Jacqui Banaszynski's "Six Paths to Story" outlines the multiple approaches a writer can take when contemplating how to structure their story. She outlines six paths in particular that a writer can take to present their information, or story, in a striking manner.
The following are two articles that follow on one of Banaszynski's paths:
1.) Issues and Trend Stories
New shopper for First Lady's fashion-The Washington Post
The fashion crowd has largely taken noticed of first lady Michelle Obama's satorial choices since President Obama entered the race in 2008. Fashion critics from every form of media have meticulously followed and analyzed Mrs. Obama's fashion. But with her recent choice to wear a British designer, the late Alexander McQueen, to the State dinner made Lady Obama supporters uneasy. This article from the Washington Post discusses what changes Obama-fashion devotees can expect with her popular stylist from Chicago, Ikram Goldman, turning over the reigns to one of Mrs. Obama's assistants. This fits into the issues and trends stories category because it discusses not only the first lady's role as trendsetter on a global stage but also what her satorial choices reflect about our country and how one of her assistants has now taken over the job of a skilled stylist with a certain trusted taste level.
2.) Issues and Trend Stories
Oscar Wins Considered Questionable
With the Academy Awards airing in less than four hours, viewers will be tunning into to see if their favorites stars win their well earned and deserved recognition for their exceptional contributions to film this year. Or, for some, just watching the red carpet to see the glitz and glamour. This story, also from The Washington Post, discusses the Oscars seemingly favoritism towards actors who have gained or lost weigh in order to give more authentic, visceral portrayal of their character. This articles falls into the issues and trend stories category because it discusses the habits of the Academy, over a period of time, in selecting the winners of the acting world's most prestigious award.
Check out all of Banaszynski's paths here.
I agree that the two articles you've chosen do fit in the issues and trends category. Michelle Obama's fashion has been a hot topic since the start (and even before)Barack Obama's presidency. Several stories have been written about Mrs. Obama's fashion. That reporters have been writing about her fashion statements non-stop for years confirms that it is trend that likely won't end anytime soon.
ReplyDeleteI am not sure if the Michelle Obama wardrobe article constitutes as a trend story. I interpreted Banaszynski's "trend" to mean, a growing trend or issue such as gun control or gay marriage rights. I did enjoy the article, however. I think it's pretty interesting how people put so much emphasis on what the First Lady wears on her back.
ReplyDeleteI agree that both articles belong in this category, but I do think you could have added a little more variety. Although your characterizations are direct and accurate I would recommend finding more articles that are outside of the issues and trends piece. In doing so you can still adhere to the articles you are most interested in. For example the Michelle Obama piece could also be made to an explanatory piece in that it notes how Mrs. Obama's fashion has evolved and what provoked the evolution.
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