As the most important law protecting freedom of the press in the U.S., the name “First Amendment” seems quite strange to me at first glance. Amendment? That means this clause was not included originally in the U.S. Constitution. Why not? After…
Unity in diversity…the SUSI Way
Scorching, arid, sweltering, sizzling, etc. Mr. Thesaurus may have more options to shout upon stepping into the Valley of the Sun, Phoenix, Arizona. This is what I felt when I first set foot in Phoenix, the home of the best…
“Be the change you want to see in the world” –Mahatma Gandhi
For anyone visiting the city of Phoenix, the site of homeless people is guaranteed. You can see them on the light rail, sleeping on the bus stop benches and with their carts under the shade of large empty buildings. The…
My Impression of US Journalism: A Culture Study
I have been working as a journalist and a part-time communication teacher for more than 15 years, but until now I did not have a deep understanding of how US journalism functions, the role it plays in shaping US democracy…
Freedom to Express (Mis-, Dis- or Mal-) Information Without Restriction?
I woke up very early this morning: 4 AM. I had to prepare. I couldn’t wait to know what freedom of press is all about in the US in general, and in Arizona in particular. We were to visit professional…
…And though the news was rather sad
It has been 10 days now since our experience (or should I say experiment?) started at Cronkite, here in Phoenix, Arizona. I like round numbers because they’re a great excuse to overthink our relationship with time and space. The weather…
Z, Y, X and… Boom(ers)!
“Who is media literacy for?” was the opening question of this 9th study day as part of the SUSI program for scholars organized by the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Arizona State University. Among the answers,…
My Dear Diary…
My Dear Diary, Morning as usual, Juan knocking on my door to wake me up, one liter of liquid before even opening my eyes (disclosure: Lipton Ice Tea. Diet. 100% daily allowance of antioxidants and vitamin C per 12 fl…
From Historic Flagstaff to Symbolic Cacti: A Sublime Beauty
Sunday morning, 11:00, in front of a hotel in Flagstaff. Sunny weather with a blue sky, 74°F, fresh with a gentle breeze. The green tree leaves are swaying softly. Mountain views in the near distance with fluffy white clouds draw…
The Grand Canyon, an Overwhelming Experience from a Sacred Place
As the sun goes down, the Grand Canyon transforms. The sunlight is like brushstrokes on a canvas of rocks, drawing shapes and textures. These natural paintings are ephemeral, changing from one minute to another, showing magical landscapes, an echo from…