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Bryan Hernandez
Dr. Hanvey
STACC II
February 13, 2015

The Daily Show w/ Jon Stewart: Special Guest Bryan Hernandez

Whether a person joins the army or becomes a teacher, there are levels inside the
community that hold its bond together. This type of bond is called a discourse community. A
discourse community is a group which hold the same social behavior and knowledge. Within the
levels of the respective discourse community are: having common goals within members,
intercommunicating within members, sharing info and feedback within members, having an
established lexis within members, and an expert, which also helps out the new members
(Swales). Whilst, the person establishing themselves in the community will also diminish
importance into their respective culture, such as a Mexican in the U.S. whom have to obey U.S.
laws.
A newspaper journalist researches, writes, and is very precise to what news they write of
whether on a thunderstorm or politics. They inform the people in the local area or regional area
or in most cases the whole region. I still believe better news is given through newspaper articles
than through the internet. However, its easier to upload a story on the web. The discourse
community I have chosen for communication journalism is a backpack journalist. They are
given the task to report and deliver breaking news in regions such as Paris, France or Cape Town,
South Africa. The qualities (backpack journalist) one must have are: to be curious,

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persistent, assertive or pushy, knowledgeable, enterprising, courageous, confident, skeptical,
lastly to have a conscience. The 6 steps or standards John Swales explains in his article Concept
of Discourse Community are all followed within these particular journalist community. They all
have common goals to report the truth as quick as possible. Also, each communicates within
their offices or through via social apps so fellow readers can stay informed.
Compared to last semester, I now have a major. It started with judging news reporters
every morning. Then, randomly it had led me to discovering Vice News. Their courageousness
and skill intrigued me so much. Moreover, these reporters were in the middle of a chaotic event
risking their lives to get a story. A specific story I remember was their video on YouTube called
Russian Roulette (Dispatch 31), where reporter Simon Otrovosky had been captured by proRussians in Ukraine. He was kept in captivity for 3 days and was blinded folded and beaten, then
was released without no further ado. In this video he explained how his life was in danger and
believed he was targeted for supposedly being a spy. In spite of being held captive, he had
survived such treachery and has kept reporting in Ukraine. These journalists had something in
common with me: curiosity and courageousness. At that moment, I realized journalism was the
path I wanted to take.
A year or two ago, I was trampled with the question: what career will I pursue? Ideally,
majoring in engineering was my first choice. In my mind I was going to become the first
engineer to build a flying car. Obviously, at the moment I was a fanatic of cars, especially
classics. For all this went to waste because I was slacking off in algebra. See math is of huge
significance as an engineer. In addition, Id have to do many years of college to build up for

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screwing up. Afterwards, that idea of becoming the first engineer to build a flying car, slowly
diminished.
Im a huge listener/supporter of hip hop music. Since the age of 13 Ive liked freestyling
and have since written my own lyrics to hip hop instrumentals. The vibe is very harmonious. As
a teenager crazy ideas always come to mind. This crazy idea was one of them; I wanted to
become a rapper. My friends were very supportive when I told them I wanted to become a
rapper. They said, Oh yeah! Youre pretty good, go for it! I had then joined a rap group in
school and then we decided to call ourselves Pystom. We rap battled with other groups, we
freestyled, and even performed at the school talent show my senior year. At the moment, we had
plans to make our own t-shirts and also make our very own mixtape. We imagined how life
would be as a rap group. Instead nothing was ever accomplished outside school. We also had our
own priorities to take care of. As a result, we split and the idea of the rapper lifestyle drifted
away.
Fast forward, a couple months after graduating my senior year, I had discovered
something intriguing. What seemed boring or dull had caught my full attention. I was intrigued
by news broadcasters and politics. Because of this exposure, my mindset shifted to this idea of
becoming a journalist. (Heck Id say I can report a story with more significance than FOX has
ever done). At first the idea was only floating around, but a video report on Vice News
reevaluated my position to further pursue journalism. Here I was watching a video report titled
Russian roulette: Episode 1. This report was on Ukraine pro-Russians attacking Ukrainian
troops in various cities that used to be part of Russia. A reporter of Vice News named Simon
Otrovosky captured the events happening. He did quick interviews with many troops from both

