Criticised with love

I am often asked as to why I chose to be a journalist? To many I brag about my dire desire to fulfill a childhood dream. To some others I use words like news, contact-circle and influence to make the discussion sound fascinating. But, honestly - I believe my decision to become a journalist goes far beyond those casual conversations about careers.

Sure, the media is the fourth pillar. But unlike some parts of the world, journalism in the world's seventh largest country is a whole new game. 

Journalism is one avenue that taught me how anybody and everybody is entitled to an opinion. Most of all, it taught me that you have to be thick skinned or street smart to tackle these opinions. Criticism, as many say, is often 'constructive.' Those who care criticise because it is their right and that we would take their opinions seriously so as to become at whatever we do. Those who call themselves fans of a journalist praise him/her but criticise the person the moment they flaw (even in the most insignificant manner). Those who consider themselves experienced or claim to be better at a few skills, criticise you because they feel threatened or rather cannot bear the sight of you showcasing a few precious skills. Then, there are those who criticise only because they were denied the chance to be a journalist and will look down upon any achievement of yours - even if you are internationally acclaimed.

Now, why do I love the field? Because it has made me tough. Journalists are rarely appreciated. The few occasions when we are truly appreciated are moments that ought to be celebrated in as fancy a manner as possible. Funny enough, everybody is criticised someway or the other. While in most cases you are often criticised by members of the same clan or by the absolutely clueless, journalists are criticised by everybody including the whose-who of various industries. It is only shocking if a journalist who dares to speak up is not threatened or warned.

After having received a great deal of criticism from various corners I have learnt the art of working hard till the world is silent. They say - you are never noticed unless you flaw. So why worry about recognition?

Being a journalist is a herculean task. We are always on the move. In search of that story that could have an impact or could keep the world talking or engage in discussion. Sometimes, the risks involves go beyond explanation but the efforts are never ignored. This is primarily due to the fact that the experience adds the 'x'
 factor to the story. Even if it is a matter of life and death.

At a battlefield, for instance, a journalist reporting is considered brave but one fails to see how his/her efforts often go unrecognised. Some of their stories may never see the light of day. Sure, they may or may be not be guaranteed or better lifestyle post the task. But is the guarantee justified? Not really. Even entertainment reporters are bound to be bombarded with a handful of 'suggestions,' even if the story was presented in a most balanced manner. But that does not stop them from doing what they do best. After all, the stories are meant for you - the audience that we write for (Wondering how it works? Think about it). It is rarely for us to present our stance.

It is the audience factor that makes our job more fascinating. Our lives are never about a story that we had penned down. But it is, in fact, the story of your lives that we choose to highlight. Journalism is an adventure that is recorded at all times. Everything that we do, be it editing a story or a video to reporting on the field is a challenge in itself. Each story is different and each tale has to be showcased effectively. These tasks demand hard work, focus, and a lot of perseverance. 

So here is a humble request to all readers - criticise but never insult. But most of all criticise only and only if you are sure that nobody will question your criticism. Else we shall continue standing by the old proverb - We know you are a fool, don't prove it :). It is amusing is to see how many view journalism as an arena for the stupid and not a really job. Believe me when I say, every profession has several exceptions and journalism is no different. Many journalist work in established media houses that have to abide by certain norms. Freelancers may have it easy , but are also bound by many rules. Again, by merely becoming a journalist, we are not exactly your very own walky-talky encyclopedia of the world. We might not more than many others. But we don't possess, as I would say, divya drishti (divine vision) for us to know it all.

Criticise, but respect our world too. For the grey areas are more vast than you can ever imagine.

Flashback

He held my hand and told me how much he cared. "I am a stupid and clumsy girl," I said. "It doesn't matter," is what he said. When I woke up the next day, it all seemed like nothing more than a dream. Now, that we are far apart, I can only hope for a moment when I would feel as safe or special with a that unique someone.

My father always said that the one thing that you can never forget are memories - good or bad. Our past plays a rather significant role in determining our next step. It influences our choices, or ability to judge and most of all, our personality. Be it a relationship during those hail days at college or during the initial years as a working person or even those rough fights in your neighbourhood. While the incidents seem crystal clear in the mind, reality depicts otherwise. They were a part of book that had too many action-packed chapters. The final chapter of those novels led to several new ones.

