EDITOR’S NOTE: The following is Staff Writer Stephen Allan’s personal response to the murder of Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl.
By Stephen Allan
Staff Writer
Journalism is a hated profession. Nearly every reporter has received some criticism in his or her career, whether it was a dirty look or a blatant insult. Most realize that it is just part of the job and either ignore it or thrive on it. But there are no criticisms that can compare to the horrible murder of Daniel Pearl.
The kidnapping and execution of the Wall Street Journal reporter only added to the country’s disbelief that there is so much hatred in the world. It accomplished nothing, other than proving that there are inhuman monsters that would destroy a life because they fear what he may have written about.
After the news of Pearl’s death the journalism community came together to pay tribute to a fellow newsman. All the news networks aired their sympathies and many newspaper columnists praised the courage of foreign correspondents. The news affected journalists the most because we have all been the hated one.
Like most reporters I have had administrators, businessmen and town councilors look at me with both fear and hatred. I have been derogatorily called “the reporter” and have been kicked out of meetings for fear of what I may write. (Admittedly, getting officials riled up is sometimes enjoyable.)
There have been times when the criticism of others has made me reexamine the profession. There have been numerous times when I have told myself that I had written my last article, but I continue to find myself drawn to it.
It has always been difficult for me to be a journalist. I have seen lives destroyed by my work and can understand why some dislike reporters. But I can not begin to understand why anyone could express their hatred with such brutality.
The tragedy of Daniel Pearl has made me reassess my feelings about journalism. I have been discouraged by the actions of others too often. But in realizing there was one man who was willing to risk his life for a story (an important story) my thoughts about journalism have changed.
I once felt guilt about the love I had for the profession because of the criticism (as well as the unethical practices of some reporters), but after the Pearl murder I realize more than ever that we work in an important field and should continue regardless of what anyone thinks.