Orphans and Compassion

(Notes on a South Florida Sun-Sentinel series.)

The topic of Caribbean AIDS Orphans is either a reporter’s dream or a compassion-fatigue cesspool sure to make people run for the hills. That was the main hurdle when the hashing out of the story began. Tim, the reporter, had notebooks full of rich (but potentially brain-numbing) material. He and his editor, Cyndi, wanted to engage people, not make them glaze over more than they already had simply by seeing the words AIDS and Orphans. I was invited to be their story coach, sort of cheering section and safety net-combined, there to push them to try new things but bounce them back if they started going over a cliff.

Here’s what happened, and what altered my view (and theirs) about challenges writers face with compassion-fatigue subjects:

Still in the field in Haiti, Tim started sending us e-mail dispatches of raw interviews with kids he met. The interviews were filled with a kind of rough-hewn poetry – kids trying to describe life at its most desperate. It was clear to us all, with Tim’s first dispatch, that the kids’ voices made the (literal) heart of the story.

In editing down the interviews, we listened for the place where the kids talked from their gut rather than from self-consciousness. We made a hard and fast rule: The stories would be told solely from the point of view of the kids—no adults allowed—and where possible, in their own voices. The result, to my mind (and to the minds of numerous awards judges), Tim’s orphan stories were fresh, emotional, engaging, and full of lessons for us as journalists – the big one being: Don’t just look for the quote. Listen for the voice.

Our inspiration was the beautiful book by Anna Deavere Smith, Talk To Me, (which I think every journalist should read), in which the actor/ playwright goes on search for the “authentic voice” in American culture and public discourse. She holds that people (anyone, politicians, your uncle Charlie) start to speak authentically when they move past the scripted, the learned, the self-conscious, and tap into where they really live.

“Our modern American problem is not lack of communication,” Smith says in Talk to Me. “The problem is a disconnect between the heart of a voice and the purpose that the voice is meant to serve. The public voice repeats the status quo. And most voices that we hear have been adjusted by the time they get to us. We rely so much on mass communication, and mass communication controls much of what gets to is. It’s very hard to hear an original voice. We are very far from the personal, the one-to-one, the human touch.”

She could be describing newspaper writing, with its fly-paper reliance on quoting Very Important Officials about the state of things.

Tim’s orphans don’t do that. They have original voice.

Favorites:

Fritz Junior, 15, street child :

"My mother is in the Dominican Republic. ...

My father died of AIDS. My uncle was the one who told me.

His hair was straight and fine, and he had a lot of sores all over his body.

He would talk to me about it, but then one day he just laid in bed and died.

My uncle is now in New York. So now I live in the street. ...

I wash cars, clean windows and make dice to sell out of dog bones.

Sometimes I get sick, a fever, a headache.

And sometimes I have cramps when it's too cold in the street.

They abuse me, the older kids, the men.

They burn you with matches when you sleep …”

15-year-old with HIV

"I don't go to school. I used to go. I made it to fifth grade.

I like history because it has a lot of good stories.

It tells you what happened to our country before. ...

It tells you about our heroes who used to fight for independence.

My mother died in September 2004.

She was sick for a long time. ...

My father died in October 2004, right after my mother. ...

People like to die a lot around here.

It's a nice area, there's not a lot of noise.

But whenever people die, people come out of their houses and look. When I get up in the morning, I brush my teeth. I cook, and then I drink my medicine.

Then I go to the fields and look for wood so my grandmother can cook supper.

Then I roam around the village …”

Odeline Victor, oldest daughter in family whose father died of AIDS

"When I was in third grade I wanted to be a doctor.

And now, when I see that I'm 19 and not even finished with my grade school, I see that's an impossible dream.

It would cost too much money and take too much time.

I would like to try to sing and just look for any other work or training I can get.

Maybe computers, maybe sewing.

I would like to sing for God, and sing about nature and all the things that inspire me.

I want to work, though, because the only way to achieve in life is through working.

So how can I achieve anything if I cannot find work? My mother doesn't want me to work as a maid or take any odd jobs because she wants me to learn something special.

When I wake up in the morning I pray, and during the day I have these physics books that my brother found.

It's about electricity.

So I work in it, do the exercises because I don't have anything else to do.

On Wednesdays, I go to church and sing.

