From a young age, it was engraved into my brain that if people aren’t educated on history, it’s bound to repeat itself. I think that logic is what motivates me to pursue reporting and journalism. During my sophomore year of college, I took a media ethics class and learned more about what I believe to be morally right. Even more recently, I took a media law class where I learned the legality of reporting. Both classes stressed the importance of reporting the truth, regardless of how brutal, unbelievable or sensitive that truth may be.
Last year was the deadliest year for journalists. An estimated 129 journalists and media workers were killed, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists. It was the deadliest year since the CPJ began collecting data, more than three decades ago.
Not only are progressive voices being violently attacked, but our First Amendment rights to report, publish and investigate are no longer guaranteed. A perfect example of this is Don Lemon and Georgia Fort being arrested in late January for live streaming an anti-Immigration and Customs Enforcement protest. They were arrested for doing their job – reporting the truth.
Many people’s information on current events comes straight from news outlets, dedicated reporters and journalists. Without these sources investigating to find and report the truth, people would be left in the dark about a lot.
I personally know how draining the current news can be, but that doesn’t mean I should look away or turn an ignorant shoulder to communities, ethnic groups or anyone being personally attacked. Willful ignorance of current global issues creates a disconnection and fear amongst diverse groups.
We live in a country built on immigrants and diversity, and now people are being falsely arrested, detained and called criminals because of the color of their skin or a touch of an accent in their voice. How does that seem morally, ethically or legally right to anyone?
I know how controversial these topics are, and my goal isn’t to infuriate or offend anyone. However, I recognize the privilege I have over others simply because I am white. People have made arguments that they do not want to be informed on current events because it has nothing to do with them. The reality of the situation is that our guaranteed rights are being threatened, no matter who you are. I have been disgusted with the things done and said by the leaders of our country, and I assumed that others would be, too. When people come together, leaders are forced to listen. The proof is a Google search away, flooding our feeds and filling our newscasts. We’re not mad enough.
There is so much negative happening in the world, and I fully understand the empty pit of hopelessness it can leave in your stomach. I believe that if people were to stop thinking politically and start thinking empathetically, then a lot of issues could be solved. It’s not about picking a side or even winning an argument. It’s about educating yourself on the truth, the legal truth, the moral truth and the ethical truth. We’ve already come this far as a country – don’t let history repeat itself.
