Frequently, stories used loaded words such as preference interchangeably with affirmative action, subtly influencing popular perceptions of affirmative action policies. Coverage often failed to mention the discrimination against minorities and women that prompted affirmative action, robbing the discussion of its context. Recently, national debate around affirmative action intensified again as proposals to end it drew attention in various regions of the country, such as Washington state. News developments on those stories must, of course, be reported. But the intense political and emotional ferment around affirmative action offer journalists a valuable opportunity to cover the issue in fresh, complex ways.
Stories seem to suggest that discrimination no longer exists, so affirmative action is unnecessary.
Reporting on the realities of discrimination could create real public dialog, one that produces not just heat, but light. Discrimination and affirmative action can be examined by industry. Women and minorities have yet to break through the walls of discrimination. For example, one cliche is that Asian Americans oppose affirmative action because it stigmatizes them. In reality, that community s opinions on such programs are much more complicated and reveal volumes about their profound, double-edged experience with discrimination.