I used to play volleyball, but I don't play volleyball anymore. I think it's the economic situation of my family, it's just depressing.

I often feel depressed. I don't feel like doing anything. It's not necessarily that my friends look at me badly because my father died, but I feel I missed something in my life.

Instead of progressing, I regress in so many ways.

But I feel like I'm not giving up yet.

I have goals. I want to achieve something.

I don't just know how yet.

I used to be close to my father.

He showed me to how to start a car.

He was a good friend of mine."

44 Comments

Ray Ban prices | June 17, 2011 | 08:14 AM

Designer shades are usually an Ray Ban prices investment, but can provide superb defense away from your sun’s harmful ultra violet rays also to adding a snazzy touch to any wardrobe.Instead of buying custom made shades for an exorbitant amount of money Ray Ban Eyeglasses, contemplate buying low cost Ray Ban Price sunglasses for just about any fraction in the genuine Ray Ban Wayfarer!These superb eyeglasses may properly be found in conventional brick and mortar stores or by method of on the internet stores Ray Ban Sunglasses.Invest your time instead of your money all through the research using the good pair of low cost Ray Ban Wayfarer .

When searching for the wanted pair of Ray Ban shades, look at out your favored division or optical store for specific product sales and closeouts.Usually, you are on the way to possess the ability to appear throughout extremely deals on low cost rayban sunglasses , specifically should you look quickly after the summer time period of your time when most producers of shades are on sale.Wayfarer from Ray Ban
One in probably the most standard styles of shades are on the way to be the rayban Wayfarer , which could appear owning a steep cost tag.Ask near to to appear throughout out which stores have probably the most effective percentage on these custom made eyeglasses to make certain you obtain probably the most effective offer around!Ray Ban 2140 shades take place to be standard for just about any amount of years, specifically as they hold on to show up in Hollywood movies.5629

MBT Shoes | June 18, 2011 | 07:12 PM

community of thousands of years in the rescue. Unconsciously, the Earth has been unified as a nation. As for integration, for the heavenly pladddddddddddddddddddces with highly developed civilization, it is not a difficult thing, nMBT Sale ot to mention Confucian culture had to be good integration of different ethnic indoctrination. mbt clearance Conquest of the region against the increasingly weak, two or three years, whether black or white, ocheap mbt shoes r yellow people in other regions, are gradually forgotten native country, proud of being a heavenly people. While Turkey is difficult to imagine the achievements of people cheered as the time for the god-emperor, the emperor has done something unexpected thingsDiscount MBT make people. Xiao, if has been interested in promoting the growth of capitalism, when the time is ripe, he began development of a constitution, the formation of the Cabinet and Congress, the establishment of political parties, constitutional monarchy. Once peopMBT Shoes Clearancele can not understand the world, as the emperor as God leads them, everything is so beautifuMBT Shoes Clearance l, why change? If you know very well that only Hsiao, never to flourish in the empire, rise and fall of heavenly cycles to get rid, get rid of the historical cycle of dynasties, the only constitutional monarchy. He started to implement in the next, the ultimate vibram five fingers clearancesuccess of regime transformation, to achieve a historic leap. When fully mature constitutional monarchy, the entire world population has gradually felt the benefits of such a system, but they still rely on the emperor, many events still have to decide by
MBT Shoes or mbt shoes clearance or mbt kisumu or MBT Discount or MBT Sale
MBT Shoes or mbt shoes clearance or mbt kisumu or MBT Discount or MBT Sale

Smoking | June 28, 2011 | 10:21 PM

We live in a materialistic society and generally base our priorities on desires and wants, rather than on needs. The perspective of what is actually a need is often clouded by what our materialistic society says we need.Although God has promised that He will always supply our needs, He has not promised that He will supply all of the wants that society calls our needs. Even though we sincerely ask God to honor our request to supply the money to repair anything Quitting Smoking Smoking

donghanjin | July 01, 2011 | 10:55 PM

Discount FiveFingers
Vibram FiveFingers Shoes
Five Fingers shoes
Vibram 5 Fingers
Vibram FiveFingers outlet
Discount FiveFingers shoes
Vibram Fivefingers Men
Vibram Fivefingers Women
FiveFingers Classic
FiveFingers Kso
FiveFingers Bikila
Sports Shoes
Cheap FiveFingers shoes
Barefoot Athletic Shoes

juicy couture | July 07, 2011 | 07:21 PM

Juicy Couture as one of the world most popular brands, famous for perfect quality and its modern fashion in styles and colors. juicy couture outlet displays the latest items of juicy couture tracksuits with most preferential factory wholesale price at the present. I promise you have never experienced such a big excitement!

