The Peace Journalist

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The Peace Journalist IN THIS ISSUE • PJ project in Northern Ireland • Dispatches from South Korea, Cameroon, Uganda, Ghana • Jake Lynch: 20 years of peacebuilding media At Park University, discussing Peace Journalism with Prof. Raj Gandhi A publication of the Center for Global Peace Journalism at Park University Vol 8 No. 2 - October 2019 October 2019 October 2019 Contents 3 Gandhi at Park U. 14 U.S. Was Gandhi a peace journalist? Filmmaker meets “The Enemy” Cover photos-- Left and top right by Phyllis Gabauer Park Univ. 16 Worldwide peace stud- The Peace Journalist is a semi- Lynch: 20 yrs of peace media ies student annual publication of the Center Alyssa Williams for Global Peace Journalism at Park 18 South Korea discusses the University in Parkville, Missouri. The Journalists gather to discuss PJ elements of Peace Journalist is dedicated to dis- peace with Prof. seminating news and information 19 Ghana Raj Gandhi. for teachers, students, and Radio as a change agent practitioners of PJ. 6 Gandhi, Hate speech 20 Kashmir Submissions are welcome from all. Gandhian principles combat hate We are seeking shorter submissions Outlet gives voice to youth (300-500 words) detailing peace S. Sudan-Uganda journalism projects, classes, propos- 8 21 Cameroon als, etc. We also welcome longer Network connects communities PJ prize;Community media Prof. Gandhi enlightens Park University submissions (800-1200 words) By Steven Youngblood of our opponents.” Indian Opinion journal, Gandhi said, “I about peace or conflict sensitive 10 Northern Ireland 22 South Sudan When asked to describe Mahatma cannot recall a word in those articles journalism projects or programs, as Project energizes journalists Govmt. crackdowns target journos Professor Gandhi agreed, adding that Gandhi, most would say he was an set down without it is “certainly correct to describe well as academic works from the Indian independence leader, human thought or delibera- Northern Ireland U.S. Gandhi as a journalist.” His grandson field. We do NOT seek general sub- 11 24 rights defender, and spiritual guide. tion, or a word of con- said Gandhi was a staunch defender missions about peace projects, but Honoring journalist Lyra McKee Media, society and multicultural ed However, “People don’t think of him scious exaggeration, of the free press who nonetheless are instead focused only on articles as a journalist” even though “he was a or anything merely to understood the need to avoid inflam- with a strong media angle. 12 Northern Ireland 26 Uganda journalist from an early age, and died please…” matory rhetoric, to “put a curb on his PJ and The View magazine Journalists team up to build home as a journalist.” Deadlines: March 3 (April edition); own pen.” The truth, and facts, This is according to professor, histori- had no more strident September 3 (October edition). I gave the next presentation, which an, and author Rajmohan Gandhi, the champion than Gan- What is Peace Journalism? supported the thesis that Gandhi was Editor: Steven Youngblood, Director, grandson of Mahatma Gandhi. Profes- dhi. I presented this telling quote from indeed a peace journalist. I listed sev- Peace Journalism is when editors and reporters make choices that improve the sor Gandhi was the featured speaker 1926: “The way to peace is the way Center for Global Peace Journalism, eral characteristics shared by Gandhi- prospects for peace. These choices, including how to frame stories and care- in several classes and a program at of truth. Truthfulness is even more Park University an and peace journalism. These fully choosing which words are used, create an atmosphere conducive to peace Park University titled “Gandhi: The important than peacefulness. Indeed, Proofreading: Carol Getty, Ann include rejecting “us vs. them” narra- and supportive of peace initiatives and peacemakers, without compromising First Peace Journalist,” held on Mon- lying is the mother of violence. The Schultis, Park U. emeritae faculty tives; journalism as public service; me- the basic principles of good journalism. (Adapted from Lynch/McGoldrick, Peace day evening, Aug. 26. truth of a few will count; the untruth dia as a tool to de-escalate conflicts; Journalism). Peace Journalism gives peacemakers a voice while making peace of millions will vanish even like chaff Contact/Social Media: using journalism as a means to foster initiatives and non-violent solutions more visible and viable. The evening began with a presenta- before a whiff of wind.” [email protected] reconciliation; carefully choosing one’s A number of valuable peace journalism resources, including back issues of tion by Gandhi documentarian Cynthia Twitter-@Peace Journ words to avoid sensationalism; giving Professor Gandhi agreed with my as- The Peace Journalist can be found at www.park.edu/peacecenter. Lukas about Gandhi’s background as a Facebook-Peace Journalism group journalist. Gandhi was a prolific jour- a voice to the voiceless; and empha- sessment that Mahatma Gandhi was Center for Global Peace nalist