History
As a journalist, I often cover events. Sometimes at these events, I meet interesting people. And have interesting discussions. One thing came up today about history.
I won’t go into too much detail on the discussion. Except to say that not all versions of historical events are the same. It’s often said that history is written by the victors. So, that version tends to be either the watered-down version or some subjects have been avoided.
In my job, I strive to be honest in my work. Yes, I am writing from someone else’s perspective. But if the subject is controversial, it always helps to provide a different or opposing perspective. That way there is a balance of points of view. Sometimes, the truth is hard to hear. Or it’s unpalatable. But that doesn’t mean we should shy away from it.
That’s why I feel that when recording historical events, we should have a balance of perspectives. Both from the victor and the loser. Or someone neutral. Because sometimes those who claim to be the victors may not tell the whole truth. They may have done something which might make their ‘victory’ less so. That’s no reason to shy away from it.
Journalists are often the record-keepers of history. When looking into historic events, we often study old newspaper articles as the best record of what happened. Thus as journalists, I believe there is a certain sense of responsibility to ensure both sides of the story are told. For the sake of those who may be reading those stories years later.
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