Sunday, July 29, 2012

Voices must speak to be heard

In the spring 2012 issue of Yes! Magazine, Joseph Torres urges support for independent media as part of the issue’s “9 Strategies to End Corporate Rule.”
“We need policies that decentralize control of our media system and allow the voices of ordinary people to be heard rather than giving greater power to corporate gatekeepers.
“This is critically important for people of color. We have seen the damage caused to our communities when other people tell our stories -- they often get it wrong.”
For the phrase “people of color,” substitute “adult on the autism spectrum” or, even more specifically, “woman on the autism spectrum,” to understand my vested interest in telling my own story -- and empowering others to do the same.

I disagree, however, that “media reform” is necessarily the crucial factor.

People must be willing to speak and write for themselves using forums that are already available, as well as any additional forums that media reform may provide.

Media reform won’t solve the unwritten letter to the editor, the blog that is never updated, the radio talk show with a darkened switchboard.

1 comment:

  1. Write that letter to the editor. Call that radio talk show. Show up when the mobile engagement van brings blog accessibility to your neighborhood.

    ReplyDelete

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