The Observer » international

International reporting has occupational hazards

SThiyagarajan — Wed, 23 Mar 2011 13:43:01 +0000

International reporting has occupational hazards. Neat piles of paper and a tall glass of water sit on a shiny, brown desk. While these images are what the public may see on a typical daily news show, there are many unseen challenges and dangers that come with reporting.
International conflicts are a constant source of public intrigue, and the public gains all of their information about these global issues mainly through the media, presented by fearless reporters and journalists.
“Journalism is an inspiring career,” said Charlotte Grimes, Knight Chair in Political Reporting at Syracuse University’s Newhouse School of Journalism. “These young people want to do the important work of telling these stories.”
In journalism education programs, prospective journalists learn about the different kinds of conflicts in the world and are trained to deal with difficulties in war zones. While reporters and journalists go through years of school, the real test of a dangerous situation is not something that can be experienced in a classroom.
“We emphasize that safety is the most important thing they can learn,” said Timothy McNulty Co-Director of Northwestern University’s Medill’s National Security Initiative.
When traveling, journalists must be familiar with and understand the culture of an area as well as the situation they are about to face. Preparing oneself for the circumstances is key to maintain safety.
“It is important to do as much research as possible on the background of the country,” CBS news anchor Katie Couric said in an e-mail interview. “When it comes to the dangerous part, you have to exercise caution and have common sense.”
The recent revolutions in the Middle East and the increase in world terrorism have created a rise in danger for international reporters. Journalists used to be internationally perceived as neutral, allowing them to report both sides of an issue. However, now many journalists no longer have the same sense of protection.
In Egypt, journalists Anderson Cooper and Lara Logan were attacked separately during the brutal riots. Logan was held at gunpoint, and both suffered injuries. The Egyptian security and police forces did not intervene or try to stop the attacks, according to a Feb. 3 CBS News article.
“Instead of having a feeling of neutrality, the people who are fighting think of the journalists on one side or the other,” McNulty said. “People target the journalists as much as the enemies.”
While reporting in the United States may be hazardous at times, the language and cultural barriers in foreign countries add to the challenge. Time differences also play a role in reporters’ abilities to be attentive and intuitive at all times, and certain countries pose more of a risk than others.
“I could be covering the royal wedding in London or the uprising in the Middle East,” Couric said. “Every experience is unique.”
According to Couric, her experiences with crowds full of tasers and machine guns while covering the Egyptian revolution was terrifying, and there was no authority enforcing order or control of the crowds.
“I think Egypt was so frightening because it was so unpredictable,” Couric said. “Things turned on a dime and when mobs of people are involved, you truly never know which way it’s going to go. Many reporters were hurt covering the story because it erupted in violence. Others were hurt because the mob turned on them. But most of these reporters, I believe, feel proud of the work they did and are convinced this was a major story that needed covering.”
Sometimes, conflicts in countries are so intense that even neutral journalists are put in prison just for getting involved. According to the Committee to Protect Journalists, more journalists were imprisoned in 2010 than any other year since 1996.
Despite the fact that nearly all serious journalists are dedicated to their job, they take extra precautions when preparing themselves for risky situation. Returning home safely is a priority when it comes to potentially dangerous reporting jobs.
“I’m a single mom,” Couric said. “I have a responsibility to my daughters to not take extraordinary risks.”
The safety of these reporters is not only important for personal reasons, but their survival is also crucial for delivering breaking news to the public. Despite the many risks involved, these journalists have the bravery and determination to face the dangers of the real world up close.
“Students and all journalists need to be aware of the risks of international journalism to appreciate the courage it takes to do that job,” Grimes said.

Soccer organization assists girls abroad

adviser — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 16:32:08 +0000

Soccer Without Borders (SWB) is using soccer as a vehicle for positive change in the lives of marginalized youth in foreign countries. A non-profit organization based in San Francisco, SWB raises money for disadvantaged youth who lack access to quality sport and education opportunities.

The program caters to young women in particular because in many countries, women do not receive the same privileges and opportunities as men.

Founded in 2006 by former Lehigh University soccer player Ben Gucciardi, the program runs projects in Central America, Asia and Africa.

“Kids are given opportunities to be involved in teams, practices and events where they feel part of a group and community,” said Katlin Okamoto, director of girls programs for SWB. “Beyond the stability they get in knowing that there will be practice every week or an event on the weekends, they are also building relationships with their peers and mentors that positively affect their everyday lives.”

SWB hopes the young women who participated in this organization will grow up to realize that it is possible for them to be successful and take the initiative to continue making positive changes in their communities.

For more information, email info@soccerwithoutborders.org, or call (415) 587-1399.

SGA’s international posters display students’ diversity

adviser — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 17:17:23 +0000

Posters displaying students’ names, yearbook pictures and flags from their countries of origin have recently been displayed in the Bulldog lobby and by the main office to exhibit the diversity of the student body.

According to the SGA, the posters are part of their initiative to promote the vast diversity at CHS this school year.

“We have a lot of students from different countries that we should be proud of and showcase,” SGA sponsor Justin Ostry said.

According to Ostry, all students were surveyed during their fourth period classes last semester, where the SGA explained the flags and asked for each student’s country of origin.

“[Someone in leadership] asked me if I wanted my picture to go up,” sophomore Aylin Unal, a student of Turkish heritage, said. “I think she already knew [where I was from].”

However, some of the students have no recollection of filling out the survey.

“I didn’t even know my picture was going up,” junior Martino Picco, an Italian student, said. “But I think it’s cool that the school cares about [international] students and wants to learn more [about different] cultures.”

Sophomore leadership student Rachel Marincola is working on the international flag project and is finding students who are from different countries and then creating the displays.

“I’ve just been asking people where they’re from and some people have even come up to me and asked to have their picture displayed,” Marincola said.

There has, however, been some speculation among students that some of their peers may not actually be from the country that they are being associated with.

“If people tell me they’re from a [certain] country, I assume that they are telling me the truth,” Marincola said. “I don’t know why people would lie about it.”

The feedback from the majority of students interviewed was positive, and they seem to be curious about their classmates’ places of origin.

“A lot of people don’t know where [their classmates] are from,” said junior Ann Katherine Chemkoff, who is from Canada. “It’s cool when people just walk by and find out something new about someone they know.”