FIU welcomed renowned journalist Jorge Ramos to the Modesto Maidique Campus on Monday as part of the Hearst Distinguished Lecture Series to discuss neutrality, impartiality, and balance in journalism.
Students and faculty filled the room to hear Ramos discuss his work in the industry and what he’s learned through experience.
Neutrality was one of the major points of this lecture. Ramos reflected on his interviews with world leaders and urged the crowd of about 100 to not remain neutral and to take a stand in the face of injustice.
Ramos said that through his experience, he has narrowed down a list of areas to stand up for. “I found six areas in which you really have to take a stand: discrimination, racism, corruption, public lives, the violation of human rights and dictatorship,” he said.
He also emphasized the importance of asking the right questions and doing research beforehand.
“If you take anything from this conversation today, it’s that on some occasions as a journalist, you have to take a stand,” said Ramos. ”Because if you remain neutral, you are in a way complicit to those who are abusing their power.”
After the lecture, Ramos talked about why he loves the profession of journalism and what he hopes others see in it as well.
“I truly believe that this is an incredible profession,” he said. “It gives you the opportunity to witness history, and get to know people who are making history and that’s something you’d never find in another profession. You have the opportunity to live and to stay young and rebellious for the rest of your life.”
