You do not have to cover stories or share your own experience if that makes you feel too uncomfortable. Here is how to learn to say ‘no’
Media organisations are increasingly paying attention to diversity, both outside and inside the newsroom. And journalists who are part of marginalised groups are often asked to contribute to the effort of diversifying news coverage.
However, they need to feel entitled to set boundaries, share only what they are comfortable with, and say 'no' with confidence.
When workplace triggers like discrimination, queer-antagonistic comments, or silencing people of colour arise, media professionals from diverse backgrounds should calmly but assertively address the issues.
Nazlee Arbee, a multimedia artist and journalist based in Cape Town, South Africa, rounded up some key tips for IJNet on dealing with discrimination, validating one’s own experience, and learning to say ‘no’ when asked to participate in coverage you feel uncomfortable with.
"By validating personal experiences and referring back to the terms of a contract, employees can build confidence by saying no, even to their employers," Arbee writes.
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