Fighting Nazis and racism

In my last post, I read a magazine and a newspaper article. Both were related to heroin. After reading the New York Times story, I brought up the issue that black families weren't empowered to stand up and change the conversation around addiction. So, I chose a handful of quotes from Ta-Nehisi Coates's "The Case for Reparations" for a follow-up post to further discuss that issue. 

   "Clyde Ross grew. He was drafted into the Army. The draft officials offered him an exemption if he stayed home and worked. He preferred to take his chances with war. He was stationed in California. He found that he could go into stores without being bothered. He could walk the streets without being harassed. He could go into a restaurant and receive service.    Ross was shipped off to Guam. He fought in World War II to save the world from tyranny. But when he returned to Clarksdale, he found that tyranny had followed him home."

So many things about this bother me. Clyde Ross chose war over staying home to work. Ross would rather risk death than the oppression he faced working at home in Mississippi. Life was so bad, people would rather die for their country than live in it. I basically said the same thing thrice because it is such a problem. I like to believe every person has good in himself or herself, yet this proves me wrong. Ross's home environment seemed more toxic to him, so he opted to take his chances with the Nazis and their Axis Power buddies.

Ross knew life only in his home state. In California where he was stationed, he felt equal. Restaurants waited on him. Nobody expected him to move to the side or tip his hat when he walked past on a sidewalk. He was accepted. He fought "to save the world from tyranny" and returned home where it followed him. Americans have great pride in their country and the people who fight for it. Unless those people are black. Ross may have saved the world from tyranny, but he couldn't save himself. Those perpetrators of racism couldn't see the red, white and blue in him–only black.

"He came to Chicago in 1947 and took a job as a taster at Campbell’s Soup."

In a story of hardship and racism, I loved this little detail. Ross didn't just move north; he found a job as a taster of soup. 

"The men who peddled contracts in North Lawndale would sell homes at inflated prices and then evict families who could not pay—taking their down payment and their monthly installments as profit. Then they’d bring in another black family, rinse, and repeat."

Coates finds the perfect metaphor for how men sell homes on contract and how inhuman the process was. "Rinse and repeat." If the inflated prices or taking of all the money from families didn't strike a chord, adding this definitely did. I can picture the white men ushering in new families only to turn around and shoo them away, all the while keeping the money.

"Black people were viewed as a contagion."

I think Coates encapsulates the centuries of struggle here. In seven words, Coates summarized all the crap black people have gone through in their quest to be treated equally. But when will it end?

"A country curious about how reparations might actually work has an easy solution in Conyers’s bill, now called HR 40, the Commission to Study Reparation Proposals for African Americans Act. We would support this bill, submit the question to study, and then assess the possible solutions. But we are not interested.“It’s because it’s black folks making the claim,” Nkechi Taifa, who helped found N’COBRA, says. “People who talk about reparations are considered left lunatics. But all we are talking about is studying [reparations]. As John Conyers has said, we study everything. We study the water, the air. We can’t even study the issue? This bill does not authorize one red cent to anyone.”"

Lengthy excerpt, but an important one. A proposed STUDY of reparations wasn't accepted. Just a study. HR 40 merely suggests a study into reparations and possible solutions. Nkechi Taifa said it's because of who is making the claim: blacks. It's completely obvious and heartbreaking. Then to add insult to injury, John Conyers makes a great point at the end. The bill doesn't offer any money, and people study everything else under the sun. Why not reparation? Scientists study things like migration. If someone can study the movement of people, why can't someone else study the treatment of people and how to make amends for that treatment?

" At the end of World War I, black veterans returning to their homes were assaulted for daring to wear the American uniform. "

This comes back to Ross returning home to tyranny after World War II. I guess it's not surprising that about 30 years before he returned from war, others were attacked for wearing their uniform. These people were probably proudly wearing their uniforms and were trying to show how similar they are to the whites. Evidently you could be an American soldier only if you were white.

Not much changed from the first to the second war. And it was years until something did.

A variety of styles aids my writing

After hours of searching, I grew discouraged. I didn't think it would be so hard to find a long magazine story related to heroin and addiction. Lucky for me, I found one from a magazine and another from a newspaper. Bethesda Magazine, a publication I wasn't aware of until this week, and the New York Times published articles related to heroin. Bethesda featured moms who lost children to overdose while the Times focused on how white families affected by addiction are changing the conversation. It couldn't hurt to read two different styles related to the same topic.




I started with the Times article "In Heroin Crisis, White Families Seek Gentler War on Drugs" for the sources. Some are out of my reach, like the director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy. Others like Eric Adams, the former narcotics detective, are more within my grasp.