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sides and also with locals who were caught up in this chaos. In this episode he was reporting
from Donetsk, Ukraine and spoke how many locals were outraged, let alone scared. Sitting on
my couch I thought, Wheres FOX news?
Subsequently, the bravery of the reporter caused a euphoria in me. (Which only happens
to me when I play soccer). However, the euphoria was also caused because of the awareness of
these journalists, whom were reporting actual news! Afterwards, I turned on my television and
flipped through the channels of FOX, CNN, and KTLA. They were all showing crap! I was
outraged, for the fact that here were these well paid high rated news networks showing crap.
Coming close to the weekend many of these high rated news networks were playing catch up on
the events that took place in Ukraine.
In journalism the type of writing every journalist uses is AP Style Guide. Whether its on
print or broadcasted it is always AP. Associate Press is used throughout all news organizations. It
is known for the way of its citation and formatting style. Also it is special because most use MLA
or Chicago Style. Albeit, there are steps one has to follow in writing AP style. One has to follow
rules when it comes to abbreviations, numbers, dates and punctuation. For example one cannot
write in their report 1,000 students out of 2,000 students got scholarships. The correct way to
write it would be A thousand students out of two thousands students got scholarships. Another
example where AP is used is writing abbreviations or acronyms. For example, In the United
States baseball is still bigger than soccer", would be translated to In the U.S. baseball is still
bigger than soccer. Initially published in 1953, AP is now updated mostly every year. The recent
changes that have occurred would be the insertion of social media and its relevance to
journalists.

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Within journalism there are levels to each and every story that is seen on your local
newspaper, news channel, or blog. They include: the editor, the reporter, and the publisher. In
between those three one might carry all skills like photography and computer skills. Sometimes
one might just carry one main skill. Carrying on, an editor gets updated on recent stories. The
reporter then goes on and gets the story. The reporter will most likely have a camera guy or
sometimes be the camera guy himself. The publisher is the one who does the final editing and
finalizes the story that was given to them. Each step is done precisely. That is how this
community works. It may seem very easy, but there are always times where mistakes are made,
and journalists do take it very well.
For mistakes to not occur a journalist always seeks every source of their given
assignment. A journalist also doesnt want to sound biased. They have to be fair and balanced. It
is something Fox news thinks they do. Anyways, when digging for a story the reporter makes
sure to analyze and investigate thoroughly. Just look at Jon Stewart and his show. He might be
labeled as entertainment, but his facts arent opinions and his opinions arent said. He states the
details and has valuable sources that surely back him up. Now when it comes to anonymous
sources a reporter will have to make sure the info is relevant enough and not state any
misconception. An example where an anonymous source was given would be in the follow up of
the Iraq war. False information was given by Rafid Ahmed Alwan al-Janabi, claiming Iraq had
mobile biological weapons trucks and clandestine weapons. In which we found out after many
years that this anonymous source no longer anonymous had lied. For journalism states the truth
and does its best to keep it as honest as possible.

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There are several ways journalists communicate within their community. One might use
the phone to connect with each other in order to establish an agreement of some sort. Other times
they might simply update one another. An editor might want to talk to the reporter of not only
their assignment but of what is going on in the newsroom. That way no one in the community is
left questioned on what is going on. It also helps some news reporters to diminish any
nervousness one might face. Per say, if one is assigned a huge assignment help is inevitable.
Emailing is also a great way to keep the community informed. Emails are best used when the
reporter wants a story to be revised. There are also meetings to attend. Meetings are another
method to be updated on recent events. Lastly, social media is an up and coming way of the
community. Since its peek around 09 social media has been used to inform the readers 24/7.
Whether its blogs, twitter, Facebook, Instagram, etc. the reader is always informed. Its use has
splurged to the scene and quick enough journalists all around the world have put it to work.
Yet many do not like the idea of social media. Some say it delays the stories true
essence. Many times stories given in social media are partly biased, therefore the reader is
misinterpreted and given a decision only the reader should. For instance there is a news
broadcaster named RT news (broadcast for Russia) that for most parts been ever so biased. Since
Putin helped with their budgetback in 09their main mission is to make news networks like
CNN look foolish (although they can be foolish at times). RT News also have 1.4 Million
subscribers on YouTube, making their voices heard around the world. Despite that, using social
media as a way to publish a story has become a way of informing the reader quicker and will
only develop over time.

