I’m sure you’ve seen the headlines by now in your Twitter stream, but here’s a story from Time about reporter Marie Colvin and photojournalist Rémi Ochlik. Syria has become a very dangerous place to do journalism, and Colvin had already lost an eye in another conflict. Still, she kept at it because she thought it was more important to “bear witness” than to stay home, safe.
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It truly amazes me the dedication that “conflict journalists” have to their job. They are not soldiers. They were not commanded to go into the line of fire. And yet, they feel it is their duty to do so. They feel an obligation to the people they represent through their writing to tell the story of what is going on in a conflict, no matter the danger. As a quote by Colvin eloquently put it in the story, “Our mission is to speak the truth to power. We send home that first rough draft of history.” That quote resonated with me in particular, because I have never thought of journalism from a historical perspective like that. Colvin made it her duty to report on the Syrian conflict, and provide the information that will help shape the history of it.
Stories like this always make me wonder what about journalism attracts me. The idea of going into a war zone or conflict area to tell people what is going on or the injustices faced by others appeals to me. I see the benefit in sharing information about what needs to be done in these areas. However, I am not sure how anyone would want to do share that information enough to risk their lives. If I do actually continue with journalism after graduation, this is something I know I will have to consider.
I’ve always been interested in the sort of “conflict journalism” that these two courageous people have done their entire lives. I’m interested in international news and I’d like to get up close and personal with hard news. I’ve always been aware of the great risks of walking straight into danger zones and these terrible losses only put it all into greater perspective.
I don’t know how journalists are able to go into such dangerous situations with the reassurance of their writing. It is truly terrifying to me to think that I would have to go to a place like Syria to write. But it is because of journalists like these that we have the news that we have. It takes a commitment to journalism that I am afraid that I don’t have at this point. I had never considered going to a place like Syria to write what I want to write. Does this mean that I am not a true journalist at this point in my career?
I don’t know if going to a place like Syria to write is ever in the cards for me, but I think it is admirable. I am proud to be in a profession that is able to make a difference. This reminds me of a play I saw recently – “Time Stands Still” at Berlin Theatre. This play is about a was photographer and a war journalist returning home to New York after serious injury. I think whether something tragic happens or not, there are scars that come with witnessing war.
I certainly commend those reporters who are willing to put their lives on the line. I don’t know if I’d have the courage, but I hope that if the opportunity comes my way I won’t be afraid to live up to these reporters’ legacies.
Not every reporter will be able to report abroad, but every reporter can strive to bring stories that wouldn’t otherwise be heard into the public discussion.