When Dr. Benjamin Fine was seen “lifting her [Elizabeth Eckford], saying, “”Don’t let them see you cry””, a storm brewed within the white racists. 

Dr. Benjamin Fine, the education editor of The New York Times, was one of the first reporters to cover the Little Rock story.  A firsthand witness to racism, Fine decided to channel his emotions as a journalist.  As Elizabeth Eckford made her way to the bus stop, whites yelled cruel and unfathomable remarks at the young black woman.  In such a controversial time against races, it took one to stand above the rest.  As Fine became that one person to avoid conformity, I am brought back to a memory from grade school.

Every grade has “that one nerd”.  “That one nerd” in my 6th grade class had his head buried in a book at all times and could be seen occasionally picking his nose.  The vision of a nerd picking their nose is so stereotypical, but that’s really what he did! One day, during a snack break, my teacher took a bathroom break, leaving a bully free environment open for business.  When four boys had “that one nerd” pinned against the locker threatening him, I yelled, “Stop”, at the top of my lungs.  It got the attention of the entire class and the teacher walked in at the nick-of-time.  I felt at that moment that I had truly done something to help. 

Treat others as you would want to be treated.  You become a great example for others if you follow this Golden Rule.  Fine, a white journalist, kept his emotions in check while also showing humility toward his subject.  Fine wanted to get a good story and knew exactly how to approach such a sensitive situation. 

I don’t think journalists force empathy in situations similar to that of Fine’s, however I do think journalists should know when to help others.  They must be flexible enough to get a good story while relating to the subject.    

Watch the video of Elizabeth Eckford walking to the bus stop.  What would you do if you were a journalist trying to get a story?

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