What exactly does a “journalist” look like? What about a “reporter”? How about a “news man”? Back in the 20th century they were easy to see and portray because the movies and TV shows told us. Nowadays? Not so much.

This follows along yesterday’s thoughts about not waiting on perfection and instead to simply start and “just do it”. For me and for years I understood what was the expectation and would play the roll to the nine’s and adapt where need be. Examples being if I was the “news guy” jacket and tie it was. If I was the wacky disc jockey it was the attire of the format and flavor of the month in its fashion i.e. cowboy hat, brush popper shirts, cowboy boots and a rope belt with a buckle that always seemed to pinch at the most inopportune times.

Shallow but 1. It worked for the times and 2. It was fun. However it did embed in my head an expectation that I “had” to follow / embrace / express or I simply couldn’t do what needed be done on presenting a message, starting a show etc etc etc.

What a horribly limiting belief and trap. I had faced that quite a few years back and thought I had come to terms with it. But as noted in yesterday’s post, I actually hadn’t yet it wasn’t obvious topically. But why?

Go back to that part I wrote about 20th century standards. Not only was my subconscious still lounging around in that Time Machine so was the audience. That’s you by the way. And no I’m not blaming you. I’m hoping to expose this truth as I see it to you.

Here’s the question; What does a “journalist, reporter, news guy” look like? I bet you have an image in your head now and for the most part cling to that perspective.

And why shouldn’t you? It’s a safety mechanism of the mind to establish certain guidelines to follow so one doesn’t get suckered. But then again, back in those days most professional (and nonprofessional) sales people dressed like the guy on the 5 o’clock news. Dang, there’s a dug up revelation… they were all selling us something ;)

Anyway, to conclude this point, a quarter way into the 21st century I’m finding how interesting it how expectations of appearance from the past are still a staple and sticking point in this current “now”. For me this guy (points finger at self) in the silly hat and white sunglasses is still the same journalist, reporter, news guy and entertainment presenter as the younger version in the suit and tie was but isn’t seen in the same light.

Moral: The clothing does indeed the man but it’s also the thing that can bring about false impressions and expectations for both the person and the audience.

Hmmmmm…. Fascinating.

Jim 11/21/2024