Vivika_Vergara's Blog

How many times have you blurted something out at the movies or while watching TV? Why doesn't he just ask her out already! OR No you didn't just walk down that dark alley by yourself! I think we've all been there before.  But today, a photojournalist and I experienced a different sort of "one-way dialogue" while out on a story.  Just as we were about to interview someone, a woman in her car slows down, honks her horn and screams out, "This is why local news sucks!!!"  Now, if you missed something -- like WHY she felt compelled to screech this from her sedan -- we've got a similar mystery to solve.  We were on a public sidewalk, the camera wasn't pointed at anyone or anything and last time I checked, she did not stop to find out what we were doing a story on.  Had she stopped, I would've kindly told her.  I think sometimes, members of the media are walking targets for criticism.  

This isn't the first time someone's spoken their mind.  I get height comments all the time! Those I don't mind.  I'm completely fine with the fact that I only need a little over half an inch to break the "five foot barrier." :) I've even had people tell me I'm prettier in person than on TV.  Hurts to hear -- but hey, everyone's entitled to their opinion.  I'm happy with who I am.  It's the comments when someone straight up tells me, "Wow, your English is very good.  Where were you born?" or "You're really looking fat on TV," that really make me wonder, "Did they really just say that to me OUT LOUD???" Yes, we work for a news station and represent the station at all times but we are also human beings.

It's interesting, our "office" is the community.  We go out every day to gather research, compile facts, make our deadlines and like many out there, please our bosses.  Above all, we all try to find happiness on the job.  Maybe it's because our office is so public, some think that comfort in their living room extends to the streets when we meet at the grocery store, at the park or while covering the news of the day.  I'm not saying don't approach us or make comments to us because the overwhelming number of people who do come up and say hello are very kind, courteous and genuinely appreciate what our station does.  Or, they've got a story idea they'd like to share.  It's the lingering few that really leave me speechless. I've never gone to someone's work and without reason or warning, openly crticized someone for how they answered the phone, handled a meeting, prepared a dish or calculated taxes.  If I really had a beef with someone, I'd bring it to their attention and let them know why.  I understand we are all entitled to our own opinions but sometimes, I think it's good to put this friendly reminder out there: Sometimes when you open your mouth and words come out, we CAN hear you.