Brianna Kwasny - Sensitivity

I have always felt fairly free with the word choices available to me when I write. I never before censored what I wrote or checked to make sure I was not saying anything that had the possibility of offending someone of a different culture; I simply wrote what I thought conveyed the message in the most direct terms.

Many of the terms I use in my everyday language are deemed inappropriate as journalistic terms. Even though many of these words have been accepted by the vast majority of America and the media, journalists are advised not to use them because they could evoke feelings of being disrespected.

A journalist is required to write with sensitivity on their mind. They are expected to know which words are acceptable and which would cause issues. As a beginning journalist I am learning these rules. Although some words are obviously offensive, others are not.

I have adapted my writing fairly quickly to follow these rules. The words that are not as obvious and give me slight trouble are those that are accepted in journalism but have better alternatives.