Tory Burch Shoes Sale | July 08, 2011 | 09:45 PM

<h1>Clay Matthews Authentic Jersey</h1>
<h1>Aaron Rodgers Authentic Jersey</h1>
<h1>Aaron Rodgers Authentic Jersey</h1>
<h1>Clay Matthews Jersey</h1>

<h1>Jordan 60+</h1>
<h1>Air Jordan 6 Retro</h1>
<h1>Air Jordan 11 Retro</h1>
<h1>Jordan 6 Rings</h1>
<h1>Jordan Spizikes</h1>

reebok shoes | July 09, 2011 | 07:58 AM

I had already downloadd it, so thanks for the show!
reebok classic shoes,

reebok walking shoes,
reebok shoes,

Santa | July 09, 2011 | 12:23 PM

Many people see no problem with using a line of credit to pay credit card debt or for a vacation; however, this is the worst thing to do. You’re paying interest on a purchase that produces no income and sure you can say you have great memories of the trip, or now your card is clean, but you’ll soon put another charge on it and the vacation will be long forgotten while the debt remains Santa Barbara Wedding Locations and Reception Venues

adobe acrobat 10 | July 11, 2011 | 01:30 AM

Diaper Bag | July 12, 2011 | 01:43 AM

He said Diaper Bagthat he Designer Handbagswas willing Burberryto take theHermes Bags heat from his own party to Gucci Leathermove beyond entrenched Chanelideological positions and thatCoach Outlet Store Online Republicans should doCoach Handbags the same. CoachRepublicans dismissed his performance as political theater. But Mr. Louis Vuitton OutletObama’s remarks Louis Vuittonappeared to be aimed at independent voters as well as at Congressional .

abcd5657 | July 13, 2011 | 02:46 AM

Si stava conversando subito dopo la guerriglia di sinistra delle Farc graffiato molti quartieri all’interno ovest con lo stato, uccidendo non meno di tre persone e ferendo anche un sacco., ugg stivali , il signor Santos pronuncia gli episodi esposti tuo ribelli ‘“disperazione" visto che la sicurezza all’interno cause d sul proprio apripista proprio. Negli ultimi mesi, i guerriglieri hanno camminato “su” mordi e fuggi episodi. Santos chief executive proclamato una serie di procedure all’interno ottenere dalla violenza con Cauca ufficio., ugg tripletta pulsante bailey , le misure di sicurezza potrebbe essere un passo verso l’alto, lui o lei ha dichiarato, insieme con un battaglione ulteriore lotto potrebbe essere fatta in Tacueyo, a lavorare “in una nuova zona di solito utilizzato dai guerriglieri come un corridoio e anche un santuario”.

carnival cruises | July 13, 2011 | 03:04 PM

Carnival Cruise
A listing of all Carnival ships and ports of call.

