Journalists and Academics

As we discussed in class, when it comes to journalism and political science, there is a great divide. Journalists often make mention of political phenomenon and theories concerning elections, but without citing any political scientists or valid political sources. Political scientists often drone on and on about theories and phenomenon, using complicated jargon and coded charts that are beyond the scope of common public understanding. As discussed in this article, journalists and  academics have a gap to fill in the education of the public of political events and happenings. The reality is-- political scientists and journalists need to work together to educate the public with information that is essential to their effective decision-making. This information does not need to be riddled with confusing charts and graphs or language that only graduate students and political junkies can decipher. They are not a microcosm of the electorate. So long as that remains true, academics need a lesson on how to correctly cite political information and not translate political information to just accommodate their hunger for a juicy story. Political scientists need a lesson on how to simplify complex political phenomenon for the average citizen to understand and apply. They should be encouraged to take to the blogosphere and employ their social science of praxis to engage citizens into political dialogue.

http://themonkeycage.org/blog/2012/04/16/16859/