The difficulty in creating journalist pieces (especially audio) is making them timely. The fact that this piece was created in 2002 and can still resonate in the year 2008 makes the piece as a whole even more engaging.
The use of poetry brings a fresh new perspective to the story. The choice of words, the speed of the poet made the story come alive.
The layers of an actual story of people in Oakland's concern about the violence and the Romeo and Juliet retelling gives the and unconventional method of story telling that isn't used a lot by main stream radio.
Producers did a very well in going back and forth in between the two parts of the story. There was no jarring awkward moments and the piece ran together very smoothly.
The only thing I would have done different is have had the poet read a little slower during certain parts, the poetry is so rich and detailed you want to be able to hear every word before he moves on to the next word/words. But that was only in a few cases during the piece.
This piece pulls the listener through the story
in the most engaging way - it uses so many elements
to tell this story! On the scene
interviews, a beautiful poem, allegory, and personal stories
all capture this modern tragedy in an artistic piece
of journalism.
i listen to probably once a week, at the least and can recite most of it (well what i can understand). I love how it's like a song. And I love the story line/plot line. This is an amazing piece that I envy. I love the ending where the producer says "peace" so quietly that you don't notice it until after listening to it mutiple times.
The story’s topic is unfortunately becoming more and more of a problem in our world. The piece’s modern twist on Romeo & Juliet brings our generation’s problem into focus. The first things that hit you are the rhymes of a poet, the perfect way to complement Shakespeare. His words are serious as well as comical, even bringing our slang under the microscope. The interviews are real and detailed, and strike us with its intense drama. It basically mixes a poetry slam with a soap-opera, which only emphasizes this story's seriousness even more. This well structured piece would be a great collection to any radio station's playlist.
First of all I love the poem that speaks throughout the entire piece, although it has a very sad ending. This piece is somewhat inspiring but it is moreso informational because it let's listeners know from a teen perspective how they view their community. I find it very unfortunate how often teens and youth are killed because of gang or drug related violence. I'm hoping that someone who is listening out there in California really listens and is inspired to do something about the situation. One line that really got me was when one of the girls said, "It's like we kinda lost our generation."
the truth in the poets voice,
Lets us rejoice
at hearing stories while others act out eh roles of choice.
Its not fair, it aint pretty. But aint it a pity that one whose blessed by god to be smart, hot and witty get shot down by yet another stray bulllet.
History repeats tself, repeats itself, repeats itself.
Oakland Scenes: Snapshots of a Community is a is a tragic look at a youth homicide in Oakland, California. It's poetic style sheds light on a new prospective surrounding this tragic issue and is a proud representation of youth radio across the nation.
The next time I hear someone say that public radio can't innovate while maintaining its Core Values, I'm going to make them listen to this piece.
I've heard this piece before (on Weekend Edition?). Every time I hear it--it has the same effect: I am sucked in, teleported to the streets of Oakland, and the rest of the world seems suddenly unimportant and small.
When I hear a story like this, I want to drop down on my knees and thank God that I get to work in the same industry as these kids and have an opportunity to offer their efforts to my listeners.
Innovative, provocative, inspirational. This is an amazing piece of work; an accolade-laden review can never do it justice. Listen.
Comments for Oakland Scenes: Snapshots of a Community
Produced by Youth Radio
Other pieces by Youth Radio
Rating Summary
10 comments
Eming Piansay
Posted on November 14, 2008 at 07:34 AM | Permalink
Review of Oakland Scenes: Snapshots of a Community
The difficulty in creating journalist pieces (especially audio) is making them timely. The fact that this piece was created in 2002 and can still resonate in the year 2008 makes the piece as a whole even more engaging.
The use of poetry brings a fresh new perspective to the story. The choice of words, the speed of the poet made the story come alive.
The layers of an actual story of people in Oakland's concern about the violence and the Romeo and Juliet retelling gives the and unconventional method of story telling that isn't used a lot by main stream radio.
Producers did a very well in going back and forth in between the two parts of the story. There was no jarring awkward moments and the piece ran together very smoothly.
