The Right Body Image

Journalism plays a key role in shaping many minds about what their body should look like.

Magazines such as Cosmo, Seventeen, and People demand writers to show readers what the "ideal" body shape is in our society. Many times, this body shape is pressuring young women to have an extremely thin body.

Media writers have a huge impact on shaping people's beliefs, ideas, and images of themselves. People that have exposure to any type of mass media have been given what the "right" idea of an acceptable body shape is.

Faces of celebrities such as Mary-Kate Olsen, Lindsay Lohan, and Jessica Alba are plastered on
many magazines so readers can see what "real beauty" is supposed to look like walking down the streets of America.

Often times a magazine may leave out that many celebrities have been diagnosed with some type of eating disorder on his/her journey fitting into that size 0 pair of jeans, such as the three ladies listed above.

Which leaves writers with the question: How do you write a piece for readers and not offend anyone by giving them a negative image about his/her body?

Last week, Brian Steffen showed us the different angles there are to approaching a story when it is assigned.

There are many different approaches that can be used when writing about body image.

Create a human-interest story that could involve somebody who suffered from an eating disorder or put together a how-to piece on how readers can lose weight in healthy ways.

Another great tip for writers is to simply report the facts.

Don't make your story about the 105-pound celebrity with the fancy car and underground pool seem like that is what every person has to be like in order to survive.

People come in all different shapes and sizes. Know what you are reporting to readers may influence the daily life of somebody.

Use journalism as a positive tool to make readers feel good. When writing about a topic such as body image, report reality, not the celebrity world.

Photo Credit: The Chic Fashionista via Creative Commons

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Landing The Dream Journalism Job

The economy is definitely in the pits right now, and the world of journalism is seeing it first hand. Though the issues give them much to talk and write about, it is hurting them greatly. Journalism jobs are scarce everywhere, but there are ways to make yourself more marketable.

Since on-the-job training for entry-level positions is almost unheard of, earning a bachelor of arts in broadcasting or journalism is a more than great. Broadcasting companies usually hire those who have a degree and experience in the field. Another key is being an intern for a station. If someone aspiring for a job in this field can show them their skills and how hard they will work, hiring them when an opening comes can be an easy "yes" from their boss.

These skills that someone must show while being an intern aren't easy however. One most definitely cannot be the type of person who is shy and likes to sit back and watch. Working in the journalism field takes a lot. Flexibility is crucial. The hours and places are all over. This requires one to be able to control their stress and time in an efficient manner. Critical thinking skills are also a must in this field. Perhaps the most important key, is just working hard every single minute of every single day. The journalism field has no time for slackers.

Since many people's dream jobs is simply just that, a dream, it is often wise to look at other options in the field. It is common for people to want anchor and reporter jobs on TV news broadcasts. There are also news analysts and commentators. People can also be anchors and reporters on the radio. Producers, assignment editors and news directors may not be on camera, but play a key role. Though the newspaper business is declining, writing for newspapers and magazines are also jobs that many people are interested in doing. Another job that is not as well known is working for public relations in museums, schools, and nonprofit organizations which can include announcers, research correspondents, and production assistants.

Being in the journalism field can be rough. One may not get their dream job at ESPN or the Washington Post, but there is hope. Even though openings are hard to find and compete for, with the right skills, background, and mind set, landing the right job can become a little easier.

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