I thought there was a slight disconnect between the article and the headline. While it is mentioned that white addicts now experience compassion when years prior black addicts were jailed, I feel the emphasis is on lack of treatment centers and how to combat that. Kimberlé Williams Crenshaw mentions how treating blacks with such compassion back then could have prevented "the devastating impact of mass incarceration." I see a story in that. Why didn't black families feel empowered enough to challenge the policy around drug use? It bothers me that addiction had to invade powerful white families before change happened.

Because the Times article is a newspaper story, it's a dryer read. But that's good in my case. As I read through, I was making mental notes where an anecdote, scene or more detail would transform it into a magazine story. Then I switched to the regional magazine story.

Bethesda Magazine's "A Mother's Heartbreak: Heroin's Toll in Montgomery County" uses the faces of about five mothers and their children to demonstrate the rise of the heroin problem in one county. What seems like a daunting task to me became a lovely magazine story. The mothers meet as a support group. Some are connected through their now-deceased children. Using five random moms who each lost a kid to addiction wouldn't be as effective; the story wouldn't flow well.

The writer, Cindy Rich, uses scenes that have an emotional impact. Rich recreates the 911 phone call in which a mom is desperately trying to keep her son alive while the paramedics rush to the house. In another, one mom asks another how she's doing. She doesn't know why she bothers asking when she knows the answer. I hope I can recreate some powerful scenes when I write my long story. My focus going forward in my reporting is detail. Detail to hold the story upright and leave readers feeling something.

Green Mountain heroin

Vermont governor Peter Shumlin sparked the nationwide shift toward treating addiction like a health issue rather than a criminal one. Rehabilitation clinics have long waiting lists that often lead to more using while the addict waits. Rolling Stones focused on one woman's story, with others as supporting evidence, to demonstrate a lack of rehabilitation resources in Vermont.

The long piece by David Amsden relates to the story I am currently reporting on. In a way, my story on the financial assistance at one facility in New York State is a funneled version of Amsden's.

While Amsden put together a good article, I thought he overused the colon. I feel it is punctuation best reserved for special occasions, like to emphasize a fact or introduce a long quote. Some instances it came off as unnecessary. For example, Amsden paraphrases Bob Bick with a colon. "He knows how he can sound: frustrated, even overzealous." I think recasting the sentence to include those sentiments, or leaving each as its own sentence could work better.

I was first sucked into the story with the anecdotal lede. Readers learn about Eve Rivait, the small-town girl who works in the stables. Eve seems like she could be the perfect country girl. But then Amsden gets into how she fell into heroin and how it's not so idyllic in Vermont. The lede gives the story a face; it's not simply telling how there is a lack of resources but showing with a face to represent the problem. My story features a person who benefited from the financial aid of his rehab clinic, a story that would be far more boring if I simply stated the process and benefits of such a program.

Through the course of my reading, I reread sentences multiple times before fully understanding. While I was in an environment with distractions, I think this would be taken into consideration while writing the piece. I would assume readers might have the print copy and read while on noisy public transportation. The problem, I think, is the complexity of some sentences. It seemed information was included for the sake of including it. And I know that's not the case, but often information was packed into a sentence so that I couldn't understand on first read.

I appreciate the extent of Amsden's reporting, yet longer pieces often confuse me. Am I the only one? Not to say long pieces aren't good, because they can be very powerful, but it's the gap between introducing the main character and returning to him or her that throws me off. In this case, I managed to find my way back to Eve but other writers in the past have lost me.

This isn't a jab at Amsden; I just don't enjoy long pieces as much as I feel I should. I don't believe I have a short attention span. Because long articles feature extensive research, lots of information in the form of stats and quotes clutter my brain. So when the writer introduces John Doe, then veers off into facts, figures and sources before returning to Doe, I can't keep it all straight. Secondary characters/sources prove to be even more elusive when referencing them later in the article.

Despite any struggles I had in reading Amsden's article, I enjoyed how he used scenes. A personal favorite includes officer Merrigan's comment about the trio of houses where five major dealers were busted. I can visualize the run-down street and Merrigan looking out the window, saying how those major dealers are probably replaced by now. It's a little eerie.

The last scene with a pregnant Eve completes the story. Clearly well on her way to recovery, she's overcome with withdrawal symptoms. The guy at the gas station notices her and then emphasizes the article's point further by offering something he claims can help her. If the previous paragraphs chock full of hard fact and faces didn't get you, the kicker definitely did.

Beer and... cheese?

Beer in a cheese magazine. What?

At first, it sounded unnatural; beer goes with pizza, and wine goes with cheese. That's how food works. But a conversation between a lover of craft beer from Cheese Connoisseur magazine and wine expert Ron Kapon prove otherwise.