To me, these flashbacks remind me of the journey that helped me discover myself. Yes, I have flawed and I have done many wrong things. But the presence of a few brought the good that was hidden within me into the light of day. It was as if I had let my own light shine and had unconsciously let the others do so too. I might have broken a heart or two. I have indeed had a few shattering moments too. Did those moments make me cry? A few did. But the others motivated me to ask for more and discover more - about the world; about me.

History repeats itself. You cannot stop things from happening to you again. But what does the past teach you? One thing and one thing alone. To cherish all that you have. No matter how short-lived it may be. So do I fear taking the next step? Am I the grown up many yearn me to be? Well, no. I was, am and will always be a child. Children do not understand fear. I, thus, will never hesitate to hold my head high and take the next step forward. But I guess, I must learn to cherish all that I have. Good or bad. It is the only way to head towards being a better and complete person.

Would you please stop?!

Personally, I am exhausted of having to justify my views and perceptions of the world around me. Anything and anyone is judged. Though many preach of life being simple, who truly believes in practicing all that is being preached? I bet even the preacher chooses otherwise.

There is not a day when I do not wonder as to why people choose go by a protocol, knowing that they will have to breakaway from doing so soon enough. Who says what? To whom? Why what we said is rude but not honest? How we must be honest yet diplomatic? I have come to think that we are so scared of being who we really are. But most of all, I am concerned that we have begun to fear clarifying our doubts.

 It is as if there is an unseen and widely accepted rule book for all that we see. The easiest answer to most queries - 'Because our society believes so.'

As a child, I had accepted these replies as if they were words of wisdom. Abiding by them felt like taking a step towards righteousness. Now, as a young and restless adult - my questions continue to clarified in a similar fashion; only this time I am not convinced. The end result - I am termed 'the kind.'

Not too long ago a friend of mine and I were discussing a rather sensitive issue when all of a sudden his perceptions that opened my eyes into a whole new horizon. The discussion led to a rather interesting thought - we live in a world where everything seems to be changing by the second. The India that I live in seems to be witnessing a drastic change in the mindsets of the average Indian that is often obstructed by the steadfast and firm perceptions of the generations before mine. Thus, concepts of free speech, interaction with the opposite sex or even marriage for-the-sake of the companionship are yet to sink in. But that does not stop my generation from adapting themselves to a new lifestyle.

Each one of us, at the end of them day, is pulled down by a heavy anchor (figuratively speaking) and is denied a chance to grow and adapt to the world around us. While our age old values of mutual respect, tolerance and family have been appreciated worldwide, it applications in the current day scenario seem rather jaded. Who said that long rides along the sea on a bike with a trusted friend is bad? Is dating someone wrong? Does caste and creed matter in the world of matrimony? Why must I still be doubtful about befriending a person hailing from the SC or ST community?

The deeper we look into each of these aspects, the more clear it becomes. We, if given a chance, love being liberal and tolerant. But rarely do we try being so. A society is made up of perceptions of a group of people. It is a invisible association that merely provides a platform for interactions to all social animals (Yes, animals - haven't you seen how dogs and cows live in absolute harmony!). In short we define the rule. We construct the society.

Off late, there is no single society but a number of individual sub-societies that complicate the simple life we ought to lead. If you ask me, I think life is and will always be black and white. How? Anything that harms a person and is unfair is bad. Anything that keeps a person happy is good. Our sub-societies have redefined this and have selectively decided what is good and bad. Whom are we to torture a person or make a person suffer immense pain in the name of 'sweet revenge?' How dare we judge people based on the faiths they hold close to their hearts? I believe the moment you learn to look at a larger picture and can spot the exact white and black spots most of our issues can be resolved in a jiffy.

Remember there will always be exceptions - both good and bad. It is, thus, all the more important for us as a community to work harder towards creating an environment that could help tackle or make room for these exceptions. The process is slow and tiresome. But is any task on earth less tiresome? It is not only difficult the first 10 ten times. Perhaps the first 20 times too. After that, it is indeed a cake-walk. If not now, we human beings are bound to fail the test of survival of the fittest sooner than expected. The choice is ours. I say let us start now.