You're only one voice in 8 million...

As my internship at The Riverdale Press draws to a close (as well as my class on international media systems), I've been thinking about the impact of communicators. Amidst discussion of globalization, I had a conversation with a new friend, Kristina, who is majoring in public relations and recently visited Glen Beck's show. (While I am not a fan of Glen Beck, I did find Kristina's comments to be very intriguing.)

A song popped up on my iPhone while I was riding the subway to work this morning and it expressed the essence (via pop music) of my thoughts after these discussions.
"Build me up or cut me down to size ... I'm only one voice in a million but you ain't taking that from me."

I'm only one voice in 8 million in NYC ... but that is still powerful. One voice can change or influence something. The world needs good communicators. Willing. Honest. Dedicated. Knowledgeable communicators. The world of journalism may be declining into a sink hole in which we cannot be pulled out of, but in a time of globalization and international conflict, priorities and the important news can get lost. Journalists and regular citizens must be willing to communicate and share those priorities. Forget the entertainment and tabloid gossip (This past week's headlines have been dominated by Sarah Palin's silly bus and New York Rep. Wiener's scandal. While people are obsessing over his "sexting," massive political conflict and news is happening in the Middle East.)

This is my plead today for everyone: read a little less junk and a little more substance.
You may believe events across the ocean are of no importance to you. They do not affect your daily life at home or school or in your cubicle. But you are wrong. You many not care, but this will be a regret one day. There are events and problems in other countries, states and cities that you need to know about for your own life, your children, your job, as an American or as part of your faith. Ignorance was never bliss.

To journalists: Sometimes it can be easy to feel the everyday monotony of reporting and covering news is emotional and physically tiring, draining and difficult. Some assignments may seem trivial or redundant, but I think it is important to remember why you chose this career and what your passion is. Perhaps you need to remind yourself of that, which is important in any career or line of work. Why are you passionate about _______?

Just some food for thought.