The Public Relations (PR) journey is new. When a student enters a space where everyone is far more familiar with PR, the question is often asked, “What area of PR would you like to go into?” My gut reaction is that I’m mourning the loss of objective journalism. In a previous post, I mentioned not enjoying writing for broadcast, so I switched my major to PR. That’s a tiny fraction of why I pivoted from journalism to PR. Journalism is rapidly losing its moral values or ethics.
Additionally, there’s a degree of writing in PR, so I’ll be perfectly fine. However, I wanted to be Sydney Shaw from the movie Brown Sugar; she was a journalist. Now, I am in the process of choosing which area of PR I would like to go into. I’m considering Lifestyle because I enjoy everything, beauty and fashion. It would be interesting to learn the psychological aspect of Lifestyle PR, i.e., what makes people interested in particular products or brands or what type would purchase more of these products.
Product placement is another interesting aspect that I want to learn about. Lifestyle is the way to go because I would much rather know how and where to place shoes and clothes in media and advertising than other products or brands I could be learning to brand. Lifestyle has a wide range of sub-PR categories. A few significant subcategories are health, fitness, food, beverage, and home. I find all those intriguing. There was a time when I heavily invested in creating a rigid, logical career that focused on money, longevity, and being perfect. That is no longer the case. I want to do something I enjoy and be in a welcoming place. Finding the correct career and company begins with having confidence in personal beliefs and professional desires. I’m interested in working to learn more about Lifestyle PR so that it might be a good fit.
Author: Artra Nelson
Why PR?
An old dream had to die. I started writing in elementary school. The first thing I wrote was a poem published in the school newspaper. My great aunt and father made my writing monumental. They posted it in the house and acted like I wrote a bestseller at seven. I began doing the morning news in high school and became hooked again. This time, my mom and peers told me how journalism came naturally. The dream of becoming a journalist came with internal motivation as well. One of the most beautiful things a person can experience is sitting down and learning to write. I’ve yet to master writing, but it doesn’t change how invigorating the act can be.
In the fall semester of 2023, I was sitting in a broadcast journalism class, writing a script, realizing how much I disdained writing for broadcast. My professor said something about publics and catering to different publics. She mentioned how an individual can work for a company and manage their public presence, help advertise, and aid in crisis management. It sounded interesting. I wanted to help brands, or smaller businesses have a better business structure.
I was surprised that the desire to do this had a name. My friends are legitimate small business owners who consistently call me seeking solutions to business concerns. Sometimes, I think they feed me and have me visit for this reason, but the food is good, so I go. Additionally, my family and friends come to me to solve problems. Again, I didn’t know companies have people who get paid to do this.
I react to very few situations, and I’m seldom afraid to make a decision. Honestly, what’s most frustrating is when I do not have the authority to decide. Being a Public Relations specialist lends the opportunity to create solutions to everyday problems. I do this naturally; also, working hard does not intimidate me. Valuing hard and intelligent work is essential because people tend to have solutions to problems verbally but are unwilling to implement solutions for extended periods because doing so can be difficult. It also means being able to research and evaluate different markets for specific publics to figure out the best way to present a company to the public. That is captivating because a PR team gets to think of ways to advocate for a company to increase or maintain a company’s bottom line ultimately. That skill set will never make for a poor woman or man.
There are numerous possibilities at the University of Oklahoma, including the OU PRSSA, where students can find other students majoring in PR, and Lindsey+Asp, an actual PR firm dedicated to allowing students to begin a career in PR. I’m in a good place to create and implement a new dream.
College at 30
The University of Oklahoma (OU) is a breath of fresh air for all the same reasons the Navy was refreshing. Give me something I’m good at or can figure out; coffee, food, and joy fills my heart. The notion of being okay with the simplest things seems whimsical and unrealistic. However, having a concrete purpose is fulfilling and provides wholeness. Clarity rids confusion and allows what’s important to surface.
