I took a persuasive communication class this fall, in which I received an “A�. I worked hard all quarter perfecting a speech that would persuade college students to watch/read more news. I read studies, surveyed my peers, practiced tirelessly in front of co-workers, until I was sure it was perfect. I successfully delivered my speech to the class, outlining what was stopping them from watching the news (time, interest, availability, concern about bias), and what they could do to overcome these barriers. I couldn’t have made it easier for them, listing online student news sources, news for your cell phone, and less biased public news sources (my favorite).
So why is it, that after all that, I seem to watch less news than ever?? Well, we don’t have cable or internet, nor do we get the daily newspaper (no matter how hard I’ve tried to convince my mom of her responsibilities as a US citizen), but I’ve already proved to college students everywhere (or at least the 21 that were in my class) that it is still possible!
So what’s stopping me? If I want to end up as a reporter at some point, I know I really need to read more news, or basically any news I can get my hands on. I could just blame Winter break (which I tend to blame for my lack of motivation towards most things), but I still know I need to make it happen. Or, among other costs, suffer the consequences of hypocrisy. I think I just need to do what I told my class…just one story, everyday, will send you on your way to being a better citizen. If so, I have a lot of catching up to do…