New diversity style guide helps journalists write with authority and accuracy about a complex, multicultural world
A companion to the online resource of the same name, The Diversity Style Guide raises the consciousness of journalists who strive to be accurate. Based on studies, news reports and style guides, as well as interviews with more than 50 journalists and experts, it offers the best, most up-to-date advice on writing about underrepresented and often misrepresented groups. Addressing such thorny questions as whether the words Black and White should be capitalized when referring to race and which pronouns to use for people who don't identify as male or female, the book helps readers navigate the minefield of names, terms, labels and colloquialisms that come with living in a diverse society.
The Diversity Style Guide comes in two parts. Part One offers enlightening chapters on Why is Diversity So Important; Implicit Bias; Black Americans; Native People; Hispanics and Latinos; Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders; Arab Americans and Muslim Americans; Immigrants and Immigration; Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation; People with Disabilities; Gender Equality in the News Media; Mental Illness, Substance Abuse and Suicide; and Diversity and Inclusion in a Changing Industry. Part Two includes Diversity and Inclusion Activities and an A-Z Guide with more than 500 terms.
This guide:
- Helps journalists, journalism students, and other media writers better understand the context behind hot-button words so they can report with confidence and sensitivity
- Explores the subtle and not-so-subtle ways that certain words can alienate a source or infuriate a reader
- Provides writers with an understanding that diversity in journalism is about accuracy and truth, not "political correctness."
- Brings together guidance from more than 20 organizations and style guides into a single handy reference book
The Diversity Style Guide is first and foremost a guide for journalists, but it is also an important resource for journalism and writing instructors, as well as other media professionals. In addition, it will appeal to those in other fields looking to make informed choices in their word usage and their personal interactions.
Table of Contents
Acknowledgments ix
Notes on Contributors xiii
Introduction 1
Part I Covering a Diverse Society 7
1 Why is Diversity So Important? 9
Rachele Kanigel
2 Implicit Bias - Addressing the Bias Within Us 29
Sally Lehrman and Venise Wagner
3 Black Americans 39
Sandra L. Combs and Rachele Kanigel
4 Native People 61
Cristina Azocar
5 Hispanics and Latinos 85
Rachele Kanigel
6 Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders 109
Rachele Kanigel
7 Arab Americans and Muslim Americans 133
Joe Grimm and Osama Siblani
8 Covering Immigrants and Immigration 153
Rachele Kanigel
9 Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation 171
Rachele Kanigel
10 People with Disabilities 199
Kristin Gilger
11 Gender Equality in the News Media 219
Rachele Kanigel
12 Mental Illness, Substance Abuse and Suicide 241
Rachele Kanigel
13 Diversity and Inclusion in a Changing Industry 265
Rachele Kanigel
Part II The Journalist’s Diversity Toolbox 281
Diversity and Inclusion Activities 283
Diversity Calendar 301
A-Z Diversity Style Guide 303
Index 401