School and work are refreshing places because their purpose is obvious. Life’s expectations can be different from situation to situation, as can career expectations or intended outcomes. The slight difference is that in career and education, there are plans, ways to complete the plans, and an outcome. This cycle repeats itself with occasional changes, but life is unpredictable, looks different for every person and can be complicated.
My college career began with trepidation because I wasn’t sure I wanted to attend college. Secondly, I hadn’t decided what my purpose in life was. In 2015, I moved to Oklahoma City and was still in the Navy on active duty. There are a few prerequisites for attending college while on active duty. Sailors must complete all the training applicable to their respective positions and obtain an Enlisted Aviation or Warfare Specialist certification. I finished all that and began my college career at Rose State College. I got my Associate’s degree in Political Science, focusing on Paralegal Studies. Most people would agree that the culmination of discipline, study skills, determination, and consistency get individuals through college and propel career opportunities. While I primarily agree, an excellent playlist is the thing that really gets people through college. Waterboy by Don Shirley got me through my Associate’s degree. The Tidal music app has a feature where listeners can select a single song by an artist, and after that song, the artist’s greatest hits begin to play. I did this every day or every other day, and somehow, all my work would end up complete. Life is about the simple things.
In 2021, I started my Bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism. Initially, when I got to OU, I felt out of place. This feeling lasted a while, and adjusting to the course workload and other responsibilities was difficult. My family and the Navy have a rugged use of perseverance. It’s rugged because an individual could be in depths of despair, and both would say to continue to press forward, but life is about giving everything because we aren’t here forever, and we may as well have a good time! My favorite part of attending college at 30 is my appreciation for being here. I am confident that had I attended college at 18, I would not have had a heart filled with gratitude for the opportunity to attend school!
Rothaniel
Comedian Jerrod Carmichael introduced his sexual preference to the world via his latest comedy special titled Rothaniel. What captures my attention is the association with the emasculating of men because of their sexual preference. Carmichael questions his masculinity as it relates to his sexual preference. The preconceived notions of what someone of the LQBTQ is does not plague the interpretation of gender identity. It is the yes but how, or yes but why, or the this is supposed to be this way thought process that impedes the understanding of the LGBTQ community. They, like many others, simply want to experience life without explanation.
Small things plague my mind about Carmichael’s new special. Big moments capture almost every journalist’s article about the act, but what about the tiniest expressions. Carmichael discusses the love and support he garnered from black women in his family. He addressed keeping the secret of his sexuality from his audience. Additionally, he addresses how his friends responded. They found resolve in making jokes about it saying “I feel like I’ve been tricked into having a gay best friend”. Even though vulnerability is seldom on display for the world to see, Carmichael wore it like a skilled master. What speaks the loudest in Rothanial is how Carmichael paralleled his father’s infidelity with the discretion he used in revealing his sexual identity. Again, what’s subtle is the crescendo of comedic professionalism. Initially, the show is what anyone would expect from a comedy show, but by the end, it feels as though Carmichael is simply having a conversation with someone. Carmichael explains his entire experience as a gay man. He manages to eloquently describe the parts of his coming out that he does not understand. Consequently, he gives fresh air to people within the LGBTQ trying to figure out life.
Therapy for Black Girls-Podcast
The advocacy for mental health screams the notion that not one of us is an island. Everyone has an internal voice, and each one sounds different. Some may call it a conscience, while others believe it is God or intuition. This awareness is interpreted, used, and can occasionally produce mental health concerns. Additionally, mental health struggles can come from genetics and traumatic experiences. There are infinite efforts to express how people battle mental health. Often what’s not emphasized is the solution. My desire to better understand mental health started after hearing radio personality Charlemagne The God discuss his struggles with mental health. Therapy for Black Girls is a podcast by Licensed psychologist Joy Harden Bradford. One day while I was at the spa, my aesthetician recommended Therapy for Black Girls. It took me a very long time to finally listen to it. I’m glad I did. The podcast educates and sheds light on mental health difficulties while providing ways to combat mental health. One of the biggest things I learned from the podcast is that many of the things that I experience other people experience too. Therapy for Black Girls promotes wellness through community. Every show has a disclaimer that the podcast is not to be used as a replacement for actual therapy. While the podcast is not therapy it is definitely a good start toward a healthy life.
