Why We Need More Brave Journalists
Start writing a post
Student Life

Why We Need More Brave Journalists

We don't need more entertainment, we don't need more PR. We need substance.

457
Why We Need More Brave Journalists
QuoteFancy

His name is Anas Aremeyaw Anas. Born in Ghana in the late 1970s, he’s as much a legend as he is a myth. His career: journalism. His philosophy: name, shame and jail.

The type of journalism Anas lives and breathes is not what Americans are used to. It’s not taught in classrooms and on the rare occasion we stumble upon it, we quickly move past it. Anas has spent his life, or rather risking his life, going undercover to expose corruptness and social injustices in Africa. It’s a dangerous task, certainly not one for the faint hearted.

Anas has taken it upon himself to shed light on issues that are otherwise getting overlooked. With undercover cameras, he collects evidence about wrongdoing and uses his investigative journalism to benefit society.

A community that murdered babies with deformities. Another that chopped up Albino children for concoctions, claiming they were ‘unfit’ for society. A brutally corrupt prison system, where it’s easier to get cocaine and heroin than it is outside of prison.

Governments cannot do anything about these problems, and so many others like it, without any evidence. Anas provides them with evidence.

In a recent TED Talk, Anas boldly claimed, “Journalism is about results. It’s about effecting your community or society in the most progressive way.”

Anas has a valid point. We don’t need another journalist to cover the Super Bowl or to analyze Taylor Swift’s love life. And as clever as they are, we don’t need more “40 Things To Do When You Don’t Want To Study” articles. Entertainment will only take us, as a society, so far.

What we need now is more brave journalists. Journalists who are willing to face corruption and injustice head on and refuse to back down until the depravity is vanquished. What we need are journalists who don’t want to simply entertain, but who actually want to make a difference in this world.

It’s understandable why not many young journalists aren't chomping at the bit for this type of career. After all, it’s incredibly dangerous work. Anas lives with his face covered, as anything otherwise would mean death. But we must also remember what good stems from this line of journalism.

Remember the Panama Papers? Millions of leaked documents revealing fraud and deceit around the world. But it’s how the journalists handled those documents that is truly amazing. Investigative journalism thrives on secrecy, but for the Panama Papers, over 350 journalists representing 25 different languages came together for the largest document leak the world has ever known as well as the largest journalistic collaboration in history.

For months, these journalists shared with work with each other while hiding it from the public. Then, together, they published their work simultaneously on April 3 at 8 p.m. German time in 76 countries.

The world was shocked. Leaders fell. Companies destroyed.

That, dear readers, is journalism at its finest. It’s having an impact, it’s putting the greater good above all else. It’s making a difference. That’s journalism, and we need more journalists who believe in that.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

107407
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments