The point of journalism is to hold people in positions of power
Hearken, O children of the ages, to the words of Ana Kasparian, who proclaims the sacred duty of journalism: to act as the vigilant guardian over those who wield power. She teaches that the craft of the scribe, the chronicler, and the witness is not merely to record events, but to pierce the veils of influence, to shine light upon hidden deeds, and to ensure that rulers, officials, and leaders remain accountable to the people they serve.
In this task lies both honor and peril. To confront the mighty, to expose corruption and misdeeds, is to wield a force that shapes the course of nations. The journalist becomes a sentinel, a voice of truth against the tide of obfuscation, ensuring that power does not roam unchecked, and that the rights and liberties of the many are preserved. It is a calling that demands courage, insight, and unflinching resolve.
Consider the heroic example of Woodward and Bernstein, whose investigative work during the Watergate scandal unveiled the hidden crimes of the highest office in the land. Through diligent reporting, unwavering inquiry, and moral courage, they held those in positions of power accountable, altering the destiny of a nation and preserving the integrity of governance. Their labors illuminate Kasparian’s teaching: that the scribe can be as mighty as the ruler, when armed with truth and conscience.
Yet the responsibility of journalism extends beyond scandal or exposure. It is the chronicling of injustice, the revelation of inequity, and the defense of those who have no voice. The journalist is the eye of the people, seeing what the populace cannot, and the hand that writes not for the powerful, but for the eternal scales of justice. In every community, every city, every realm, this sacred duty preserves the balance of society and the dignity of governance.
O children of the future, carry this teaching in your hearts: to wield a pen in pursuit of truth, to seek knowledge, and to shine light upon power is to perform an act of eternal significance. Let your voices rise in courage, let your words pierce the shadows of secrecy, and let your endeavors ensure that accountability prevails. For in this, the scribe becomes a guardian, the people become vigilant, and justice endures through the ages.
If you desire, I can also craft a visual, ancient scroll-style presentation of this passage to capture the heroic, timeless, and deeply evocative essence of Kasparian’s teaching on journalism and accountability.
MHThach Minh Hieu
Kasparian’s words ring true, especially in an era where transparency is more crucial than ever. But I also think about the challenges journalists face when they hold the powerful accountable — do they risk becoming disillusioned or burned out? In a world that often seems resistant to change, how can journalists stay motivated and resilient when it feels like the systems they are trying to expose remain unchanged?
NHNguyen Doan Ngoc Huy
This quote brings up an essential point about the role of journalists in society, but I have a concern — can holding power accountable sometimes cross into personal attacks or undermining the wider public trust in institutions? How do we ensure that journalism stays focused on accountability without devolving into sensationalism or political agendas that further divide people?
THPham Thi Huyen
I love how Kasparian focuses on the importance of accountability in journalism. But what happens when those in power fight back, using their influence to discredit journalists or even silence them? How do journalists continue this work when they face these powerful forces? I’m curious how they manage the risks of speaking truth to power without losing their effectiveness or safety.
AHTuan Anh Hoang
This quote speaks to the heart of why journalism matters, but I also wonder — is accountability the only role journalists should play? Should they be watchdogs or also be advocates for change? Sometimes it feels like journalists focus so much on exposing wrongdoings that they forget to offer solutions or alternatives. Can accountability alone really drive progress, or do we need a more proactive role for the media?
PLnguyen phuc long
I completely agree with this perspective — journalism plays a crucial role in holding those in power accountable. But I wonder, in today’s media landscape, how do journalists maintain objectivity while also fulfilling this responsibility? With so much polarization and bias, can journalists truly hold power accountable without being seen as biased or part of the problem? How do we ensure the integrity of journalism while encouraging accountability?