On Counternarratives and PJ
As I prepare for eight sessions with journalists from the Sahel region, I've been working on a bit of text that explains counternarratives and their role in peace journalism. See below. My goal is to help them understand the narratives in their own media, and to brainstorm for counternarrative stories. 

Wish me luck.

Counternarratives are stories that challenge traditional, frequently utilized news media narratives about a subject or group. These counternarratives take a different, unique angle on stories about groups, and look at issues through the lens of those historically marginalized.

Counternarratives seek to provide a more 360-degree view of a group or subject, in the process shattering stereotypes and misperceptions. Peace journalists produce counternarratives that frame stories to encourage a more nuanced, thorough, and constructive societal conversation.

Examples:
Traditional media narrative—Young African Americans as only criminals, or athletes
Counternarrative—Young African Americans as scholars, community volunteers

Traditional media narrative—Asians as “model immigrants”—smart, rich
Counternarrative—Asians aren’t monolith; poverty in Asian communities

Traditional media narrative—Recipients of government benefits are lazy, don’t want to work
Counternarrative—Recipients of government benefits as hard working, holding down several jobs

Traditional media narrative—Africa is place only of war, disease, and poverty
Counternarrative—Africa as multidimensional; Africa as dynamic economic engine