The article "Beer lovers arise!" explores the growing craft beer trend as it relates to cheese and wine. Positioned second to last in the magazine, the article is almost an abrupt turn for readers. Previous lengthier stories cover a toddler's cheese journey, a cheese master and a dairy farm in Vermont. Obviously the magazine sticks to its title. So when I stumbled upon a beer article, I was intrigued. I learned about craft beer from a wine expert. I learned that you can pair cheese with beer, and the flavors will either complement or contrast with one another. Who knew?

Apparently someone at Cheese Connoisseur magazine. The mid-length article is a simple Q&A. Most of the questions are open-ended. Kapon is asked who is buying the beer, which is followed by "is it just me or is it happening around the country?" The second question makes Kapon's answer specific to the United States where the craft brew trend is happening. Other than that, the questions include words like how, what and when, which lead to a lengthy, more informed response. The closed second question is necessary in this context because the magazine covers cheese from all over the world. So while the craft beer trend is here, consumers can pair with international cheese if they choose. 

The photos were provided by Brooklyn Brewery, who assisted in the article's preparation. Whoever took the photos is awesome. The story's headline is placed over a photo of barrels. It is strong compositionally; the angle is interesting, and the barrels are in focus. The second photo of barrels is my favorite. The photographer gives the illusion of spying on what looks like a tour of the brewery. The action of the photo is blurred as the two barrels framing the shot on either side are in focus. It combines fine art and photojournalism just as the article combines beer and cheese: pleasantly and in good taste.

Short and sweet

"Real Veggies Have Curves" catches readers' attention with the colorful photo of so-called ugly vegetables and the unusual headline. The article is focused on initiatives that limit food waste by using the less-than-pretty produce.

Writer Debbie Koenig's lede uses an easily understood comparison to explain the problem. The second sentence captures the theme: Perfectly good produce is wasted due to its appearance.

The products above would be deemed unsightly. To the right, the veggies are more appetizing. Both images feature usable produce. Koenig brings in a statistic ("...an estimated 30-40 percent of produce grown worldwide is tossed for strictly cosmetic reasons.") to illustrate the problem. Following the stat is a solution statement (selling produce at discounted prices), which is further supported with examples. Three initiatives combatting the waste problem are listed with brief descriptions. Each plan summary contains a plethora of facts.

The article, which I'm estimating to be 250 words, is a small list article on programs combatting produce wasted for cosmetic reasons. Nearly every sentence presents a fact. Koenig did the reporting that produced enough information for the quick, to-the-point roundup and sidebar explaining how to put ugly produce to use. While it's not clear how much extra info didn't make the article, it's clear the writer followed the 40-40-20 rule. 

I picked Koenig's article for inspiration for a short article I'm working on. I like the structure. The topic is relevant in a society obsessed with farm-to-table food. Since it ran in the September/October issue, the article is also timely; a lot of vegetables are harvested during the fall. I enjoyed how the sidebar shares tips in quick little sentences and how even the sidebar has a lede. A shocking fact shifts from how much food is wasted to how the reader can help reduce that number. The tips leave me wanting more for other food, so the link to a Web page is perfectly placed. I wish the site gave more tips than what was printed. I would also like to know of other initiatives actively reducing food waste. Debbie Koenig produced an article that will help me write my own short list article.

Secrets are no fun

Sarah Stillman's exploration of the dangers of using young offenders as confidential informants is far more detailed than any Buzzfeed or Press Republican story. 

Writing for The New Yorker allows Stillman to delve into various incidents to bring forth the issue at hand. Stories written for Buzzfeed or local newspapers are intended to get to the point about one single incident and nothing more. If a Plattsburgh teenager met the same fate as Rachel Hoffman, the main victim in Stillman’s article, or LeBron Gaither, an article in the Press Republican would quickly detail who, what, where, when, how and why with a few police and family quotes thrown in. The story shows one case. There is no comparison to other victims; newspaper stories aren’t designed that way. 

Magazine writing allows writers to effectively demonstrate a problem. Stillman does it by weaving the story of Hoffman with accounts of other confidential informant stings gone wrong. With each case, Stillman further establishes the theme.

Stillman’s use of “I” is rare and advances the story. “I” is not allowed in newspaper writing. Writers cannot put themselves in the story. However, magazines allow this personal touch if the narrative warrants it.

“I heard some version of Taylor’s statement dozens of times in the course of more than seventy interviews with people whose lives have been shaped by America’s growing reliance on young drug informants—narcotics officers, prosecutors, defense attorneys, and the friends and families of murdered C.I.s, as well as some former informants.”

