Journalism came into my life through the strong influence of my Spanish and Literature teachers. Who told me, when I was just a teenager, that I had a knack for writing after I showed my teacher, the writer and poet Xiomara Rodríguez, a science fiction story I had written.
The truth is that since childhood I read every newspaper I could get my hands on. I really enjoyed magazines from the then Soviet Union, and Sputnik. A selection of Soviet press articles, was what attracted me most.
From the Cuban press, I particularly liked the newspaper Juventud Rebelde for the reports I read by journalist Emilio Surí. Gabriel García Márquez’s column, Leonardo Padura’s literary criticism, and Soledad Cruz’s opinions on audiovisual media.
I haven’t forgotten the “Sandra Case,” published in Somos Jóvenes magazine. About a beautiful and intelligent prostitute, back when Cuba was beginning its development in the tourism industry with greater openness from Spanish investors. The publication, aimed at young Cubans, flew off the newsstands and was read by all Cubans.aAhieving widespread acceptance among a diverse audience.
I’m truly a lover of literature, and since journalism didn’t involve math. I decided it would be my profession. I confess, I have no talent for numbers, although in these times of rampant inflation. So I’ve become quite the mathematician to stretch my salary as a professional.
In a world where human beings are also seen as consumers of information through the era of social media and the internet. The world is heading towards the New Era of Artificial Intelligence. Which has wreaked havoc by presenting fictional journalistic videos.
Therefore, journalism has become one of those almost essential professions. As it directly impacts how we interpret reality. Because today we cannot live without journalism. Although García Márquez said it was “the best job in the world.” Other influential figures have also uttered famous phrases about this profession, and now I share them with you.
“Journalism is either free or it’s a farce,” said the Argentinian Rodolfo Walsh. Who is absolutely right, because without freedom of the press there can be no quality journalism. It is one of the struggles, along with freedom of expression, that every truly democratic society demands.
“Also Journalism is an insatiable passion that can only be digested and humanized through its stark confrontation with reality.” Said Gabriel García Márquez, who emphasizes the importance of grassroots journalism. In which the journalist is present and part of the reality they are reporting.
“Journalism is an insatiable passion that can only be digested and humanized through its stark confrontation with reality.” Journalism that dignifies the profession is that which serves the noblest part of humanity and contributes to the life of society. Driving change and making people better, said Colombian journalist Javier Darío Restrepo. Indeed, this profession must always be at the service of society.
Moreover Journalism is literature in haste, concluded Matthew Arnold, the 19th-century poet, for whom news requires constant updating.
For Miguel Ángel Bastenier, a journalist is a professional who has something of a writer, a sociologist, a novelist, a historian, and a politician. Without ever fully becoming any of them. Therefore, a journalist is the sum of all the things they are not.
The power to shape the future of a republic will be in the hands of the journalism of future generations. Commented Joseph Pulitzer, the American editor who created the famous Pulitzer Prizes. Despite his controversial actions regarding the profession. He clearly understood the power of journalism. Although this phrase can be interpreted in many ways, we are left with the idea of free journalism as a guarantor of a truly democratic society.
For the controversial Oscar Wilde: “The difference between literature and journalism is that journalism is unreadable and literature is not read.”
“You cannot publish a paper on physics without the complete data and experimental results. And this should be the norm in journalism,” Julian Assange rightly stated.
And if there is one thing I agree with the novelist Mario Vargas Llosa on, ideology aside. It is when he said: “Journalism is the lowest-paid profession. The one that brings the most bitterness, too.”
“Journalism is a wonderful school of life,” said the great Cuban journalist Alejo Carpentier. Every journalist should have their own style guide, I would say, and we should move away from old journalistic styles so that each press professional can embellish the news story. Drawing on their general knowledge and personal style. Which would make the report the great novel of modern journalism.
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