One of my favorite actors, Denzel Washington, recently stated,

“If you don’t read the newspaper, you’re uninformed. If you do read the newspaper, you’re misinformed. What is the long-term effect of too much information? One of the effects is the need to be first, not even to be true anymore. So what a responsibility you all have: To tell the truth, not to just be first, but to tell the truth. We live in a society now where it’s just first. Who cares? Get it out there. We don’t care who it hurts, we don’t care who we destroy, we don’t care if it’s true. Just say it, sell it. Anything you practice, you’ll get good at, including BS.”

I absolutely agree with him, not because he is an outstanding, brilliant artist, but because he is right. I got into the business of journalism simply because I wanted to tell the truth. The ethical codes, which is the bible for a journalist, is getting dismissed. Far too often stories, are being told but are lacking the concept of truth-telling and authenticity.

There’s always a negative connotation associated with being a journalist or someone involved with the media. When I inform people that I am a journalist, I receive the side-eye or a “you don’t seem like the type, you’re too nice.” I mean, can I blame them? I’m never sure how to feel about those comments, but I do know that my intention is to change the negative perspectives that journalists receive.

I used to consider journalism an art. Taking the time to get accurate information and build a story, regardless of how long it may take, giving a voice to the voiceless, and taking pride in what you’ve created is what journalism is all about. There isn’t much of that anymore.

My dad was, and still is, heavily into sports, and it played a major role in my upbringing. I specifically got into the world of sports journalism because of a few of my all-time favorite athletes: Allen Iverson and the University of Michigan Fab Five, to name a few. But these men were painted as villains and thugs. I recall watching some of the best games as a child, but the portrayal of the athletes, specifically the African-American ones, were disappointing. Granted, some of them were involved in situations that may have been questionable, but what young adult doesn’t experience hardships and tribulations in life?

Athletes, in general, should be able to speak without their words being misquoted purposefully. They should be able to tell their stories to help and encourage others and talk about their mistakes without the media repeatedly bashing them for it. They should want to talk to the media instead of having an “Oh, it’s you guys again,” attitude.

Most recently, a man by the name of Mark Hughes was falsely accused of killing five officers at a Black Lives Matter rally. Hughes was just a citizen carrying a licensed weapon when his image was released on social media by the Dallas Police Department. His name was plastered on every news and social media outlet there is. Not even the news outlets bothered to fact-check this information; they all saw it and ran with it.

Situations, as such, can cause distrust between the media and whomever. I would like for that to change in the world of sports journalism and journalism in general. There should be a mutual respect.

So in response to Washington’s comment: Anything you practice, you’ll become good at, including telling the truth.