By Eshe Glover
“What is rape?”
It was a simple enough question and the answer wasn’t
even difficult. So why was I speechless?
The question wasn’t the issue; however, the fact that it
was being posed by my eight-year old son elevated it to the “definitely a problem” category.
We were watching the news. I thought it was safe viewing. News coverage sure has changed. Why was I speechless?
If I were a visitor to Charlotte, I would think Charlotte is a crime-ridden, haven for gangs. I would think that there is stark racial division and that the schools are in disrepair.
And I would think that no one cared.
Because that is often the story told by the evening news. For five consecutive nights I watched the local news and noted [unscientifically] the subjects covered. On average, the first 13 minutes of the 30-minute newscast detailed murders, larceny and scandals. The weather and sports occupied a few minutes, the commercials rolled in between segments and then they signed off.
And so I sat… speechless… and confused.
I know that there’s a lot of good happening in Charlotte. I know a lot of people who volunteer tirelessly and make positive deposits into the community. I know there are many corporations that are active and present in the communities, and that they champion many meritorious initiatives.
So, why are the news reports so desolate? Why isn’t the good news being reported? Why is the evening news now off-limits to my eight-year old? And why am I still speechless?
There is a saying in J-School (journalism school) that “if it
bleeds, it leads” and although I find the saying to be a
little crass, it’s extremely accurate. Charlotte is full of
good people doing good works, and the city ranks high
for its corporate social responsibility and citizen
volunteerism. So why aren’t those stories being told?
Why does the station that reports violence and scandal in an almost gratuitous way also have the highest ratings during one of its newscasts?
Although I have more than 200 channels available to me for viewing, the pickings are slim when searching for a show that my son and I can watch together. Sports has potential, unless a fight breaks out or the camera man catches a frustrated player dropping the f-bomb (my son can read lips). Even the cartoons have adult humor and themes sprinkled in, I guess to keep the parent’s attention if a parent is watching with the child. So, 196 channels will go unwatched as I lock in PBS, UNC TV, Noggin and Nickelodeon (minus the pregnant child star).
As the new television season starts up, I’ll be tuned out way more than I’m tuned in. However, there is one show that I’m ecstatic about watching, GoodWorks with Rahman Khan, on WTVI Charlotte.
The show promises to be “all good, all the time,” with each episode exploring the inspiring stories behind the altruism that leads people to help others, particularly in the areas of education, diversity and the environment.
The show concept is different. Sadly, it’s definitely not what we’re used to seeing. But I’m tuning in, with my eight-year old, every Sunday. I want my son to see the positive things going on in our community because he’ll have ample time to see the negative. I want him to hear the stories of those who are giving of their time, talents and treasure to help others. I want him to know that giving back is his responsibility. And then I want him to do good… not because someone’s looking or because he’s getting paid… but because he’s passionate about his community and he’s inspired to make it better.
I’m taking back my voice (and remote) because this mom is done being speechless.
Eshe Glover is an accomplished public relations practitioner and avid volunteer. She served two terms (6 years) on the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Community Relations Committee and is the former chair of the CRC Communications
subcommittee.
“GoodWorks with Rahman Khan” premieres Sunday, October 12 at 7:00 p.m. on WTVI Charlotte. Visit www.goodworkstv.net to share news of your good works and to submit story ideas.