There is a terrible phenomenon permeating newsrooms across the globe, a phenomenon that is even more horrendous than the Brad-Jenn breakup and the Jason Richardson trade-off. It is appalling. Criminal, even.
There are no guys in journalism.
Granted, this is not completely true, but there is no denying that journalism is a field dominated by women. On my high school newspaper, less than a third of the staff members are male. Of the dozen plus years that the Mosaic summer journalism program has been in session, girls have always outnumbered the boys. Even at the San Jose Mercury News, it is evident that the number of female journalists is growing more so than the number of male journalists, according to Recruiting and Training Editor Melissa Jordan.
Aside from the unfortunate lack of cute guys for us ladies to choose from, this phenomenon presents a foreboding omen to newspapers across the globe. In an era where the future of journalism is jeopardized while apathy for current events reign and the number of reporters steadily decline, male involvement in journalism is more important than ever.
A common sentiment among this generation acknowledges that males dominate math and science, while females excel in humanities and fine arts. My mom would solemnly joke that the reason I have don't have a boyfriend is that I only participate in humanity-related extra-curricular activities.
I joined the math club and chess team the very next day.
Similarly, the multitude of girls in journalism should be reason enough to convince guys to flock to newspaper staffs. At a Bay Area high school journalism conference a few months ago, I noticed that the majority of participants were girls. My guy friend and fellow newspaper staff member, however, did not seem to mind. He enjoyed being at the center of attention. The next day, he told me about all the cute girls he had met. Our journalism advisor had unfortunately overheard us and quipped, "Yes, that's why any young man joins journalism: to hook up with cute girls, right?"
Cue lighthearted but slightly awkward laughter.
These young men should recognize that they have limitless opportunities in journalism. The guys on my school paper are able to pursue interests in many areas, such as sports, politics and chick flicks, through their writing. Their opposing opinions on subjects like music and fashion provide powerful insight that ensures the inclusion of a diverse readership audience.
More importantly, however, the balance of male and female voices ensures unbiased representations of world events. Remember the nation not more than 60 years ago, when only men occupied the newsrooms while suffragettes campaigned for freedom and equality in the streets. Not only were events like wars and suffrage movements underrepresented and skewed, they were sometimes flat out inaccurate as well.
Inversely, imagine the inevitable parallels that would arise from the dearth of men in the journalistic field. What stories would be overseen and lost? What viewpoints would be buried and unheard in the folds of history?
It is said that history is written by the victors. In this democratic era, however, history is written by the reporters. A fair and accurate documentation of history can only stem from the active participation of both genders.
In many ways, the fate of journalism lies with the young men of today. Because many women are already attracted to the profession, journalism relies on increased male participation. These men have the power to revive a falling industry, an industry in which they can thrive.
And if nothing else, at least they find a cute girl to hook up with.