My journalism teacher, Ms. Turner, thought we should be made aware of the dangers journalists face on a daily basis. A few weeks ago she showed us a website, cpj.org, with information on the journalists all over the world who have died, or been injured, as a result of them trying to uncover what the government does not want to become public knowledge.
One of these journalists is Wickermatuge, who risked his life to inform the public on what was happening in his country's government. He, along with several other journalists, was harassed before his death and knew he was going to eventually die. Knowing about his impending death, he wrote his own obituary that gives the reader chills because he talks about why he chose to continue his line of work despite the danger to himself and his family.
Another journalist is Daniel Pearl, who was kidnapped and beheaded by terrorists in Pakistan. A few days ago Ms. Turner showed us a movie, A Mighty Heart, based on what happened to Pearl and his pregnant wife. The movie made me think twice about becoming a journalist and consider whether I'm prepared to risk my life for a story.
