Imagine if the Dalai Lama reported the news.
Hi Jane,
Ever since I researched the links between behavioral health and media for my thesis work I’ve been interested in the power of media to shape culture.
This morning, after reading about a fatal incident which took place at a small newspaper I further researched “trauma-informed journalism” (the phrase came to me after seeing a particularly upsetting mugshot of an abusive parent who no doubt has his own abuse history) and found an article you’d written about how journalism can further the ACE’s movement.
Last week I reached out to a non-profit in Europe called the Ethical Journalism Network and attempted to write a piece for theirblog. Ethics comes close but is still not quite the full expression of telling stories through a trauma-informed lens. So I made an attempt to clarify.
My writing style didn’t match their brand but they were very kind. I can only be me. All this to say there seems to be an opportunity in the gap between ACE’s awareness, ethics and the powerful voice of media to reshape how we talk about the human experience. I’m not sure how to express it other than to say: Imagine if the Dalai Lama reported our world news. Imagine if that were the voice talking about a crime we committed, our political goals, our business operations and even the ‘good’ deeds we do. Imagine how it could change the way we see ourselves and each other.
Apparently the person who committed the fatal acts at the newspaper did so in direct response to a story they’d written about him. There is never an excuse for our behavior or a justification for violence but there is hope for peace and prevention through trauma-informed awareness and practice. If everyone had this knowledge lives could be saved.
Just wanted to share my big Friday thought with you.
Thanks Jane. Be well,
e
Dear Reader, Confession; this letter was gently edited because I’m a writer. xo
This popped into my inbox at just the right time. It would be *amazing* if every journalist channeled the Dalai Lama for every piece. No labels, no judgment, no “us” and “them.” Just the facts, ma’am as viewed through a lens of kindness. Really interesting thesis idea. I have to come visit your blog more often. ♥.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Right? Thanks Niki! To world peace 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
To world peace. {{{E}}} ♥.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow what a world that would make. Great thoughts in this piece.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks MB 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wonderfully written.🙏🌹
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Mr. Mel 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
We can only hope 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dare to dream.
LikeLike
Great idea! You might be interested in this attempt by philosophers to show how media could be done. I loved it!
http://thephilosophersmail.com/
Antipodean greetings! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Sophie! Running errands at the moment but I’m psyched to read it!
LikeLike
Some very interesting ideas and thoughts expressed here. Great article.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Robbie.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I work around the corner from the shooting and left early that day. It’s rocked a small community. My university president sent alumni a notice that 3 out of the 5 were alumni. It’s unbelievable
LikeLiked by 1 person
T I’m so sorry. It was indeed unbelievable news. I have nothing to offer but love, hope and working hard for our world become a safer, kinder place.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes it was. All we can do is pray.
LikeLiked by 1 person
And we will.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Did you leave early by chance or ??
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, I had a follow up doctor’s appointment. Completely by chance
LikeLiked by 1 person
Divine appointment.
LikeLiked by 1 person