Hardcore journalism has always intrigued me. I always wondered what makes talented journalists brace dangers and explore forbidden grounds to bring the people and their stories to light. Is it the excitement or simply the courage to do the right thing? Many just walk away from forbidden turfs to avoid getting in trouble. But, there are handful of those who stop, look and make differences. These people stand for the best of journalism.
Sadly, the same thing could not be said about our mainstream media. It fails to disseminate news without biasness. It is sad that a certain level of control and restriction makes it harder for them to be neutral and uphold democracy. So, people who are like-minded as me opt for alternative media like blogs where many issues are discuss in a more liberal manner. It is a no-brainer that Raja Petra is one of the leading blogger.
I like the way his writing reflect a certain sense of honesty which changes people's outlook of life. It is also full of hope for a better Malaysia. Moreover, RPK writes about thing he believes in and does not back-off when things are difficult or almost impossible. Malaysia Today (his blog) is full of stories of that provoke thoughtful thinking and defend the innocent. RPK stands for everything that is good about journalism, report without fear or favour.
Lucky me...I finally met him in the KeADILan talk in Petaling Jaya last Sunday! It was the first time I am attending a political talk....!
Ps: I even got a pic with him..
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Saturday, July 12, 2008
I guess I am no different...
I read an article on the topic of homosexuality by Bernama in another blog (Niamah). The opinions from the readers were rather split (no surprise!). Personally, I've always believed that sexual preferences are personal choices as long as it is between two consensual and sound-minded adults. Thus, it is wrong for us to judge them.
As much as I advocate the believe of not being too judgemental, I too sometimes fall in the trap of casting people aside just because they are different. There is a boy in my college (he was in my class last term)...I am not sure of his name. Everyone calls him 'semi-variable' because he appears a little girly. When I first heard that name, I was pretty mad since I thought it was unfair. He probably did not choose to act differently. But, I kept my objection to myself...I did not tell my friends to stop calling him that behind his back. At that point, I ignored the right thing to do and stuck with the crowd.
I did not bother getting to know his name since he was only the "semi-variable". He must have felt hurt when people looked at him differently. Everytime they mock the way he walks or acts...it must have hurt badly. I am not that angry with others for labelling him but I am disappointed with myself for accepting it. I am no saint but I failed to be a mere mortal when I chose to call him semi-variable, when I laughed at jokes made on his expense and when I simply looked at him differently. I know that he will never read this....but yet I feel compelled to say I am sorry.
There are many times when we become too judgemental and for a split moment forget that it could hurt another person.
As much as I advocate the believe of not being too judgemental, I too sometimes fall in the trap of casting people aside just because they are different. There is a boy in my college (he was in my class last term)...I am not sure of his name. Everyone calls him 'semi-variable' because he appears a little girly. When I first heard that name, I was pretty mad since I thought it was unfair. He probably did not choose to act differently. But, I kept my objection to myself...I did not tell my friends to stop calling him that behind his back. At that point, I ignored the right thing to do and stuck with the crowd.
I did not bother getting to know his name since he was only the "semi-variable". He must have felt hurt when people looked at him differently. Everytime they mock the way he walks or acts...it must have hurt badly. I am not that angry with others for labelling him but I am disappointed with myself for accepting it. I am no saint but I failed to be a mere mortal when I chose to call him semi-variable, when I laughed at jokes made on his expense and when I simply looked at him differently. I know that he will never read this....but yet I feel compelled to say I am sorry.
There are many times when we become too judgemental and for a split moment forget that it could hurt another person.
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