To SLAP or Not to SLAP
Last week at the Oscars, in the middle of the LIVE SHOW, and in front of millions of Americans, Will Smith slapped Chris Rock. Instantly everyone jumped on the “violence is not the answer” bandwagon. I did not. Violence is not the answer in most cases. However, sometimes it is. Take a stroll down the historical acquisition of America, confidently say violence is not the answer, or take the time to think about whose backs America was built, then confidently say violence is not the answer. Violence is or is not the answer when it is convenient. Shortly after the infamous slap, Will Smith was awarded an Oscar. In his acceptance speech, he justified his actions by saying he was defending his family. Will Smith slapped Chris Rock because he made a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith (Will Smith’s wife). Jada Pinkett Smith has alopecia which has caused her to decide to be bald and not wear a wig. When Chris Rock acknowledged her bald head with his joke, she made a face of intolerance and disgust. Will Smith immediately sprung up from his seat, walked to the stage, and slapped Chris Rock.
What’s important is what we don’t see. Often people see a reaction without seeing what action caused that reaction. In this case, it could have been many things, one being Jada’s personal battle with alopecia. Chris Rock produced a documentary about hair with the intention to uplift women, and on the night of the Oscars, he did the opposite. Many believe the art of comedy is dying because of cancel culture and the sensitivity of today’s world. Others think it was highly unprofessional of Will Smith to slap Chris Rock on national television. Decorum and comedy must find a middle ground. Will Smith and Chris Rock have been in the industry for years. Given their longevity, the entire situation could have not happened or been handled differently. Jada Pinket Smith has been vocal about why she doesn’t have hair, what her hair symbolizes, and how she developed the problems she has with her hair. Recently, in my Introduction to Media class, we had a guest speaker who brilliantly stated “Jada’s voice was lost in this entire situation “.
Be Thankful For What You’ve Got by Lucky Daye, Big Freedia, BJRNCK
I chose this song because, in Big Freedia’s words, “It’s a feel-good song, y’all” I am almost positive the secret to a fulfilled life is gratitude. Exercising gratitude can lead to what I feel everyone longs after. The instrumental in the song is pretty upbeat. There are very few lyrics. Big Freedia continuously says in the background, “Be thankful” This type of music is called Bounce Music. It’s native to Louisiana. Lucky Daye is a new R&B artist. Big Freedia is a long-time and trendy southern artist. BJRNCK is an up-and-coming R&B artist. Every day I start with a playlist called The Wake-Up. I made it myself on Apple Music. The goal of the playlist is to produce a happy vibe or good energy. The playlist is characterized by a fast tempo song that makes you wanna dance. Music narrates life, and anyone who believes differently hasn’t lived long enough.
Judge Kentanji Jackson Nomination
Currently, the United States Government is selecting a new Associate Justice for the Supreme Court. The gentleman who previously held this position was Associate Justice Stephen Bryer. He announced his retirement early this year. Shortly after Judge Bryer announced his retirement, President Biden nominated Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to take his place.
Judge Jackson was born in Washington DC and raised in Miami, Florida. One of the most apparent reasons this nomination is receiving so much attention is that if judge Jackson is selected to be on the Supreme Court, she will be the first African American woman to do so.
Judge Jackson experienced a tremendous amount of verbal abuse during her interview last week. Still, she has also received love and support from many Americans.
