The New York Times
When Hollywood Is Your Mirror
Since before I can remember, the movie “Mulan” has guided my understanding of empowerment and representation. As someone adopted from China and raised in a predominantly white town, “Mulan” was my premier exposure to Asian beauty and culture. Her story’s message about turning adversity into strength sticks with me always.
- MaiLei Meyers |
The Star Tribune
Readers Write: 'The casualization of America,' political-party participation, trade and tariffs
I ask Way to consider the general “America” he is addressing. How can such a broad statement be made about a country consisting of so many people with varying aptitudes and professions? A plumber or truck driver may not wear the same clothing to work as an accountant or psychologist. And in their off time, why would dressing up or down in stark comparison to what they wear on a daily basis be necessary?
I don’t deny that dressing well boosts confidence. But, generalizing appearance standards without considering our economic standpoint (i.e., 12.7 percent of the U.S. population living below the poverty line, according to 2016 U.S. Census Bureau reports), can lean toward the side of oversimplification. Though clothing may be a morale booster, it does not land high on the list of things needed to fully function. Though I agree with the general sentiment surrounding the benefits of dressing well, whether Americans choose to do so or not may only be a small sliver impacting the larger changes in our democracy at hand. MaiLei Meyers, Minneapolis |
Minnesota Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Chapter Blog
Words from the Wise with the Star Tribune's Neal Justin
by MaiLei Meyers
Amid the glitz and the glamour of the digital golden age, the staple media critic persists. Enter: Neal Justin for the Star Tribune.
Justin’s 25-year career surprisingly began with hard news reporting. While attending Northwestern University, he dabbled in a little bit of everything from clerking at the Chicago Tribune for feature sections to writing movie reviews for the campus paper.
After graduating, Justin landed in Rockford, Illinois as a crime reporter. This menagerie of media experiences helped propel him into a position at the Star Tribune when they were in need of a new, multifaceted journalist.
“If you learn the craft of being a good hard news journalist and all of the work it takes, you’re going to be equipped to cover anything,” Justin explains. “It’s a good foundation.”
Keeping things fresh in his industry has never been a problem for Justin. In the digital age, excess choice flourishes. From streaming services to podcasts and media trends, the sky's the limit. Keeping track of just one subset of entertainment let alone choosing what’s newsworthy can be a challenge all on its own.
To really mix things up, Justin decided to immerse himself in the world of stand up comedy. He enjoys taking advantage of all that the Minneapolis arts scene has to offer. Though he’s always had his eye on comedy because it’s so intertwined with television, it is just now stepping out of his professional peripheral.
“I’ve been spending a lot of time in comedy clubs and understanding that art form, which I think is a unique challenge,” Justin details. “I think it’s the toughest thing to do in entertainment. Nobody’s a success overnight.”
While he keeps up with what’s new in the entertainment industry, Justin doesn’t shy away from stepping out of his creative and professional comfort zones . He’s an active member of the Minneapolis chapter of the Asian American Journalists Association (AAJA) and one of the founding members behind the prestigious summer-intensive program for aspiring young journalists, JCamp.
Every year, the JCamp program accepts 42 high school students out of hundreds of applicants from across the country. The opportunity brings students and professionals together for a week of intensive training and an up-close look at the world of journalism.
“Working with young people of any age that are interested in journalism keeps me refreshed and excited about the future of the industry,” said Justin. “AAJA has given me the opportunity to do that, which has been the highlight of my career.”
My final question for Justin was about his go-to advice for young people interested in pursuing journalism. He gave two simple recommendations: get published and work hard.
Getting your foot in the door of a newsroom whether it’s at your college newspaper or a small community publication will help open doors for more opportunities in the future. Having your work published by professional organizations will only boost your experience and credibility.
Additionally, working even a little bit harder than the people next to you may just be the deciding factor between you and them in the eyes of colleagues and superiors. Your hard work may not always be immediately recognized but keeping at it will pay off in the long run.
After 25 years of reporting for the Star Tribune, Justin conducts himself with the energy and curiosity of a brand-new journalist paired with the wisdom and experience of an industry veteran. Grabbing ahold of each opportunity that comes his way, whatever is next will be worth watching for.
Amid the glitz and the glamour of the digital golden age, the staple media critic persists. Enter: Neal Justin for the Star Tribune.
