NPR’s Michel Martin enjoys making people feel uncomfortable.

The host of ‘Tell Me More’ visited the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications Wednesday to give a presentation titled ‘Just Because You’re a Black Woman Doesn’t Mean You’re Not The Man: My Adventures in Diversity.’

During her lecture, Martin said she endorses discomfort because it eventually leads to a better understanding of important issues.

‘I like being a journalist because I like making people uncomfortable,’ Martin said. ‘I don’t mind being uncomfortable if it allows me to understand something better.’

Martin’s journalism career extends more than 25 years. Some of her career highlights include 15 years at ABC News and 10 years as a correspondent for ‘Nightline.’ In addition, Martin reported on state and local politics for The Washington Post and national politics for the Wall Street Journal.

One of Martin’s main points in her lecture was that the world is changing to one where anyone can have power. As Martin put it, ‘being the man’ is not just referring to men having all the power, but extends to women and all races and sexualities.

‘We have to get comfortable with the idea that now we don’t always know who has the power, and those who have the power aren’t aware of it,’ Martin said.

She added that power used to be identified by who had the whitest skin, had the most money and the biggest property, but that is not the case anymore.

These shifting alignments of power, Martin said, is ‘the new reality’ that can lead to more inspiration and empathy. The commonality of human beings has the ability to lead powerful discussions that can ‘narrow the gap of understanding’ between people, she said.

As an example, Martin referenced her most hated slogan: ‘It’s a black thing, you wouldn’t understand.’

She explained, ‘Nothing of the human experience can be alien to any of us, and I think this is an excellent time to reflect upon this.’

Martin stressed the power communication can have regarding racism, homophobia and even hurt feelings. She added that not talking about an uncomfortable issue ‘doesn’t make it ‘un-happen.”

She said those who don’t have to experience these issues often discount them. Martin used a personal example in comparing how the LGBT community feels in society.

Two years ago, Martin’s brother committed suicide. She explained the feelings she initially had were similar to those that some gay people feel. Like many people afraid to identify their true sexuality, Martin said, she felt ashamed over something that could not be controlled.

That brief minute of doubt, Martin said, made her realize the importance in being aware of others and how they feel.

‘It’s worth the mental energy, in my opinion, to think about what that is like,’ Martin said. ‘There is always a reason to not think about somebody else. There’s always a reason to do nothing, but there is a better reason to do something.’

Learning to live with difference, Martin explained, is like learning how to swim. She said she believes it’s a life skill that can be lifesaving.

Said Martin: ‘You could stay in your universe where everyone looks and acts the same, but what’s fun with that? Get thrown into the water and swim.’

mhnewman@syr.edu 

Published on April 12, 2012 at 12:00 pm

Contact Meredith: mhnewman@syr.edu | @MerNewman93