There’s this misconception, it seems, that writers are no longer important to our world’s function. In a hurting economy, you’d be a fool to peruse a career as out of reach and of low importance as a Journalist. Right? I’d like to take you all for a short journey into what life would be like if we completely rid ourselves of these busy-body information spewers.
- Suddenly the world seems kinder.
You can take a trip to the grocery store without learning that people are dying and that companys are going under. If there are news papers, they’re letting you know what’s on sale, what’s happening locally and who recently passed away in the obituary section. Who says ignorance can’t be bliss for a community participant?
- We become generally baffled.
Gas prices are mysteriously ten cents higher than yesterday. Milk is up a dollar. It’s seemingly impossible to find a minimum wage job. McDonalds are becoming McCafes. Nobody knows why.
- We become paranoid.
“Conspiracy theory” stops being a term because basically everything has become complete conspiracy. “What aren’t they telling us?!” is the underlying question on everyone’s mind when it comes to the small shifts in economics, ethics and law restrictions. Facebook is even more of a constant whine-bank than it is now. Elders are jumping off bridges because the american way has somehow lost control, and they have no explaination.
- Multi-million dollar news rooms sign papers with the government.
The only “news” we have is presented by big fancy studios, and the stories are chosen by authorities or politicians. The government (yes this has happened before) is funding these news corporations to keep the american spirit booming with or without truth. During wars, we feel like winners. During unemployment, we are winners. During massacre, genocide or injustices overseas, we are winners.
- Huge news is delayed.
- People become either blindly obedient or completely non-trusting.
Because journalism is the #1 most important aspect of democracy.
THE BIG IDEA.
Journalism is often referred to as the people’s “watch-dog”. Without multiple means of information, there would be no medium of voice or freedom of speech. Journalism is never going to be something the people don’t need.When we have lost our jobs, many opportunities, money and power, what we need is our voice. A country can not thrive without Journalism. Journalism is the backbone of all freedom. Journalism let’s us be true participants in the world which we live. Without it, too much power will land in the wrong hands. Without it people would suffer. Without it, people would be complacent. Education would not need to advance. The world would appear less explore-worthy. Without it, the world will never evolve into something better, and democracy would not exist.
Journalists must be passionate, strong willed people that have a devotion toward finding all truth. They are strong people that are usually under-payed and continue anyway. They must realize that their name will not be the biggest name in history, even if the story they break is.
So in honor of this extremely important aspect of our world’s progress, let us no longer claim that writing is unimportant. A journalist has the same capacity for value as a scientist. Their importance must be echoed through our generation, because until we have lost them, we are still strong.
Written in July
Patsy Powell
The Human Kaleidoscope 