To me, “I” provides credibility here. Stillman lists the varying people she has interviewed for the story. As a reader, it’s obvious Stillman has gone beyond basic reporting for a rich and emotional story.

Throughout the article, a large, single bold-faced letter crops up at the beginning of a paragraph. It visually signals a change is coming. In some instances, Stillman switches to a new victim and case. In others, Stillman remains with the previous victim but takes a different direction in the case. The contrast stands out and is easily understood.

During my initial read, I got confused. While the weaving in of other victims helps establish the theme, it also throws me off when Stillman revisits various cases. I found myself wondering, “Wait, who is that again?” But the confusion also hammered in the message: the use of confidential informants is so risky and unregulated that I can’t keep track of all the examples given.

The kicker kicked me right in the feelings. Slow clap for Stillman because that was heavy. You read about the different incidents and return to the main one with an emotional narrative of the father. The kicker would not work without the emotional detail, which wouldn’t have come out had Stillman not put in the time.

Stop hating my boys

The most irritating responses to declaring myself a Cowboys fan include "Why?" and "I hate the Cowboys." Those hating on my boys are either fans of a rival team or despise them for being America's team. That's just how I perceive it. Or maybe the feelings are a result of the Cowboys being the most valuable NFL team, with an approximate value of $3.2 billion to the NFL average of $1.43 billion, while also missing the playoffs seven of the last ten seasons. I can understand it's frustrating for a struggling team to be so popular, but what is a team without loyal fans and sponsors?

The Dallas Cowboys have cultivated a powerful and obviously valuable brand. AT&T Stadium features a retractable roof and former Guinness record-holding video board, which measures 180 feet wide by 50 feet high. Everything is indeed bigger in Texas. Expected to open in 2016 is The Star, a 91-acre development that will include training facilities, office space, a hotel and retail development. Without the value of the Cowboys brand, a record-breaking stadium and construction of new headquarters wouldn't exist. The Cowboys name evokes pride and unity, leading to funds for new, shiny things.

Tony Romo, you silly little quarterback. Romo developed a bad reputation for choking in the fourth quarter by throwing interceptions that hand the game over to the other team. However, the guy actually has a higher passer rating than any other NFL quarterback in the fourth quarter since 2006. Romo's first two NFL passes came against the Texans on October 15, 2006. First, he completed a 33-yard pass to Sam Hurd. His next throw was a two-yard touchdown pass to Terrell Owens. Not bad for signing as an undrafted rookie free agent in 2003.

While I think it's unfair Romo is haunted by a bad rep, it has proven to be a blessing in disguise. When Romo is clutch in the fourth quarter, most of the football world is in awe. Those not respecting his game irritate me; you have to give credit where it's due. I don't care if you like him, but you can't deny the talent. What's more, I still hear ignorant people referring to him as Tony "Homo." Real mature. I should move on before I get lost in a rant. Tony Romo is magnificent in the fourth quarter, leading more than 20 game-winning drives. The stats speak for themselves. MOVING ON.

Dan Bailey for president! Or at least team MVP. When the Cowboys struggle, Mr. President swoops in to save the day with a superhuman field goal from 50 plus yards. Bailey boasts a career field goal percentage of 90. His season-long field goal increases each year, from 51 yards in 2011 to 56 yards this season. Bailey's kickoff averages just under 64 yards, with nearly half of his 311 kickoffs being touchbacks. Unlike Romo, Bailey is well-known for being dominant in his position. Bailey's kicking statistics tell a story nearly all football fans know. What interests me are his defensive stats. In 60 games played through four seasons, Dan Bailey made seven tackles, with two coming this season. I'm sure each were ugly as kickers aren't trained to bring down opponents returning the kick, but he did it nonetheless. Sadly, I couldn't find video evidence of his most recent tackle. Maybe I didn't try hard enough. Maybe it's buried deep in the plethora of "Dan Bailey kicks the football" videos. Regardless, it's time Dan Bailey be treated like Matt Prater was last season. It's certainly possible for Bailey to kick a 60-yard field goal, like Mr. Prater. Though in Bailey's case, it'll come with far more pressure behind it. Prater had a stellar Broncos team in front of him. It seems the Cowboys are finally finding some chemistry and rhythm. Previously, Bailey was by far the best player on the team most days. I wonder if his back ever hurt from carrying the team. He's probably heard that one before, though.

You shouldn't hate the Cowboys just because they're worth a crap load of money. The team is valuable because of fan loyalty. Every elite team will hit a low point. Dallas has and continues to persevere through it. Besides, we experience the lows so that we may appreciate the highs. And my dear boys seem to be on the verge of an upswing.