Ep 8. The Stories Continue...
- December 4, 2011
- 41 min
The Stories Continue... is the eighth episode of the second season of Our America with Lisa Ling. In this episode, Ling follows up on some of the most compelling stories from previous episodes of the show. She revisits the people and communities she has met along the way and hears how their lives have changed since they were last on camera.
One of the stories Ling revisits is that of a young transgender girl named Jazz who she first met in season one. Ling checks in with Jazz and her family to see how they are coping with the challenges they face as a transgender family. Jazz shares her thoughts on what it is like to be a teenager and also the pressures and discrimination that she experiences as a transgender individual.
Another story Ling follows up on is that of the Amish community in Ohio who were dealing with the aftermath of a string of beard-cutting attacks. Ling returns to the community to see how they are rebuilding and readjusting after such a traumatic event. She talks to community members about the impact the events had on them and how they are working towards forgiveness and healing.
Ling also reconnects with the Braverman family from season one who were struggling to make ends meet while juggling multiple jobs. She checks in on how they are managing their finances and whether they have been able to turn their financial struggles around.
The episode also features a new segment where Ling profiles a group of female veterans who are struggling to adjust to civilian life after serving in the military. She explores the unique challenges they face and talks to them about their experiences and the support they need to get back on their feet.
Throughout the episode, Ling also shares insights into what it is like to be a journalist covering these kinds of stories. She reflects on the role of the media in telling stories of marginalized communities, the striving to be objective, and also the sense of responsibility that comes with being a journalist.
Overall, The Stories Continue... is a poignant and thought-provoking episode that revisits some of the most memorable stories from Our America with Lisa Ling. With Ling's honest and compassionate approach to reporting, the episode offers a fresh perspective on stories that are often overlooked by traditional media outlets. It is not just another episode but it is an affirmation of how these stories become so powerful that they continue to inspire even after the cameras stop rolling.
