Op-ed writing gives us the chance to delve into an issue we’re passionate about and illuminate its importance for our readers. It’s a powerful genre—with new research revealing the op-ed really does change people’s minds. This month, we were honored to have writer, advocate and activist Dr. Anita Heiss with us. As our Guest Judge, Dr. Heiss offered invaluable advice on how to write an op-ed capable of catalyzing change. And today, after considering your compelling arguments, Dr. Heiss is eager to share her picks for Best Entry, Runner Up and Best Peer Review! Read on for her commentary on these original works.
We want to send a special thanks to the Journalism Education Association for collaborating with us on this competition and for their commitment to helping young writers find their voice through journalism.
From Dr. Heiss:
BEST ENTRY
“The Danger of Ethnic Categorization at the U.S. – Mexican Border” by echoe720 (US)
This op-ed captured my attention and interest immediately. The first paragraph set the pace and tone for the text that followed, with a brief history lesson and reminder as to why people actually flee their home countries. The piece quickly raised the issue and role that language can play in denying individuals and communities their identities, by simply being categorized as one group, in this context, as ‘Latinos’. The underlying call to action was that each of us as global citizens need to be aware of the role we can play in making our own nations more inclusive, simply by taking the time to learn and understand the diversity of those within our communities. Thank you!
RUNNER UP
“Being a Sikh in America” by skyrider (US)
This Op Ed spoke to my heart. It made me feel empathetic and sad hearing of stereotypes and prescriptions for Sikh identity, while learning of the personal experiences of the author and her family. Making the reader feel something is powerful writing. A reader who feels will remember what they read. The personal was supplemented with statistics about what Americans believe Sikhism to be. This data was gobsmackingly embarrassing to this reader. An important Op Ed about answering the challenge of whether or not you must choose one identity over the other. Well done.
BEST PEER REVIEW
luluwrites111’s (US) review of “Ninety-Six People” by Madelyn_Catharine
This was my clear winner as the reviewer stuck to the brief, was succinct in her appraisal of the article, offered some suggestions on improvement as well as a recommended reading at the end. Congratulations.