These are a few of the people I’ve interviewed who come from diverse cultures.
WASHINGTON — Without a doubt, the best part of being a journalist, is meeting people from all walks of life. I enjoy nothing more than interacting with folks who come from various ethnic backgrounds and cultures.
The nation’s capital attracts diverse ethnic groups from around the world. As a reporter for the Medill News Service, I hear stories from people who don’t have the same skin complexion as I do, whose hair isn’t as curly as mine and whose cultural traditions seem exotic in my eyes. I’m fascinated by culture and thrilled to be covering demographics and religion.
After conducting interviews with people from a multitude of backgrounds, I’ve compiled some tips on what works and what doesn’t.
Tip 1: Close your mouth. Open your eyes and ears.
Don’t interrupt. You may encounter subjects with a different accent from yours. Take the time to understand their pronunciation of words. Also, if you listen more, the source will be more willing to talk to an “outsider.” Observe… smell the spices in the kitchen, listen to any indigenous music that may be playing, pay attention to any art hanging on the walls. These details will enhance your story.
Tip 2: Know when to be a human being, not just a reporter
A kind Ethiopian woman who I was interviewing for a story offered me a drink. I did what I thought was the professional thing: I politely declined. But my colleague took up her offer. I watched him gulf down a glass of fresh fruit juice and I noticed that the woman appreciated it. After that experience, I learned that accepting the occasional offer of hospitality can put the source at ease. . Today, I can say that I’ve eaten Ethiopian tibs, gulfed down Vietnamese tea, nibbled on South African frikkadels (meatballs) and devoured El Salvadorian pupusas with delight. But of course, there is a limit!
Tip 3: Remember that the world does not revolve around your world
It’s hard not to let your cultural background influence your reporting. I view the world as a Nigerian-American, but when I’m reporting, I can’t let my culture bias the story. Like many Nigerians, I treasure the Christian faith. On a story I did about humanists, I had to bite my tongue while listening to non-religious people completely condemn Christianity. .
Tip 4: Resist the temptation to be cheesy
When I’m interviewing someone from another country, I tend to smile….a lot. Though a smile may seem innocent, it could be interpreted as condescending. Much like the way adults smile at children whose words don’t make sense.
You want to be polite. You want to say “please” and “thank you” but you don’t want to come off as phony or else you may potentially embarrass your source.
Tip 5: Make a connection!
When you’re talking with someone from a foreign culture, find ways to connect. No matter how different a person may seem, you can always find similarities.
These practical tips have helped me to better report on ethnic communities in and around Washington and I hope they can help you.