I was watching the local news tonight, and I heard a new voice from one of the reporter. This was different, because usually news people have the same ol' sounding voice. Like they learned this in their Master's Television Communication Diction Course 401. Basically, many of them I think sound "white," which is a whole 'nother blog entry. Anyway...
This guy was definitely not white and yes, he turns out to be of Hispanic descent. His last name is Romo. I wondered what other people watching and hearing him for the first time thought. To me, he was refreshing. He reminded me of the diversity I love in Chicago. He reminded me that no, we all don't sound the same.
Then, I wondered if someone of Asian descent would have the same luxury of sounding a little bit "Asian" on the air. I could hear the producers now... okay, you can sound a little Asian, but you have to be able to say your "l's."
What does it mean to not sound "white" in this world? How we sound is part of our identity. It goes hand in hand with the language we choose to verbally say. I thought about trying a test where I would go and visit another major, diverse metropolitan city and tune into the local news, but with a blindfold on. I would then try and guess the person's gender, race, and ethnicity.
Sure, as long as I get "the news" (and I use that term loosely), I am satisfied. But we all know that it makes a difference who is writing the story or reporting it. Our background, culture, knowledge, and experience affects everything.
I hope Mr. Romo gets to continue. I hope he develops as a top notch reporter no matter how he sounds.
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Monday, August 20, 2007
The Courage of Love
Why is so difficult to tell someone you love the person? It should be a "good thing," right?! How can someone not like to hear that? But this idea of love and hurt is probably the number one topic in movies and books. It resonates with anyone. Across borders, countries, cultures, and languages.
A love story is a love story. And what if the person in love is in love with someone who cannot return the love in the manner s/he wants. That's another movie. That's an epic movie.
I want to tell my love that she can be safe with me. That I committed to her years ago when I first met her. That I love my current spouse in a totally different way, and it wouldn't be her fault if I separated. It's all on me.
Can I open this door even if I am 99% sure this is not what she wants. That I will be vulnerable and hurt, but at least I will know how she feels.
It's a gloomy day and she'll return home soon. We've gone the entire weekend visit without bringing it up. But I came to visit for this reason and even if I go home a bit tear-eyed I'll have done what I needed to do.
I need courage today. While I don't face weapons or the enemy (to say the least), I face hurt and wounds with no medic on hand.
A love story is a love story. And what if the person in love is in love with someone who cannot return the love in the manner s/he wants. That's another movie. That's an epic movie.
I want to tell my love that she can be safe with me. That I committed to her years ago when I first met her. That I love my current spouse in a totally different way, and it wouldn't be her fault if I separated. It's all on me.
Can I open this door even if I am 99% sure this is not what she wants. That I will be vulnerable and hurt, but at least I will know how she feels.
It's a gloomy day and she'll return home soon. We've gone the entire weekend visit without bringing it up. But I came to visit for this reason and even if I go home a bit tear-eyed I'll have done what I needed to do.
I need courage today. While I don't face weapons or the enemy (to say the least), I face hurt and wounds with no medic on hand.
Saturday, August 11, 2007
To Be Cool or Not To Be Cool
By the end of June everyone has their A/C units in the window. Even if they don't get used, people arm themselves for the heat of the summer. For a couple of years I never had one. I would just tough it out with some fans. However, I finally broke down and got one unit after my partner wouldn't tolerate it as I did. Looking back, I don't know how I tolerated it.
I remember thinking the electric bill would be threw the roof, but it wasn't that bad.
This summer (now mid-August) we have two units and some days they have gone all day and almost into the night.
Now, I typically run cool, so in the A/C I have on a long-sleeved t-shirt and sweat pants. The comforter is on the bed from this winter. In the A/C it is so artificially cool. It's kind of weird. I think my comfort temp is 72 or 74, which is usually too warm for my partner's--- 66 or 68. However, back in the rest of the apartment is warm and humid. There's just not a good middle ground.
Sometimes I wonder what it will be like in the future (unless, of course, global warming is the end of us anyways). But in the summer, we all walk around in our individual cooling bubbles that could go on or off like a force field. We'll all be able to be "comfortable" without inconveniencing anyone else. Whoever invents this is going to make mega-bucks.
I remember thinking the electric bill would be threw the roof, but it wasn't that bad.
This summer (now mid-August) we have two units and some days they have gone all day and almost into the night.
Now, I typically run cool, so in the A/C I have on a long-sleeved t-shirt and sweat pants. The comforter is on the bed from this winter. In the A/C it is so artificially cool. It's kind of weird. I think my comfort temp is 72 or 74, which is usually too warm for my partner's--- 66 or 68. However, back in the rest of the apartment is warm and humid. There's just not a good middle ground.
Sometimes I wonder what it will be like in the future (unless, of course, global warming is the end of us anyways). But in the summer, we all walk around in our individual cooling bubbles that could go on or off like a force field. We'll all be able to be "comfortable" without inconveniencing anyone else. Whoever invents this is going to make mega-bucks.
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