The only thing I would have done different is have had the poet read a little slower during certain parts, the poetry is so rich and detailed you want to be able to hear every word before he moves on to the next word/words. But that was only in a few cases during the piece.
As a whole, the piece stands well on its own.
Mary Rose Madden
Posted on July 25, 2008 at 07:30 AM | Permalink
Review of Oakland Scenes: Snapshots of a Community
This piece pulls the listener through the story
in the most engaging way - it uses so many elements
to tell this story! On the scene
interviews, a beautiful poem, allegory, and personal stories
all capture this modern tragedy in an artistic piece
of journalism.
jane dorch
Posted on July 11, 2006 at 07:31 AM | Permalink
Review of Oakland Scenes: Snapshots of a Community
Really inventive blend of poetry and documentary. Reminds me that sky's the limit on radio format these days. Thanks!
Johanna Greenberg
Posted on March 12, 2006 at 08:42 AM | Permalink
Review of Oakland Scenes: Snapshots of a Community
I am in love with this piece.
i listen to probably once a week, at the least and can recite most of it (well what i can understand). I love how it's like a song. And I love the story line/plot line. This is an amazing piece that I envy. I love the ending where the producer says "peace" so quietly that you don't notice it until after listening to it mutiple times.
This is just an all-around amazing piece.
James Thomson
Posted on October 13, 2005 at 07:43 AM | Permalink
Review of Oakland Scenes: Snapshots of a Community
I heard this on the radio last night (91.7) and it was amazing. Many thanks to the author. It was awesome.
Thanks,
-James
Carlos Maeda
Posted on September 30, 2005 at 01:55 PM | Permalink
Review of Oakland Scenes: Snapshots of a Community
The story’s topic is unfortunately becoming more and more of a problem in our world. The piece’s modern twist on Romeo & Juliet brings our generation’s problem into focus. The first things that hit you are the rhymes of a poet, the perfect way to complement Shakespeare. His words are serious as well as comical, even bringing our slang under the microscope. The interviews are real and detailed, and strike us with its intense drama. It basically mixes a poetry slam with a soap-opera, which only emphasizes this story's seriousness even more. This well structured piece would be a great collection to any radio station's playlist.
sasha smith
Posted on August 08, 2005 at 03:01 PM | Permalink
Review of Oakland Scenes: Snapshots of a Community
First of all I love the poem that speaks throughout the entire piece, although it has a very sad ending. This piece is somewhat inspiring but it is moreso informational because it let's listeners know from a teen perspective how they view their community. I find it very unfortunate how often teens and youth are killed because of gang or drug related violence. I'm hoping that someone who is listening out there in California really listens and is inspired to do something about the situation. One line that really got me was when one of the girls said, "It's like we kinda lost our generation."
Roland Ramos
Posted on March 01, 2005 at 06:12 AM | Permalink
Review of Oakland Scenes: Snapshots of a Community
the truth in the poets voice,
Lets us rejoice
at hearing stories while others act out eh roles of choice.
Its not fair, it aint pretty. But aint it a pity that one whose blessed by god to be smart, hot and witty get shot down by yet another stray bulllet.
History repeats tself, repeats itself, repeats itself.
Emily LaFond
Posted on February 28, 2005 at 12:31 PM | Permalink
Review of Oakland Scenes: Snapshots of a Community
Oakland Scenes: Snapshots of a Community is a is a tragic look at a youth homicide in Oakland, California. It's poetic style sheds light on a new prospective surrounding this tragic issue and is a proud representation of youth radio across the nation.
Eric Nuzum
Posted on October 09, 2003 at 06:47 AM | Permalink
Review of Oakland Scenes: Snapshots of a Community
I've heard this piece before (on Weekend Edition?). Every time I hear it--it has the same effect: I am sucked in, teleported to the streets of Oakland, and the rest of the world seems suddenly unimportant and small.
When I hear a story like this, I want to drop down on my knees and thank God that I get to work in the same industry as these kids and have an opportunity to offer their efforts to my listeners.
Innovative, provocative, inspirational. This is an amazing piece of work; an accolade-laden review can never do it justice. Listen.