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I am currently taking a journalism course here in PCC. I will need to attain 60 credits in
order to transfer to a Cal State or UC that fits my criteria. The college of my choice is Cal Poly
Pomona. My long-time friend, I met in elementary school, attends Cal Poly. He said itll be
difficult to get it and Ill have to take a test to see if theyll accept me. Though before I get there,
I am taking the required courses to reach 60 credits. Most of those courses will be courses like
English, Mathematics, Arts and Humanities, Social Sciences, History, etc. You know the usual.
Aside from those courses, I will take: Beginning Press Photography (Journ 21) or Elementary
Photography (Phot 21), Argumentation and Debate (Speech 6) or Argumentation and Critical
Thinking (Speech12), Photojournalism (Journ 23), Stat q5, Stat 18, or Stat 50, and lastly Survey
of Mass Communication (Comm 1). After passing all my courses I will have possibly more than
enough credits to transfer.
What specific training do I need in order to reach a high level in this community? As Ive
been taking my first journalism class in the nighttime Ive been learning the requirements of
building myself in this community. Curiosity is needed in journalism. It not only breaks the
barrier of shyness, curiosity makes way to getting in on the action, without killing the cat. One
has to be courageous. Courage carries the journalist out to dangerous countries or unsafe
neighborhoods. Following courage is being persistent. Persistence is what lands you the hottest
girl in town, picking her up at seven and greeting the father hi and bye without sweating. Being
persistent gets the journalist interviews with celebrities that do not like the media. Connected to
persistence is assertiveness or being pushy. It is not begging for an interview or begging for a
second date. The last three cant be done without some confidence! Confidence is what picks up
the person from doing their job well. Confidence is a much needed practice for newcomers in the

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business (like me). Assertiveness has its limit, but it makes sure the reporter gets their interview.
Enterprising is also of great use. Journalists use enterprising when a story seems unusual to the
journalist. Within enterprising a journalist goes beyond the minimum. He or she might publish
the unusual story too, for reasons of its importance or to establish an issue not being talked
about. Being skeptical also follows the trail of becoming a journalist. It is their job to doubt a
story and use other sources related to that particular story to see if it is saying the truth. A
journalist will detect whether or not the big picture is there. Skepticism leads to seeing if the
story is fair and balanced. It also demands that no information be withheld from them because it
is a right to know. Skepticism should always be used if one is reading a particular story. Another
skill much needed is knowledge. Knowledge should be highly used and practiced. Knowledge
is power, am I right? Of course! And it is much needed in the journalism business. One has to
be aware of wars, politics, the economy, immigration, etc. How else would a journalist get a
story if their knowledge isnt so sharp? Lastly, what journalists should build upon is their
conscience. Journalists travel all over the world. So when a journalist reports in places that do
not have much, consciousness should be on alert. One in the business might not be so
conscience. However, a reporter doesnt want to start their story with In the shitty city of
That would be an embarrassing to journalism and a huge blow to the business. All these
requirements are of great importance if I want to make it in journalism.
As a newcomer in the journalism business, I will face many potholes and see what
potholes the business fall in as well. As an individual in this new community Ill be facing
unappreciative people. Ill be labeled newby or be known as the rookie. I will also have a hard
time getting used to the community. Id have to learn quickly what lexis goes around. Another

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issue, not involving me, in the community is how news networks label what news to show. For
instance, FOX, KTLA, and CBS. These news networks many times entertain the audience. They
might inform them, but many times they inform them on the next hottest trend or the funniest
video of the week. Thats not news and its sad to hear someone say, Hey did you see the funny
video on the news last night? My professor in my journalism class has said that networks like
FOX only do it for the ratings. Whereas, CNN or BCC are actual news networks with a main
objective, which is to inform the people. No wonder why Jon Stewart tramples all over FOX.
Another conflict that may occur will be mistakenly publishing a story that has bias in it. Other
times there are cases of bad sources. These sources may be false information and sometimes
reporters fall for it. This is another example of the misinformation that was given by Rafid
Ahmed Alwan al-Janabi. He hated the people in Iraq and was out to let them pay for their
wrongdoings. In which, one clearly sees the bias in his information. However, as my journalism
professor says, were not all perfect.
Acculturation has impacted journalism greatly. People that join the journalism business
around the world face difficulties reporting information to their people. Places like China, North
Korea, and Africa are labeled dangerous. The risk of reporting the ongoing events in those areas
arent so safe. Also, in the Middle East American, European, and British reporters are restricted
from reporting. Well not precisely, but recently simply being a journalist can lead to kidnap for
ransom or death. Some journalists that reside in these dangerous countries have died for
reporting the truth to their people and informing them on current situations. Take people like
Daniel Pearl, who was a reporter in Israel, was kidnapped then murdered by Pakistani police,

