I loved the fireside chat between Twitter’s Niketa Patel and Maria Elena Salinas so much, I wanted to share these powerful quotes by Maria Elena Salinas, American Media Icon, who was interviewed by Twitter’s Niketa Patel at #ONA20
If you’re Latina and grew up in the United States, you know who Maria Elena Salinas is. She was in our living rooms growing up, every night. We grew up with her, she was in our living rooms every night.
When I saw that Maria Elena Salinas was going to be a speaker at the Online News Association’s conference this year I was SO excited. I think as Latinas we are not often used to seeing ourselves in “mainstream” events… so when I saw the title her panel, American Media ICON, I SAID YEEEES!
Excited for today’s programming at #ONA20! And SUPER excited to see the words “American media icon” next to @MariaESalinas’ name!! #latinas pic.twitter.com/h2f8zCljmC
— Diana #vote2020 (@dianalimongi) October 6, 2020
Powerful Quotes by Maria Elena Salinas
I want to give a shout out to ONA for bringing in truly diverse voices to ONA20, and for highlighting a variety of experiences during the conference. Maria Elena had some great insight on being a journalist, on consuming news in a 24/7 news cycle, on the Latinx community in the United States, and on the 2020 election.
I loved the conversation Sr. News Partnerships Manager of Twitter, Niketa Patel, had with María Elena Salinas, a truly legendary journalist news anchor.
Here are my favorite quotes by Maria Elena Salinas, a Latina that, like ONA has said, is a true American Media Icon, from her fireside chat at #ONA20.
On the power of journalists…
“A misinformed or under-informed society is very vulnerable to the abuse of those in power. So let’s remember we are the only filter between those in power and those they are trying to reach or those they are trying to control, so we can’t let anybody intimidate us.”
On the Latino vote…
The Latino vote is not monolithic, the Latino community is extremely diverse.
Their issues are similar to what everyone is concerned with.
The coverage is going to improve once both the politicians and media acknowledge our existence in this country, and the integral part that we play in this country.
On journalists of color…
“Journalists of colors need to continue to press their management on these type of stories.” (like family separation)
We must constantly use our voices and raise our hand to remind them how important these stories are.
The perspective that a journalist of color can provide, or at least help as background. Your own experience as a member of that community certainly does help give some perspective and context to that story.
On misinformation on social media…
“One of the biggest problems we are facing is misinformation of the community, esp. the older community,
The younger generation needs to be reminding people and educating them on what is true and what is not true.
You have to explain it to them, and provide the correct information.”
On the 2020 election…
“This is the most consequential election of our time… there is so much at stake. And our voice needs to be heard and we cannot allow for misinformation about the candidates about the integrity of this election to stop us from exercising our right to vote.”
On voting…
“When you are able to vote, and you don’t, you don’t have the moral authority to complain.
If you want to complain, you’d better go vote.”
Let’s get out there. Everyone please go out and vote.
On stress and emotional stability:
“If you cannot function emotionally, if you live under a constant state of stress, you will not be able to do your professional functions, your work to the best of your abilities and you will end up hurting yourself and your family.”
Sleep well.
Take care of yourself.
Take vitamins.
Exercise.”
READ RELATED: BUSINESS AND LIFE WISDOM AT BLOGHER18.
You can check out Maria Elena’s reporting on how the COVID19 crisis has affected Latinox here:
