Last week, we focused on what we do, while somewhat questioning who we are. This week, let's focus more on the latter.
When thinking of myself as a journalist, or a reporter, or a writer, I tend to focus on the titles and what they mean rather than the weight of the responsibilities attached to each. Do I really inform my readers as best as I can or am I focusing more on finishing an article to collect my paycheck?
If I am focused more on collecting my paycheck, my attention is focused less on informing my readers. The process of writing or reporting becomes less about them and more about me, therefore making me a selfish person, not a journalist, a reporter, or a writer. Likewise, if I am focused on informing my readers instead of collecting my paycheck, I am also no longer a journalist, reporter, or a writer. I am compassionate and "truthseeking," which I interpret as "storyseeking."
Making our titles truly reflect who we are is an ongoing process that I feel begins when we think about the qualities we desire to reveal. Focusing on these qualities and whether our actions are aligned with them will transfer them into our beings and what we do will follow. We can define journalist, reporter, or writer, if not in Websters then at least in our own minds.
What are the responsibilities attached to your title? Does this title reflect who you are? Which qualities make up your being and are they the ones you want?
Ness, quite a provocative post. I now have to consider how I respond to my titles, or, reshape my titles by the way I perhaps don't respond to them stereotypically, traditionally, or mindlessly.
ReplyDeleteOn the other hand, do our titles really have to reflect who we are. I mean, after all, I'm a man, and on top of that a Black man, and attached to that are other aspects of my identity that are framed by labels like college professor, consultant, father, lover, etc. These labels can be just as binding as journalist if I allow them to be. Or, they can be arbitrary with only the power I give them in any given context. So, as a Black man, if I choose to act more or less Black, hyper masculine, or somewhat effeminate, my only concern relative to my conforming needs to be if my behavior limits me paying my bills and putting food on my table. Even then, if I choose a smaller table and less expensive food...
J.W. Wiley
Thanks for responding, Dr. Wiley! Your comment is also quite provocative. Our titles do not have to reflect who we are...yet, it is so interesting how we often allow them to.
DeleteWhatever table you choose, I will gladly dine with you. Whatever label you use...