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after refusing to be sedated. I give people like Daniel Pearl my full respect and best regards.
Countries like Egypt are now fighting for their rights, but it is an endless fight that wont stop!
From the position I am now to my near future, I will keep an open mind. When the
predicaments come Ill validate or evaluate to go further in this career. I will start by seeking a
job at my local newspaper business to develop my profession. Maybe Ill start off as an intern.
Being an intern is not so great because there isnt any cash flow coming in. However, when the
chance comes Ill make sure to make a name out of myself with no hesitation. My plan is to start
off as reporter. Ill be able to put myself in training and learn throughout the process. As time
passes my journalistic traits will grow. Once my growth is fully developed I will like to become
an editor. An editor assigns what news is relevant and asks to get it reported. Ill make sure the
sources are credible, see if any bias is traced and see if the wording in the respective story is
written correctly. Ill make sure I only assign news, no entertainment. My plan will work sooner
than later if I get to practicing now. I see reporting as like playing soccer, practice makes perfect.
In an interview I had with my journalism professor Warren Swil from PCC. I asked him a
few questions about his time in journalism and its impact. He stated in this interview:
I was a journalist for over 30 years. And have been teaching [journalism] for 11 years now. [In
journalism] you have to ask a lot of questions, you have to be persistent. You got to be able to
write, you got to be able to talk to people We tell people all sorts of information that they need
to live their lives with. [In journalism] it is a very competitive business. Theres a lot of people
and very few jobs They have computer skills and theyre photographers and they can write.
Thats the hardest part of it. [In journalism] its a very noble line of work. We do good work. We

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help people, we help communities. We publicize all sorts of good things and bad things. And its
very satisfying. You know, you can make a good living and you can be happy [being a journalist]
doing it as well.
He ended saying that journalists arent perfect, but do try very hard. And its true, journalists at
times end up being the most hated personnel. Oh the media how wonderful you are.
Throughout researching, analyzing, and observing my community, Ive learned that in
this business difficulties can lead to clarity. If a situation goes abroad, as a journalist one can
immediately report to the people. The people need to know what occurs in this world or even
here in Los Angeles. I will push myself to build my journalistic traits. Therefore, I will grow in
this industry, possibly even mature throughout the process. Writing this essay I have made a
decision to further pursue this community. Entering this community will not only be an
achievement, but itll also open doors to other businesses. If possible Id like to have my own
show just like Jon Stewart to gain further experience and perspective. In ten years from now Id
reflect back and say, Professor Hanveys 10 page experiment really paid off and honestly gave
me hope. As it surely has during this writing process.
The role of this community plays a great level of importance. We inform the people on
deaths, horrific events, politics, war, etc. At times we may also portray entertainment. In spite of
that, this community works every day to capture an exclusive story. However, this community
wouldnt flourish thoroughly without the help of the reader or viewer. In addition, the journalism
profession makes sure to inform people of truth and only the truth.

BIBLIOGRAPHY:
Johns, Ann M. Discourse Communities and Communities of Practice: Membership, Conflict,
And Diversity. Text, Role and Context: Developing Academic Literacies. Cambridge,
New York: Cambridge UP, 1997. 51-70. Print.

Swales, John. The Concept of Discourse Community. Genre Analysis: English in Academic
And Research Settings. Boston, Cambridge UP, 1990. 21-32. Print.

Wardle, Elizabeth. Identity, Authority, and Learning to Write in New

Workplaces. Enculturation 5.2 (2004) n; pag. Web. 18 Feb. 2010.