Just journalism

By Raqueza Lalangan

THIS is my moment! Writing for a newspaper has always been a dream. Journalism really fascinates me! It started from a lathalain titled Nang dahil sa Balat ng Saging (and bwala! Lumevel up na!). My strengths are actually social sciences. I also think that I don’t write well but still let me give you pieces of my mind about journalism.

I started liking journalism when I discovered that I can express my feelings, ideas, and opinions through writing. I always failed to unravel all these using my mouth because I was afraid that when I say them, people would label me weird, dork, freak, and lunatic. I always liked confining myself in my own world, and writing became my form of escapism when I don’t want the world I’m in.

This selfish view towards journalism didn’t last. I knew very well that many people need help and also a lot of officials are corrupt. These questions continuously haunt me: What can I do for them and how can I make those corrupt officials accountable to the people? I gave up searching for an answer, not knowing that it is already right in my hand. Journalism it is!

This is not just journalism. What is needed is a just journalism—one that tells the truth but equally respects the rights of all people regardless of status, class, gender, age, race, religion, and beliefs. Aanhin natin ang kasinungalingan kung mayroon namang katotohanan? (Agay la tan ey!) Though I am young and still lack knowledge and wisdom about this world, I know how I can help in establishing the truth.

As a journalist, I promised myself to write only the truth (which means with bases and evidences). I am writing specifically to pursue women and youth welfare. Women perform indispensable roles in society. The youth are exuberant, talented, intelligent. I am not saying these just because I am a woman and a youth. I am already tired of the abuses and blames women and youth suffer. It is the beliefs, biases, labels, structures, and judgments that set the problem and not the women and youth themselves. This is what is most important! I am writing to glorify my God, Jesus. I stand resilient, confident, and humble for this journalism I know.

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