Dip into it in the wrong way and journalists can get burned. And what they report will misrepresent the flavor of that community. Journalists who want to reflect the reality of the world around them need to be able to connect the multicultural communities in their midst. They must relate to them not simply as outsiders looking in, but seek ways to see it as an insider would looking out. A journalist who wants to be culturally competent leaves the familiar behind and approaches the unfamiliar with curiousity, sensitivity, and respect.
Cultural competence creates opportunities to pursue excellence in journalism.
It encourages explanations. It enhances understanding. It provides greater access to individuals. It develops more knowledgeable sources. It reflects a more accurate, complete and authentic picture of communities.