Harris Faulkner, the prominent Fox News anchor, recently graced Southern University’s campus to inspire ROTC cadets during their Day of Honor. Faulkner's visit was more than just another media appearance; it mirrored her commitment to service, culminating in the prestigious Chancellor’s Award for Excellence and Lifetime Achievement.
Set against the backdrop of Louisiana's sunny skies, Faulkner took to the stage to remind young cadets of the humanity behind military uniforms. "But I think what the public misses is... they are human beings going to fight in our honor and protection," she remarked, encouraging the cadets to embrace their roles beyond mere duty.
During her address, Faulkner highlighted personal stories, like those shared by Cadet Aaliyah Ware, who recounted her experiences during hurricane relief. "I felt like I was helping out my community, like this is what I signed up to do," Aaliyah said, illustrating the transformative commitments of future military leaders.
The visit also served as a platform for Faulkner to touch upon the challenges and motivations behind enlisting. Many cadets expressed being inspired by family legacies and dreams shaped by military service, emphasizing growth through structured life. Cadet Terrance Banks spoke passionately about the military not just being about war, but about developing leadership skills and character.
Meanwhile, Faulkner's opinions aren’t confined to military affairs. Recently, during interviews, she didn’t shy away from addressing her competition, particularly those on ABC's 'The View.' Following her show, 'The Faulkner Focus,' surpassing 'The View' in ratings for the first time—averaging 2.552 million viewers compared to 'The View's' 2.508 million—she pointedly critiqued her rivals.
Faulkner remarked, "On The View, there is this sort of, shout it, cuss it, do whatever you gotta do to get a little more attention around the hot topics," emphasizing there’s too much noise and not enough sincerity. She painted 'The View' as combatative, contrasting it with her show's live format, which she boasted allows for diverse expressions and genuine discussions.
Adding fuel to the fire, Faulkner criticized co-host Sunny Hostin, stating, "I've seen Sunny Hostin read so many apologies... That’s dicey,” highlighting her concerns about the vitriol and contentiousness on 'The View.' Her comments resonate with the audience still processing the latest political discussions, characterized by polarizing figures and heated exchanges.
Faulkner's dual engagement at Southern University and her media critiques showcase her multifaceted role as not just a journalist but as someone committed to uplifting future leaders.
Harris Faulkner, born to Lt. Col. Bobby Harris, connects deeply with her military roots. Her upbringing instills not just her profession but also the values she shares with the cadets: balance, discipline, and the unwavering spirit to serve. She affirms the importance of HBCUs, particularly Southern University, contributing significantly to military recruitment efforts, which face their own set of challenges today.
During her visit, Faulkner observed, "It’s important because it helps with time management and builds leadership skills," alluding to how the ROTC program trains students for life beyond military service. With declining military recruitment numbers noted at 23% among youth, Faulkner underscored the importance of institutions like Southern University, historically known for their impactful ROTC programs.
These discussions about leadership, responsibility, and the human aspect of military service blend seamlessly with Faulkner's critiques of media competitors. The future of journalism entwined with military values seems to be her trademark path forward, championing balanced perspectives amid increasingly polarized discussions.
Indeed, what Faulkner’s recent engagements teach not only the cadets but also the viewers of media is the importance of humanizing narratives beneath the headlines. Her vibrant discourse at Southern University and pointed remarks about media strategies serve to ignite dialogue around the pressing issues today.