Social Justice, Religion, and Upcoming Projects: A Talk with Philip Oddi

 

We are in the era of information and misinformation, of union and disunion, where some search for peace and some for disturbance.

Journalism plays a giant role in showing reality the way it is.

We can speak about five principles of ethical journalism: truth, independence, fairness, humanity, and accountability. This is how it should be, but sometimes, as an observer, a news reader, or a neighbour, it is hard to discern whether the news is coming from a reliable source or distorted by the writer’s prejudices.

 

In today’s world, the flow of information has never been so abundant, yet its integrity has never been questioned. The power of the internet and social media platforms has given rise to a multitude of voices, making it challenging to distinguish between facts and opinions, between genuine reporting and sensationalism.

 

News consumers and journalists have the responsibility to find the truth. This requires critical thinking and seeking out credible sources. However, it can be challenging due to biased reporting and misinformation.

 

Ethical journalism and critical news consumption are more crucial in this digital age, where information is transmitted at an unprecedented pace. By upholding the principles of ethical journalism and adopting a discerning mindset, we can navigate through the sea of information and arrive at a more informed and balanced understanding of the world around us.

Philip Oddi, a young aspiring journalist interested in poetry and short stories, is deeply committed to making a positive impact through his work. He believes in thoroughly educating himself about various social issues before attempting to educate or inform others. This approach, he feels, is integral to his personal and professional growth and to remaining true to his principles.

 

Phil’s strength lies in his exceptional listening skills, which allow him to effectively connect with people and tell their stories with empathy and accuracy. His genuine interest in continuous learning drives his passion for exploring taboo subjects and everyday life experiences, providing a unique perspective in his reporting.

 

In pursuing a career in journalism, he aims to foster open and honest conversations about important societal issues while remaining sensitive to diverse perspectives. His dedication to ethical and thoughtful journalism reflects his commitment to making a meaningful difference.

 

Philip grew up in Brantford, ON, and later moved to Kitchener, where the growing immigrant and refugee population was met with increasing discrimination. People fear what they don’t know; where there is fear; there’s hatred—observing the world around him and the unfairness with which people from different backgrounds were treated took him to dream of a change, and he found his way through journalism. After graduating from Wilfrid Laurier, he pursued further studies at York. He left feeling that the university environment wasn’t making any meaningful difference in the world; he had to think outside the box and follow his ideals.

The change Philip was seeking came when he realized that, as a journalist, he was not looking forward to speaking for the people; he wished to enhance their voices, as we say, giving a voice to those who usually are not heard.

 

One of his interests is caring for social issues like racism, religious matters, and minorities. Philip is currently working on a research project open to the community. To potentially influence significant new changes in the future by taking his research to big networks or simply sharing it in his blog. His project involves finding individuals in the Hawkesbury, Ontario and Lachute, Québec regions who would be interested in sharing their experiences before, during, and after the COVID-19 Pandemic regarding religion/religious experiences. This can include how your religious beliefs/values have changed, how you adapted your religious traditions/rituals, or your religious take on COVID events. Importantly, the project is not limited to these specific topics, welcoming a diverse range of experiences.

 

As Philip is currently learning French, interviews would need to be conducted in English. However, if you are a French speaker and have access to someone who can act as an English translator, you are welcome to reach out as well! The journalist initially planned to host interviews in person but can make accommodations when necessary to ensure a comfortable and inclusive experience for all participants.

 

if you want to check out Philip’s blog, you can go ahead and follow this link

https://philipoddi.wordpress.com/

If you are interested in participating in his research, you can contact him here:

https://philipoddi.wordpress.com/contact-me/

Or email to:

[email protected]