Justin’s 25-year career surprisingly began with hard news reporting. While attending Northwestern University, he dabbled in a little bit of everything from clerking at the Chicago Tribune for feature sections to writing movie reviews for the campus paper.
After graduating, Justin landed in Rockford, Illinois as a crime reporter. This menagerie of media experiences helped propel him into a position at the Star Tribune when they were in need of a new, multifaceted journalist.
“If you learn the craft of being a good hard news journalist and all of the work it takes, you’re going to be equipped to cover anything,” Justin explains. “It’s a good foundation.”
Keeping things fresh in his industry has never been a problem for Justin. In the digital age, excess choice flourishes. From streaming services to podcasts and media trends, the sky's the limit. Keeping track of just one subset of entertainment let alone choosing what’s newsworthy can be a challenge all on its own.
To really mix things up, Justin decided to immerse himself in the world of stand up comedy. He enjoys taking advantage of all that the Minneapolis arts scene has to offer. Though he’s always had his eye on comedy because it’s so intertwined with television, it is just now stepping out of his professional peripheral.
“I’ve been spending a lot of time in comedy clubs and understanding that art form, which I think is a unique challenge,” Justin details. “I think it’s the toughest thing to do in entertainment. Nobody’s a success overnight.”
While he keeps up with what’s new in the entertainment industry, Justin doesn’t shy away from stepping out of his creative and professional comfort zones . He’s an active member of the Minneapolis chapter of the Asian American Journalists Association (AAJA) and one of the founding members behind the prestigious summer-intensive program for aspiring young journalists, JCamp.
Every year, the JCamp program accepts 42 high school students out of hundreds of applicants from across the country. The opportunity brings students and professionals together for a week of intensive training and an up-close look at the world of journalism.
“Working with young people of any age that are interested in journalism keeps me refreshed and excited about the future of the industry,” said Justin. “AAJA has given me the opportunity to do that, which has been the highlight of my career.”
My final question for Justin was about his go-to advice for young people interested in pursuing journalism. He gave two simple recommendations: get published and work hard.
Getting your foot in the door of a newsroom whether it’s at your college newspaper or a small community publication will help open doors for more opportunities in the future. Having your work published by professional organizations will only boost your experience and credibility.
Additionally, working even a little bit harder than the people next to you may just be the deciding factor between you and them in the eyes of colleagues and superiors. Your hard work may not always be immediately recognized but keeping at it will pay off in the long run.
After 25 years of reporting for the Star Tribune, Justin conducts himself with the energy and curiosity of a brand-new journalist paired with the wisdom and experience of an industry veteran. Grabbing ahold of each opportunity that comes his way, whatever is next will be worth watching for.
The Underlying Crisis for Strategic Communications
by MaiLei Meyers
Strategic communications and everything included act as the backbone of almost every line of business. As a student attending the University of Minnesota studying public relations, I learn about how crucial it is every day. Yet, this important sector of work ironically struggles in holding down an identity in a professional world all about branding and image.
Strategic communications as an overarching concept could include work in any hybrid involving: advertising, public relations, content development and media relations.
I find it intriguing that the public relations industry repeatedly acknowledges the dated connotations of its title and definition because it’s not wrong. The industry’s most recent definition debate took place in 2012. Prior to that refresher, the formal definition of “public relations” had not been updated since 1982, according to the New York Times article, “Public Relations Defined, After an Energetic Public Discussion.” In many ways, the versatility of communications as a whole is what makes defining any title or position more challenging than a stagnant field of work.
Regardless of formalities and textbook definitions, strategic communications work only reinforces its importance as time goes on. For example, advertising funds a massive amount of what media outlets produce for the public. Journalists wouldn’t have as many outlets as they do to share the truth and the stories they want to tell if advertising didn’t pay for the space keeping their publications open. Of course relationships like that are fundamentally cooperative, but advertising, an aspect of strategic communications, remains necessary.
There are so many professionals intertwined in varying lines of business who will eventually need to delegate work that is less related to their focus but equally as important. Enter: public relations practitioners who help promote businesses and people in almost every field of interest.
Professional titles may not feature "public relations" in them, but buzz words like "communications," “content development” and "digital media" are on the rise with a similar if not shared mission.
