Dr. George Padgett, associate professor of journalism, is the author of a new book titled “New Directions In Diversity: A New Approach to Covering America’s Multicultural Communities.” Published by Marion Street Press, Chicago, the textbook is designed to be used as a supplemental text in introductory communications and basic journalism writing courses.
Beginning with a discussion on what diversity means and why it is important, the textbook provides a detailed roadmap for teaching and learning about diverse communities and suggestions for beginning what is often a difficult community conversation. Hundreds of professional tips demonstrate how to better cover multicultural communities with individual chapters on specific audiences, including African Americans, Native Americans, Asian Americans, Hispanics, Arab Americans, gay men and lesbians, people with disabilities, and people of varying faith, age, and economic class. Activities for teaching and learning about diverse communities help journalists and educators bring the issue of diversity into the newsroom and classroom.