Social justice leaders gathered for a panel discussion at the 2014 Civil Rights Summit to share their thoughts on the issues Americans face today and spread hope about making a difference in society. The dialogue between moderator Shirley Franklin and speakers Lex Frieden, David Robinson, Maria Shriver, and Steve Stoute was candid and optimistic. Done in a loose Q&A format, each leader informed us about the causes closest to their hearts and presented enlightening ideas and perspectives.
After watching The Shriver Report’s documentary "Paycheck to Paycheck," I was excited to learn that Maria Shriver was speaking at the Summit and I'd be able to watch it streaming online. Her work in promoting women’s issues has made me reconsider some of my beliefs about public programs. For instance, at the panel she said that not only can the government do better, but women can do better by thinking of themselves as providers. A message like that empowers not just the women who need help but the people who want to help them.
As a journalist, Shriver believes in telling a story to get the message out there and have an impact on the issues we’re still facing. Basically, everyone has a story to tell - this is my philosophy as well. While I have no plans of becoming a journalist, the idea of storytelling as a way of helping people gives me hope that I (and others like me) can make a difference in society (and in politics!) through a gentle yet equally powerful medium.
Another highlight from the discussion is the media’s focus on getting ratings rather than presenting facts. Franklin stated, “If it bleeds, it leads,” and Stoute confirmed that the number one leading story in local news is “missing white girls.” It’s wonderful that they touched on this problem a little bit.
On the topic of what we can do to affect lives, the panel agreed that change really begins within the individual. With respect, kindness, and compassion, one person can inspire others and good things will follow. Frieden spoke about people with disabilities - how important it is for people to see beyond what they can’t do and instead focus on what they can do. This thought struck a chord with me because as an avid observer of people, I’ve spent a lot of time watching how energy flows from one person to the next. In school hallways, I witness peoples’ interactions and notice that certain people aren’t included in conversation not because they lack interest in participating, but because of assumptions made about them (as if being in a wheelchair or using a walking stick automatically makes them so different from everyone else). Then, something beautiful happens - one person makes an effort to include someone who’s not currently in the conversation, and I can see their eyes light up. Ideas are exchanged through conversation and these seemingly small moments can affect a person’s life.
While it only lasted slightly over an hour, I very much enjoyed the talk. It was upbeat and heartfelt. Ahh, if only there were more programs like this on TV…
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