "fabulous." I say, "Bring me my extra-large coffee."
The world is definitely aware of the influx of sex in consumer advertising. After all, if you see a hot model advertising a product, your instincts tell you to buy it. Even foot cream, a product having nothing to do with sexiness, can be magically transformed into something fabulous.
Has journalism, the defender of "truth," become a part of that world?
I look to broadcast journalism as a source of reprieve. Alas, sexiness is a necessity there.
Do you think anyone would watch "Anderson Cooper 360" if Cooper wasn't a blue-eyed, silver-haired fox? Or how about Fox News' E.D. Hill? Her blonde hair and sparkling smile really light up the screen. Despite their hard work, many might not take notice if they were "average-looking."
But print journalism is a lot different than broadcast journalism. Do I feel "sexy" as a journalist? Half the time, not really.
A lot of hard work goes into preparing a paper. Assigning stories, editing those stories at least three times by various individuals, planning layouts and staying up late to put everything together are just a few things newspapers must accomplish.
Shove in another part-time job with 18 credit hours and my job isn't easier or sexier - it just keeps me on my toes.
I can't tell you how many times I've written a story a few hours before deadline while nauseously clinging to the toilet bowl at the same time. Thanks to the stomach flu, that's exactly what happened this week.
I wish I could pop out a story like Sarah Jessica Parker on my laptop pondering life, love and relationships. Though I wonder how many times I can say, "I couldn't help but wonder," without pulling my hair out.
Too bad my profession is portrayed as living the glamorous life of fame and notoriety. I could really use a wardrobe like Anderson Cooper. Those pin-stripe suits are a favorite of mine.
Regardless of the image, being a journalist has its perks. It's always nice to have a forum where your voice can be heard. I can't always sit in the co-host chair on "The View," but I can definitely share my opinion to many who read our newspaper in print and online.
It also never hurts to review movie openings, weeks before they hit mainstream theatres, or review concerts, musicals and plays when others struggle to snag a seat. I don't usually like to toot my own horn, but at this point, I feel extremely justified.
It's amazing how the experience of college journalism can change my life forever, even if I'm not as fabulous as "Sex and the City"… yet.
jpearson@unews.com
From "He Said, She Said" with Kevin Bacon and Elizabeth Perkins to the ultra-chic role of Carrie Bradshaw in "Sex and the City": I never realized my job carried so much inherent passion.
How come I don't feel it?
Some say "romantic" or "fabulous." I say, "Bring me my extra-large coffee."
The world is definitely aware of the influx of sex in consumer advertising. After all, if you see a hot model advertising a product, your instincts tell you to buy it. Even foot cream, a product having nothing to do with sexiness, can be magically transformed into something fabulous.
Has journalism, the defender of "truth," become a part of that world?
I look to broadcast journalism as a source of reprieve. Alas, sexiness is a necessity there.
Do you think anyone would watch "Anderson Cooper 360" if Cooper wasn't a blue-eyed, silver-haired fox? Or how about Fox News' E.D. Hill? Her blonde hair and sparkling smile really light up the screen. Despite their hard work, many might not take notice if they were "average-looking."
But print journalism is a lot different than broadcast journalism. Do I feel "sexy" as a journalist? Half the time, not really.
A lot of hard work goes into preparing a paper. Assigning stories, editing those stories at least three times by various individuals, planning layouts and staying up late to put everything together are just a few things newspapers must accomplish.
Shove in another part-time job with 18 credit hours and my job isn't easier or sexier - it just keeps me on my toes.
I can't tell you how many times I've written a story a few hours before deadline while nauseously clinging to the toilet bowl at the same time. Thanks to the stomach flu, that's exactly what happened this week.
I wish I could pop out a story like Sarah Jessica Parker on my laptop pondering life, love and relationships. Though I wonder how many times I can say, "I couldn't help but wonder," without pulling my hair out.
Too bad my profession is portrayed as living the glamorous life of fame and notoriety. I could really use a wardrobe like Anderson Cooper. Those pin-stripe suits are a favorite of mine.
Regardless of the image, being a journalist has its perks. It's always nice to have a forum where your voice can be heard. I can't always sit in the co-host chair on "The View," but I can definitely share my opinion to many who read our newspaper in print and online.
It also never hurts to review movie openings, weeks before they hit mainstream theatres, or review concerts, musicals and plays when others struggle to snag a seat. I don't usually like to toot my own horn, but at this point, I feel extremely justified.
It's amazing how the experience of college journalism can change my life forever, even if I'm not as fabulous as "Sex and the City"… yet.
jpearson@unews.com
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