The Fabricated Journalist
A Reflection on Shattered Glass: The Movie
“And see what
happens when greatness demands you?”. The quotable line that made story about
Stephen Glass who was a journalist in the New Republic and fabricated many of
his published stories.
To give you my insights on the story of Stephen Glass, let
me keep in view of the following three major points that made an impact to me
the most:
First, as a news receiver, I have
reminded that we should be smart in choosing news programs and broadsheets that
are credible and reliable in the field of reporting whether in print and/or
broadcast. Always ask the validity of the reports being presented in such a way
that you will be watching different news programs and compare how they deliver
the same news. Is there an information that has been said to one network that
has not been discussed to another? Although it is very obvious that we are
passive type of audience (unless you are a media critics), we tend to ignore
the truth-value of the news. Imagine how great would be the impact of
fabricated stories to the audience. Truly, media is a deception point of
fantasy and reality.
Second, as a mass communication
student, I doubt whether there is someone who is like ‘Stephen Glass’ in our
media industry. It is the media’s role to ferret out the truth for public’s
sake but what if he who shall investigate anomaly is being investigated in
suspicion with his own credibility as news presenter. Just like in the movie,
when the New Republic editor’s Chuck himself conducted a thorough investigation
from Glass’ story entitled “Hack Heaven”, I thought that it is not only your
own reputation that is being messed up, but also the image of the institution
where you work.
Third, as ‘Stephen Glass’ myself,
fame is a fantasy that most of us ever wished for. Every time you are being
recognized as a ‘someone else’ who is very important and very interesting, a
chocolate in one’s ear, huh? If I was Glass, I’d rather focus on doing
fantasy-themed stories which aligns my passion. The journalist should always be
dedicated to do his work not for himself but for public’s sake.
‘And see what happens when greatness
demands you?’
It only means that when the principles
of calling and the desire of own’s interest meet to the point of uncertainty,
expect that you will be shaken to do the honor of your professionalism. You can’t
easily take up your dignity once it was lost. It changes your life as a whole. When
greatness demands you, you choose between reputation and fantasy-themed life. And
as a future journalist, I will always be reminded of Glass as a fabricated
journalist.