In an ideal world…

…journalists would be responsible to exposing the truth and speaking up for the weak and undertrod. As a journalist I believe you have been entrusted with a voice that can reach many people, so use it to inform and spread awareness, regardless of how ugly the truth may seem to be.

…journalists would be honest, both with themselves and with their readers. I think if during the course of your research you find something that contradicts your beliefs, you should verify it and mention it in your article. I think it’s despicable to intentionally pass off information you know is biased as truth (the Star’s article on reversing homosexuality anyone?), and it should not be done at all.

…journalists should be critical while trying to maintain their objectivity and independence. It is pointless for journalists to merely parrot stories without analysing deeper into the consequences and effects of, say, Israel’s recent military forays into Lebanon and Palestine.

…journalists would be curious and observant about the things that happen around them. Sometimes it’s not so much about the things you see, but the things you don’t that require exposure.

…journalists would be persistent and stubborn in their quest to inform, staying on course, taking risks and having the courage and tenacity to talk about difficult subjects in a way that appeal to the public.

Constraints and Sacrifices
I think journalists are constrained in terms of relationships, as there are certain people they have to keep their distance from if they wish to maintain the perception of objectivity and independence. If one day my best friend decides to be a furniture tycoon, I’ll either have to maintain my distance from her, at least in public, or not cover issues regarding labour and the environment.

Some friends and family may not necessarily get the need for constant questioning and may view it as a nuisance or creating drama. Personally I have come across instances where my friends have said that it would be easier if I can just shut up and go with it instead of questioning certain things that people do.

I think as a journalist I would have to get used to being branded as a trouble-maker and a complainer, even from friends, as I feel it is very important to bring up issues or policies that I feel are unfair or discriminatory towards a particular group of people, and I will have to accept that some time people may not see it that way.

Journalists are also not supposed to be activists, as they should be there to document history and not to make it. This is an area I suspect I may have a problem with as I like to be doing things instead of just talking about it. We spoke about blogger Mr Brown’s column suspension in class, and technically as journalists we’re not supposed to participate, only to chronicle. However, if I was in Singapore during that period of time, it would have been quite difficult for me to stay away from it.

At the end of the day
I will try anything once, so I think it's worth it to at least give it a shot before calling it quits. This is a very idealised version of what Journalism in Malaysia is, and I'm prepared for all the rude shocks I'm going to receive when I start working for real. It's also highly likely that I won't like what I'll be doing in about a year's time, but hey, you never know unless you try.