mbtshoes | July 14, 2011 | 07:46 PM

Große Republikaner clash oben Schulden-Limit vorzubereiten】 zwei besten republikanischen Führer kollidierte Donnerstag über das Programm, das für die Costa Rica Regierung erlauben kann, um eine neue Wahrscheinlichkeit katastrophale default obwohl vermeiden kann keine Garantie für Ihre tief Reduktionen innerhalb des Bundes zu bezahlen, die Feier Kunden aus zu suchen. Senat Minority Innovator Mitch McConnell (Kentucky), die zur Verfügung gestellten Angebot dieser wenigen Tage, ließ Geschäftsführer Obama, dass die Bundesregierung Kredit-Schulden zu verbessern mit Herausfallen gesichert Beschuss aus Kürzungen beschränken, teilte die Republikaner Get together möglicherweise “vernichten” ihren machen, indem Sie die Wähler für den Fall, dass der Kongress die us-Regierung ermöglicht Vibram Five Fingers , auf default. Zwei besten republikanischen Führer kollidierte Donnerstag über das Programm, das für die Costa Rica Regierung erlauben kann, um eine neue Wahrscheinlichkeit katastrophaler Ausfall zu vermeiden, obwohl nicht garantieren können Ihre tief Reduktionen innerhalb des Bundes zu bezahlen, die Feier Kunden aus zu suchen. Senat Minority Innovator Mitch McConnell (Kentucky), die zur Verfügung das Angebot dieser wenigen Tage, ließ Geschäftsführer Obama, dass die Bundesregierung Kredit-Schulden zu verbessern mit Herausfallen gesichert Beschuss aus beschränken gemacht Vibram Five Fingers Bikila ,, Schnitte, informiert, welche die republikanische Get zusammen möglicherweise “vernichten” ihren machen, indem Sie die Wähler für den Fall, dass der Kongress die us-Regierung, dass die Standard ermöglicht. 】 “Derzeit gibt es möglicherweise nicht nur eine Rechnung zu reduzieren Pech, dass das Haus über Vertreter gehen könnte”, Cantor vibram 5 Finger , sagte einem Bericht kurz vor prime Gesetzgeber von zusammen veröffentlicht Ereignisse zusammengefasst Mittag Gespräche mit dem White- farbigen Home. Diese Menschen erfahren Sie fertigen auf einer starken wütend Ankündigung jederzeit Obama und auch Cantor widersprach der ganzen Länge des jeweiligen vorgeschlagen Schulden-Decke zu verbessern. Cantor wurden empfahl eine Art Kurzzeit-Proxy, der für den Kongress nennen könnte für Sie eine 2. Phase innerhalb des unpopulären Stimme zu beurteilen, vor der Wahl 2012. Die besondere Präsident Vorlesungen in Bezug auf die wirklich brauchen, um politische Haltung zu verringern, sagen immer wieder: “Genug ist zu tun”, nach demokratischen Offiziere mit Informationen über die hinter verschlossenen Türen zu erreichen. “Der US-Präsident sagte:” Eric, rufen Sie nicht zu bluffen dies zu entscheiden. Du erkennst, besuche ich verlangen, dass in den U. s. Menschen, “Cantor erklärt. “Er ist in diesem Fall wanderte weg. “Aber zu sehen, dass er oder sie zu verlassen, fügte Obama:” Ich werde alle auf der Straße zu sehen. “Ahead of the blow-up, sofern Obama eine enge Packung mit 1 Dollar verbunden. SEVEN Billionen expending Reduktionen “, dass sie sich wohl gewesen Vibram Five Fingers Performa , mit “einer von vielen Demokratischen Beamten erklärt, Putting, in dem er gehen könnte möglicherweise mehr in den Fall Republikaner Ergebnissteigerungen nehmen könnte. 】 Ältere Management in beiden Feiern, besitzen jedoch begann in den Garten der eigentlichen Licht Residenz Treffen vibram erscheinen, nach einer Lösung, demonstriert die Verbesserung Interesse an den Senat Strategie, nutzen McConnell die Tonhöhe für die kurzfristige herum zu erhalten helfen können Haus halten die Republikaner. Senat größere Teil Chef Harry M. Reid (D-Nev.) kann mit McConnell arbeiten an dieser Technik. Hilft erklärten die beiden werden mit einer Methode zu tun, dass wäre Paar McConnell Schulden-Limit Auseinandersetzung mit zumindest 1 $. 5 verschiedene Billionen expending Reduktionen als Folge der überparteilichen identifiziert zeigt, welche Vice President uns Biden etwa während der letzten Wochen brachte umfasst. Die besondere Option zusätzlich könnte produzieren einen Ausschuss mit zwölf Abgeordneten, die möglicherweise ausgestellt zusammen mit der Bestimmung Billionen Dollar über in zusätzlichen persönlichen Ersparnisse würden. Die eigentliche Panel Ratschlag könnte wel
<html>
<body>
mehr zu dieser Geschichte:MBT Amali Schuhe,MBT Herren,vibram five fingers,tory burch,tory burch sale ,
</body>
</html>

iphone 4 cases | July 16, 2011 | 03:12 AM

iphone case
iphone cover
iphone cases
iphone covers
iphone 4 case
iphone 4 cover
iphone 3GS case
iphone 4 cases
ipad case
ipad 2 case
ipad 2 cover

