I Think: Many journalists are puppets in the hands of people in power
Gertrude J Morris, writer, Kochi
Fear! Being a mother of three daughters, and a grandmother of five girls, just as a human being — I am afraid. I forced myself to change my habit of reading the newspaper in the morning just for the sake of my mental health. A day without a news report on rape and sexual violence has become a dream for me. Will I be able to close my eyes and experience that day?
Some media houses are the mouthpieces of certain political parties. They can go to the extent of even crucifying the rape victim if the suspected culprit is from their own political party. This is what happens if a pillar of the democracy is owned by certain interest groups. This deadly combination shouldn’t be entertained.
If I were a journalist, I would never inject my personal feelings into the news I am reporting, especially when it comes to rape and sexual violence. Journalists are only supposed to inform people about facts, and strictly nothing beyond that. They should put out the truth as it is and let the people decide the rest.
But at the same time, I realise that journalists are sometimes helpless. They are just puppets in the hands of people in power. However, this scenario should not deter budding young minds who would like to take up journalism as a career. To them I’d say — take it as a challenge, take it as a responsibility. Speak up! The world is looking out for a change, and let it be you! There should be more women in the journalism field.