and editor who was well-known sizing facts and truth. indeed a peace journalist. He cited an Journalism, Park University in India for his articles stressing social incident where the Mahatma called Center for Global Peace Journalism Regarding language, I shared a quote 8700 NW River Park Dr justice in such publications as Indian out those who had labeled an oppo- with the audience. Writing about the The Center for Global Peace Journalism works with journalists, academics, and Opinion, Young India, and Navajivan nent a snake. “To liken someone to a students worldwide to improve reporting about conflicts, societal unrest, rec- snake…is a degrading performance,” (A New Life). Lukas said his writing Steven Youngblood is director of the onciliation, solutions, and peace. Through its courses, workshops, lectures, this the professor quoted his grandfather. avoided inflammatory, “poisonous Center for Global Peace Journalism magazine, blog, and other resources, the Center encourages media to reject journalism” (as Gandhi termed it). (Park University), author of Peace The final speaker was Park professor sensational and inflammatory reporting, and produce counter-narratives that Instead, Mahatma Gandhi emphasized Journalism Principles and Practices, Abhijit Mazumdar, who discussed offer a more nuanced view of those who are marginalized—ethnic/racial/ civility and politeness in his articles, and editor of the Peace Journalist inflammatory and often hate-filled A Park University Publication religious minorities, women, youth, and migrants. striving always to “step into the shoes magazine. Continued on next page pg 2 www.park.edu/peacecenter Vol 8, No 2 pg 3 By Steven Youngblood October 2019 October 2019 Gandhi from Pg 3 speech in South Asian media. He cited interest. He brought the big picture was discouraged because of a “lack of examples from social media, includ- of Gandhi’s message to an audience substance,” media bias, and the me- ing hash tags like #HatePakLovers, as possibly equivocal about its relation to dia’s desire to “keep viewers glued to Prof. Raj Gandhi well as inflammatory name-calling on them, and made a direct connection, the screen” through sensationalism. inspires Park Indian TV like “shrieking raccoon” and allowing for Gandhi’s message to not He was critical of Fox News’ “unfortu- Univ.’s peace venomous snake.” only be understood, but enact certain nate bias” that supports the “curious journalism class action from the audience who then at notion” of white supremacy that sug- on Aug. 26 (top) In addition, he noted many examples that point did feel directly impacted. gests that whites are the sole, rightful and peace stud- of false news that have been reported Just like his grandfather, he spread the owners of the U.S. Gandhi said, “The ies class on Aug. by Indian television. Professor Gandhi idea of bridge-building, truthfulness, way to confront them (white national- 27. added that Indian and hopefulness to the audience.” ists) is with the real American ideal” media often spread upon which the country was founded. “toxicity.” The evening event was sponsored by “The U.S. has stood for justice and Park University’s Center for Global equality. We have to remind America Prof. Gandhi was Peace Journalism, which also arranged of this,” he said. pleased with the Aug. Prof. Gandhi’s appearances in several 26 event. He said, Park University classes. The discussion about nationalism in “The program en- the U.S. and elsewhere continued couraged me. It was Park students were thrilled to have in Intro to Peace Studies class. Gan- heartening to interact Prof. Gandhi visit their classes. “A once dhi said that nationalism in the U.S. with persons living in the very center in a lifetime opportunity…A class I’ll means ”reclaiming” of the country for of the U.S. -- far from the two coasts -- never forget…Inspiring…” were among whites; and in India, “reclaiming” the but willing to learn from Gandhi’s life the avalanche of positive comments country for Hindus, despite Mahatma and journalism, which were lived and from students who met and were Gandhi’s lifelong struggle trying to practiced in distant South Africa and inspired by Prof. Gandhi. build bridges between Hindus and remote India.” other religions. Prof. Gandhi also an- In peace journalism class, Prof. Gandhi swered a question about the viability In an essay about the Aug. 26 pro- addressed the shortcomings of media, of non-violent approaches to peace. gram, Park student Jessica Glaszczak but left the students hopeful that While he acknowledged that these observed, “(Prof. Raj Gandhi) connect- media can become more responsible. tactics haven’t always worked, he said ed the situation in India to the Ameri- He said he was impressed by the work it is an unassailable fact that “violence can audience he spoke to. This was that many U.S. journalists do as well hasn’t brought peace.” Gandhi further a powerful move to make because it as the “commitment and quality of from Pg 4 grabbed the audience’s attention and social journalists.” Prof.
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