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.