Though understanding what the industry entails or what it should strive to become will always be in our peripheral, the work itself will endure. Without public relations and advertising, the base pair of strategic communications, society would most likely have fewer media literate and brand conscious members.
Strategic communications and everything included act as the backbone of almost every line of business. As a student attending the University of Minnesota studying public relations, I learn about how crucial it is every day. Yet, this important sector of work ironically struggles in holding down an identity in a professional world all about branding and image.
Strategic communications as an overarching concept could include work in any hybrid involving: advertising, public relations, content development and media relations.
I find it intriguing that the public relations industry repeatedly acknowledges the dated connotations of its title and definition because it’s not wrong. The industry’s most recent definition debate took place in 2012. Prior to that refresher, the formal definition of “public relations” had not been updated since 1982, according to the New York Times article, “Public Relations Defined, After an Energetic Public Discussion.” In many ways, the versatility of communications as a whole is what makes defining any title or position more challenging than a stagnant field of work.
Regardless of formalities and textbook definitions, strategic communications work only reinforces its importance as time goes on. For example, advertising funds a massive amount of what media outlets produce for the public. Journalists wouldn’t have as many outlets as they do to share the truth and the stories they want to tell if advertising didn’t pay for the space keeping their publications open. Of course relationships like that are fundamentally cooperative, but advertising, an aspect of strategic communications, remains necessary.
There are so many professionals intertwined in varying lines of business who will eventually need to delegate work that is less related to their focus but equally as important. Enter: public relations practitioners who help promote businesses and people in almost every field of interest.
Professional titles may not feature "public relations" in them, but buzz words like "communications," “content development” and "digital media" are on the rise with a similar if not shared mission.
Though understanding what the industry entails or what it should strive to become will always be in our peripheral, the work itself will endure. Without public relations and advertising, the base pair of strategic communications, society would most likely have fewer media literate and brand conscious members.
The Minnesota Daily
Grapevine Awards Special Issue
Best Coffee/Tea
Caribou/Purple Onion
Coming in with a classic "Minnesota Nice" tie for Coffee/Tea are Caribou Coffee and the Purple Onion Cafe. These two specialize in your atmosphere of choice, depending on the day. If you want a Minnesota staple for grab-and-go coffee and bakery, Caribou is for you. From their famous sparkling teas and Caramel High Rise coffee to their specialty dark chocolate flavoring, they're the perfect way to start your day. On the flip side, the Purple Onion Cafe, located in the heart of Dinkytown, acts as a premier study spot on any given day. Family owned and operated for 23 years, it shows no signs of stopping anytime soon. They pride themselves in their fair trade, locally roasted coffee and delicious lunch menu
Caribou/Purple Onion
Coming in with a classic "Minnesota Nice" tie for Coffee/Tea are Caribou Coffee and the Purple Onion Cafe. These two specialize in your atmosphere of choice, depending on the day. If you want a Minnesota staple for grab-and-go coffee and bakery, Caribou is for you. From their famous sparkling teas and Caramel High Rise coffee to their specialty dark chocolate flavoring, they're the perfect way to start your day. On the flip side, the Purple Onion Cafe, located in the heart of Dinkytown, acts as a premier study spot on any given day. Family owned and operated for 23 years, it shows no signs of stopping anytime soon. They pride themselves in their fair trade, locally roasted coffee and delicious lunch menu
Best Thrift Store
Gina + Will
For any college student on a budget with a bold sense of style, Gina + Will is exactly what they need. Located in Dinkytown right across from Target Express and next door to Starbucks, it's a Milllenial's trendy paradise. Ranging from seasonally sorted menswear and women's styles to accessories, shoes and Gopher gear, Gina + Will has it all at an affordable price. Not only will customers find the perfect outfit, but they'll be aiding in the recycling and reusing of clothing with the option to contribute items of their own at any time.
Gina + Will
For any college student on a budget with a bold sense of style, Gina + Will is exactly what they need. Located in Dinkytown right across from Target Express and next door to Starbucks, it's a Milllenial's trendy paradise. Ranging from seasonally sorted menswear and women's styles to accessories, shoes and Gopher gear, Gina + Will has it all at an affordable price. Not only will customers find the perfect outfit, but they'll be aiding in the recycling and reusing of clothing with the option to contribute items of their own at any time.