Constitutional Law

A Holiday Gift

By Brein McNamara

Written English Version:

During this holiday season, many people take the time to reconnect with their family. This is true with deaf people, too.

Yet for a large number of deaf people, their families are hearing. The majority of interaction is likely to be spoken, and the deaf individual is unavoidably left out of them. This situation is certainly true for me.

This situation is not to be pitied, but simply is. What this highlights to me is not the barriers inherent here, but the importance in getting through and overcoming them. How communication is utterly important in maintaining the most personal of bonds. And how these ties persist even in spite of such barriers.

When one looks through the lens of journalism, you can see this example writ large. Instead of family, you look at society. In this sense, Journalism is an act of communication that cuts through the barriers of society, and highlights the importance of the bonds we share in common.

Within Idealab, people are exploring upon new potentials and dimensions of the journalistic field. But for the holidays, take a moment to stop and consider those close to you. Your efforts mean as much to society as the words you give your loved ones. It is a gift, and an important one.

Have a happy holidays.

Full post as published by MediaShift Idea Lab on December 24, 2008 (boomark / email).