Podcast Review: How History and Identity Shape the Narrative
In journalism, the way we tell stories is deeply influenced by history, identity, and the narratives we choose to highlight. The podcast How We Got Here dives into these themes, exploring how journalists can better understand their own biases, question dominant narratives, and bring fresh perspectives to their reporting.
These are my key takeaways from the podcast and why they matter for journalists today.
At the Heart of Every Story Is a Person
Every piece of journalism should start with this fundamental truth: behind the statistics, policies, and conflicts are real people with lived experiences. The question is, how does identity—both of the journalist and the subject—affect the way stories are told?
When does identity matter? Are you covering a story on women’s rights because you are a woman? Does that create bias, or does it give you a deeper understanding?
Fear of bias vs. the role of advocacy: Can journalists remain completely neutral, or is advocacy an inevitable part of storytelling?
Finding your angle: Present a perspective that hasn’t been brought to light before. Question what we assume to be self-evident.
A critical lesson from the podcast: Think about your positionality before writing. Are you the best person to tell this story? Are you considering all angles? These are essential questions for any journalist.
Unwelcome to America: Radicalization, Class, and Race
The podcast explores the ways in which history repeats itself, particularly in the treatment of marginalized communities.
Working-class radicalization—How does economic struggle lead to extreme ideologies?
Assuming whiteness—Media often defaults to portraying certain groups as the "standard" while others are categorized as "other."
Presentism—Are we reinventing the wheel, acting as if current problems are unprecedented rather than deeply rooted in history?
Listening to historians and experts can provide a more nuanced view. Every piece of journalism should look at relevant history. Understanding past displacement, industrialization, and migration patterns can add crucial depth to modern-day reporting.
The Ethics of Journalism: Power, Perspective, and Influence
Another key takeaway from the podcast was the responsibility of journalists to question dominant power structures.
Who gets to define what is "normal"? The standards of acceptability are often set by those in power.
Bias in crime reporting—Historically, media has relied on police reports, often reinforcing institutional biases rather than challenging them.
Diversity in storytelling—A variety of perspectives enriches journalism, but only if we actively seek out voices beyond the mainstream.
One phrase from the podcast stood out: "There is no view from nowhere." Every journalist brings a lens shaped by their background, experiences, and assumptions. The challenge is to be aware of these influences and to listen to voices that challenge dominant narratives.
The Power of Counter-Memory
The idea of counter-memory—challenging accepted versions of history—was a major theme in the podcast. Some of the most impactful moments of journalism come from questioning what we’ve been told and seeking alternative narratives.
Labor vs. Capital—Capital moves freely, but labor is restricted. How does this imbalance shape immigration, economic inequality, and workers' rights?
Sexual assault cases—Historically, the media has often framed these stories through legal perspectives rather than centering survivors.
Civil unrest and protests—How has media coverage of protests evolved? What patterns from the past can predict future conflicts?
The podcast emphasizes that eliciting a response means you’re getting closer to the truth. Journalism isn’t just about reporting facts; it’s about presenting them in a way that forces readers to think critically.
Final Takeaway: Always Look at the History
If there’s one lesson this podcast reinforced, it’s that history is never separate from the present. Every issue we cover today—whether it’s immigration, racial injustice, or political upheaval—has deep historical roots. Understanding these connections doesn’t just make for better journalism; it ensures that the stories we tell are accurate, ethical, and impactful.
For any journalist, the challenge isn’t just to report on what’s happening now—it’s to uncover the layers of history that brought us here.