Shox pas cher
Basket Nike Pas cher
Air Max pas cher
Nike Air Max pas cher
Air Max 90 pas cher
Nike Air Max 90 Pas cher
Nike pas cher
Air Max 90 pas cher
Chaussures Nike pas cher

ED Hardy Clothing
Christian Audigier
ED Hardy Bags
ED Hardy Handbags
ED Hardy Shoes
ED Hardy T shirts
ED Hardy bikini
Cheap Ed Hardy
ED Hardy

Nike pas cher
Air Max 90 pas cher
Nike Air Max 90 pas cher
Nike Air Max pas cher
Nike Shox pas cher
Basket Nike Pas Cher
Air Max pas cher

Air Max 90
Nike Air Max 90
Nike Air Max
Nike Air Max 95
Air Max

Brian Atwood
Atwood Brian
Brian Atwood Shoes
Atwood Pumps
Brian Atwood Pumps

Gucci handbags | July 17, 2011 | 08:52 PM

Save money up to 68% from Gucci outlet to buy discount Gucci handbags and Gucci shoes. All cheap Gucci 100% quality guarantee.
Gucci Shoulder Bags
gucci purses for cheap
gucci men bags replica
Gucci Women bags for cheap

mulberry bags | July 17, 2011 | 09:35 PM

Yesterday, the reporter visited the exhibition Leonardo da Vinci Furniture Beijing mulberry bags Friendship Store. The store is still open for business, few customers into the store Purchasing Guide to provide one on one service, but obviously very alert, not much to speak. Kabu Li Ti double jimmy choo shoes other European antique furniture brand on the label also indicate origin is Italy. In the scene,mulberry handbags consumers knew nothing about alleged fraud regarding the Da Vinci furniture. After a couple said he was very surprised to hear, and feel very confused. On the one hand they have been very cheap air jordans reliable for Da Vinci, on the one hand the authority of the CCTV and other media are also recognized, they said they would wait for the findings. Hall reporter called asking whether cheap air jordan 11 the return of the furniture has been purchased, the staff on the phone said unclear, the company responsible is not in the store, if the purchase of a product to consumers, has a corresponding jimmy choo sandal salesman, specifically Ask about the issues with them. In response, Beijing Friendship Store did not want to respond. In fact, last year, the Friendship Store reinstall transformation,mulberry alexa come up with nearly half of the area of operations air jordan women and focus on the introduction of ‘Da Vinci’ home as the main shop, the contract until 2014. The reporter Liao Ailing Zhang Jia Bamboo - Lawyers say if the alleged major criminal enterprises listed hard, Da Vinci Co., Ltd. announced early last year, initial public offering of shares mulberry bayswater to be listed to the China Securities Regulatory Commission Shanghai Bureau for counseling for the record registration, has entered the market counseling period. In this regard, the Bank of Beijing lawyer Dong Zhengwei mulberry bayswater handbags said law firm, on suspicion of fraud, Leonardo da Vinci may face market hopeless. Because, according to the provisions of the company public offering, the last three years financial and accounting documents must be no false record, no other major violations. Once the test to confirm Leonardo da Vinci products cheap air jordan 2011 have quality problems, or are found false propaganda, these are major violations are generally not listed.zlm0718

coachoutlet | July 19, 2011 | 03:04 AM

coach bags news
coach crossbody bags
coach jewelry
juicy wallets
juicy couture dog carrier bags
juicy couture kids sale
gucci joy boston bag rome
cheap gucci earrings
cheap gucci bags
gucci 257047
coach julia op art glam tote bag chocolate
coach julia perry black
coach leather alligator print bag with gold hardware
coach madison leather handbag
coach madison op art sateen tote beige
coach navy blue crossbody bag
coach outlets online the cheapest under $50

gucci bags | July 20, 2011 | 01:25 AM

Juicy Couture
Juicy couture outlet
Juicy Couture handbags
juicy couture swimwear
Juicy Couture tracksuits
juicy couture handbags
juicy couture tracksuits
juicy couture laptop case
juicy couture kids
juicy couture dog carrier
juicy wallets
juicy couture dog carrier bags
juicy couture kids sale
juicy couture shoes
juicy couture wallets
news about Juicy Couture Handbags
juicy dog carrier
juicy couture
juicy couture july
juicy couture dog
kids couture
light pink and green
light pink bikini p
my luxary juicy couture
juicy couture laptop