A portion of Judge Jackson’s interview that has set a positive tone is her interaction with U.S. Senator Cory Booker. When his fellow republicans berated Judge Jackson with outlandish, intolerable questions, he took the lead in chivalry and respect. He highlighted Judge Jackson’s character and qualifications and discussed the importance of her nomination to the African American community. He isolated them into a temporary safe haven amid a supremely hostile environment. Senator Booker spoke to a plight that very few people in the room understood but that too many Americans know to be accurate, and that is how difficult it is for black people to accomplish what Judge Jackson has. The question is not is Judge Jackson qualified. It’s a matter of votes. The interviews are a matter of formality, confirming what we already know. There will be a lot of times in this country when for black women to succeed, they must go through unnecessary hardship. Regardless of this fact, Judge Jackson has consistently displayed grace and class.
Additional Reads:
https://www.whitehouse.gov/kbj/
https://www.cadc.uscourts.gov/internet/home.nsf/content/VL+-+Judges+-+KBJ
https://www.npr.org/2022/01/27/1076162088/read-stephen-breyer-retirement-supreme-court
Heaux Tales-Grammy Night
On Sunday, R&B singer Jazmine Sullivan won a Grammy for best R&B album on her EP Heaux Tales. It is no surprise that every guest had on their “Sunday’s Best.” Many wore gowns and suits. Sullivan was no exception; she wore an all-black suit with white abstract shapes and lines on it. Gold open-toe pumps barely showed beneath her bellbottom slacks. She wore minimal elegant jewelry to subtlety accompany the suit. Her hair was in a half up, half down style, and she wore black sunglasses. Heaux Tales consists of 14 tracks and has a brief narration between a few songs. It was released in January 2021. Heaux Tales serves every woman that has ever loved and experienced hardship in romantic relationships. In her Grammy acceptance speech, she says the album was based on experiences in her twenties that she wasn’t necessarily proud of. Sullivan’s soul-filled voice fills every missing piece advocating for women to have personal agency. Every track introduces a different perspective of what it means to be a woman in a relationship. This album is significant because it’s women controlling the narrative. Frequently, in music, men describe what a woman is or is not. Heaux Tales expresses multiple aspects of how women view relationships. One of the most popular songs on the album is Girl Like Me. In the song, Sullivan compares and contrasts the disparities between faithful and unfaithful women, highlighting that the latter is more valuable in today’s society. Featured on this song is a fellow grammy award winner and R&B singer H.E.R. During Sullivan’s acceptance speech, H.E.R is seen standing and cheering her on. The support and pride H.E.R demonstrates directly reflect the energy felt on Heaux Tales.
Blog Reflection
The blogging has been a little confusing for me. I understand it is supposed to be about media, but I find it challenging to find media pieces to write about. I also have a difficult time defining media. The media seems broader than I initially thought. When I think about what media is and how to combine it with my interest, I feel like the two don’t marry as they should. Currently, I’m obsessed with art. Actually, I’ve been obsessed with it since I saw Kehinde Wiley’s collection of work in the Oklahoma City Art Museum. I’ve been asking myself how does black art shows up in media and how can discuss this on the blog. I know of a few documentaries I can cover, and I will. I’ve been wondering how black artists show up for themselves via mainstream media and the impact it has had on their careers. This is something I’ll be talking about on my blog. I also posted my response to the Distortion of Sound film. I thought that was so intriguing because I never knew I was consuming a lower quality of music. I’ve always preferred live music, but I never understood why. Distortion of Sound explained the why.
Every writing assignment in college has strict guidelines but not this blog. The freedom the blog offers is a breath of fresh air. It shows creativity and a space to express personal interest. I am almost positive that’s why I fell in love with journalism. In journalism, one can be objective or write about rumors. The field of writing depends on what the person wants to pursue. This blog follows in those footsteps. The rules are to cover a piece of media and no plagiarism. Simple.
The most exciting or fun part of the blog is the aesthetic. I highly enjoy changing the themes. The blog offers the chance to independently learn about a piece of media and expound upon it. I always enjoy the process of learning something new.