Prompt
You are a journalist from the Los Angeles Times assigned to write an opinion piece on the homeless population in California. You have been asked to provide a strong context for the political climate and reality of homelessness currently and then interview one person as a source for your piece. You are going to use "Stories from the Streets," specifically John's story, as your main source/interview.
Refer to the character profile, articles, and discussion from class to help you write your piece.
Requirements:
- 350 word minimum
- one article resource
*you may use images, videos, audio, etc.
Ideas/topics for consideration:
- stereotypes and assumptions regarding the homeless
- past and current legislation regarding the homeless
- you own opinions and experiences with homeless
Consider these aspects while writing your piece:
- Who is your audience? Who are you trying to reach?
- What is the purpose of your piece? Consider the point/argument/story you choose to portray in your article and why you decided to do go that route.
- What is the context for your piece? Time frame, policies in place, conversation surrounding the topic over the last year, 3 years, 5 years, etc.
- Keep in mind the genre in which you are writing- newspaper article as a journalist
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteJUDGING A BOOK BY ITS COVER
ReplyDeleteThe sun has gone down, it’s getting windy, just another night in Southern California and people start to retire home for the day. A home where people are surrounded by warmth, four walls and a roof over their heads. But what about the people that are out in the streets, on the curves, under bridges, the ones we call “the homeless.” Due to the economy and hardships we have endure, the homeless population in California has increased over the years. Some people are homeless because they had to give it all up in order to start from the bottom.
In a society where “the homeless” are being looked down upon, we forget that they are human beings too with feelings, with a story, with a life to which we have no right to judge over. Instead we do judge them just like we judge a book by its cover because of the stereotypes we grew up believing. We tend to see them but not acknowledge them. We assume or judge them by how they look. All we see is that they are dirty, mal nutrition, mentally ill or even decent dressed; they are homeless by choice.
Not all homeless people are drug addicts, alcohol abusers, or mentally ill. Some may have jobs but still be homeless. I am reminded of the movie The Pursuit of Happynes, where Chris Gardner, a homeless single father to a five year old son endured hardships while he maintained a full time job. Even though he had a job selling portable bone-density scanners, he barely had any money to eat or even had a decent place to stay. From this example, we note that homeless people aren’t all grimy, dirty, and sick looking. A homeless person can be smart, well dressed, and well physically, emotionally and mentally stable.
In order to change the way society thinks, we have to start with ourselves. All it takes is a simple hello and a smile.
I got the opportunity to sit down and interview a homeless man by the name of John Albert Rogers a disable Vietnam veteran who like many vets suffer from Post Dramatic Syndrome (PTDS). He is a father, a brother, and a son. John talked about what it was like growing up without parents around. He talked about his brother practically raising him. I asked john what led him to join the war. John’s response was that to honor his brothers memory, who never came back from war, was a way to follow in his heroes footsteps. John doesn’t regret fighting for his country, he has made peace with it and continues making peace with God. Even though John lives out in the streets that doesn’t keep him down, he tries to smile as much as he can, his faith in God keeps him sound.
Even when he is ignored, he tries to not let that get to him. He has such a positivism on life. He can be quoted saying that he loves life because life is beautiful and short. John like the rest of us want to be acknowledge. A simple hello makes him happy.
John’s story serves as an example that we are quick on judging homeless people. Next time you see someone homeless don’t be too quick to judge, say Hello and smile. We could all be in that position at one point in life. We need to change and pass on positivism.
Wow, this was written very well. I am impressed.
ReplyDelete