Louis Vuitton
Louis Vuitton wallet
Louis Vuitton handbags
Louis Vuitton online
Louis Vuitton outlet online
Louis Vuitton sale
louis vuitton handbag
louis vuitton m51130
louis vuitton taiga lozan
lv m93166
lv acoma briefcase
leather bags
louis vuitton bags
louis vuitton n60826
louis vuitton possession carre
prada tessuto saffian nero
lv mens brazza wallet
louis vuitton sabbia rose
louis vuitton mini pochette accessoires replica
louis vuitton monogram idylle fantaisie m40408

Cheap Air Max Sneakers | July 23, 2011 | 03:56 AM

2011 FOr Nike style shoes <h1>Nike Free Shoes.Nike Free Run.Nike Free Store.Discount Nike Free.Cheap Nike Free .Nike Free 3.0 .Nike Free 5.0.Nike Free 7.0.Cheap Air Max Sneakers.Cheap Air Max.Air Max Sneakers .Air Max Shoes.Nike Air Max 2009.Nike Air Max 95.Nike Air Max 90.Nike Air Max LTD.Nike Dunk 2011.Nike Dunk Store.Discount Nike Dunk.Cheap Nike Dunk.Nike Dunk High.Nike Dunk Low.Nike Dunk SB.Cheap Nike Lunar.Nike Lunar Shoes.Discount Nike Lunar.Nike Lunar Outlet.Nike Lunar Eclipse.Nike Lunar Elite.Nike Lunar Glide.Cheap Nike Shox.Nike Shox Shoes.Discount Nike Shox.Nike Shox Outlet.Nike Shox R4.Womens Nike Shox.Mens Nike Shox.Cheap Ed Hardy Clothing.Ed Hardy Shirts.Ed Hardy Clearance.Ed Hardy Sale.Ed Hardy Bags.Ed Hardy Sunglasses.Ed Hardy Hoodies.</h1>

burberry handbags outlet | July 24, 2011 | 09:02 PM

Norway’s King Harald V and his wife. burberry handbags outlet Queen Sonja and Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg joined mourners on Sunday at Oslo Cathedral, where the pews were packed, and the crowd spilled into the plaza outside the building. cheap burberry belt online store The area was strewn with flowers and candles, and people who could not fit in the grand church huddled under umbrellas in the rain. burberry handbags 2011.

fasds | July 25, 2011 | 11:17 PM

King Harald V and his wife. burberry handbags outlet Queen Sonja and Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg joined mourners on Sunday at Oslo Cathedral, where the pews were packed, and the crowd spilled into the plaza out
chat for sex</br>Blonde Escorts

Christian Louboutin Wedges | July 29, 2011 | 09:47 PM

Through the term ‘Ditto Replicas’, Louboutins Shoes we signify the sneakers that you will obtain these stores would look, feel and be as authentic as their original counterparts. Christian Louboutin Clearance Thus you will have absolutely no problem while flaunting them at a high profile party. New Hair Straighteners Christian Louboutin Replica Footwear is available in plenty of exquisite designs, just like you will find within the original Shoes Range. T3 Hair Straightener Deciding on a hair straightner sounds too easy. But usually, this is a very hard task. flat iron hair straighteners Because if you go to a store that sells straighteners, you will be surprised by the number of brands making hair straighteners have. hair straightener iron There are tons to choose from. But which can be it is the best?

MartinV | July 30, 2011 | 08:18 AM

Compassion, in my view, is neither empathy nor sympathy, but requires both. On the other hand, is caring about another person’s happiness as if it were your own.

iphone | August 01, 2011 | 05:11 AM

I’d like some music as a background music for a powerpoint on African AIDS orphans. It needs to be wordless so as to not take away from the words on the screen. Thanks.iPhone

thu tran quang | August 01, 2011 | 11:06 AM

zing post! I initially found your blog a week o
South Kensington Escorts</br>adult facebook

Page 1 of 2 pages 1 2 >

Welcome to WholeStory.com. A place for learning, prose and ideas.

Orphans and Compassion

44 Comments

Add Your Comment