While 2017 was winding down, a multitude of thoughts went flying about, especially after realizations of the current industry situation (hearing first-hand threats from officials unhappy with negative portrayals in the news and seeing media “professionals” ensuring egos are insulated by discarding certain stories en masse – all for the sake of “unity”). Couple that with a personal situation, where it has become very apparent that mistakes and shortcomings are often highlighted (seemingly meant to suggest an inability to advance as an individual), 2018 offers an opportunity to perhaps change things – both as a matter of sanity and necessity.
The ethical problems with the way local media practitioners conduct themselves has been delved upon greatly in prior columns. However, with the dissatisfaction from that reality, experiencing constant reminders of leaving switches on, forgetting to reload phone credits on time, or a number of similar nit-picky announcements that make one instance seem like an everyday mishap, resulting in feelings of inadequacy, has made the new year all the more fitting for another possible upheaval – much like the needed change that came in 2012, when first returning to the Philippines as a resident.
Canadian newspaper National Post called 2018 for Aries a year “about learning to be proud of who you are.”
Georgia Nicols noted for those under the astrological sign, “This year looks so bright, you’re gonna need shades!”
“Expect accolades, a promotion, and a chance to realize a cherished dream,” she wrote. “Relationships will flow more easily this year because your successful image will have a positive [effect] on everyone.”
She closed with the 2018 mantra for Aries as: “I’m proud of who I am and grateful for my good fortune” – something to look forward to.
Aliza Kelly Faragher offered a similar tone for Aries in Allure Magazine, noting, “This is a great year to clean out the skeletons in your closet and examine the nooks and crannies of your psyche.”
She added, “2018 kicks off massive shifts in your career, and you may find yourself modifying your long-term goals.”
In a way, this piece is already taking Faragher’s advice. Taking into account the current media environment, is it worth the time and effort to operate within a well-orchestrated echo chamber, propagated by local practitioners? It certainly does not bring a sense of pride knowing most of what is put out there are merely copy-and-paste jobs. Plus, being aware stories are withheld out of fear of flaring tempers, it removes nearly all enjoyment out of the job itself.
In addition, living in an environment where one is constantly being reminded of forgetful moments, criticisms of physical appearances, nonstop moaning about not settling down and getting married – in short, the current situation offers no escape from stress.
Steven Stosny, Ph.D., a lecturer at the University of Maryland and at St. Mary’s College of Maryland, penned a piece for Psychology Today about environments filled with criticism, which he say leads to feeling “devalued.”
“Criticism is an easy form of ego defense,” he explained. “If you want behavior change, show value for the person whose behavior you want to change; if you want resistance, criticize.”
Olga Khazan discussed the same issue for The Atlantic in 2016, where she explained negative reactions to criticism is not just a matter of being “oversensitive,” but how “constant criticism was tantamount to emotional abuse.”
Khazan looked at it from the angle of a romantic relationship, with the female protagonist training to become an advocate for domestic-violence survivors, when she heard individuals discussing issues such as “criticism, minimizing feelings, and victim-blaming” – not just the physical.
The writer cited New York State Psychiatric Institute director Jeffrey A. Lieberman, who said, “The abuser uses manipulation, criticism, and fear to control the partner.” It is employed to the point that the victim has such low self-esteem, they have no motivation to leave the situation.
It has spanned the past couple months, this thinking about another change; but is it worth it?
Professionally, there has been a lot to gain. The position has provided generous workplace freedom and a true learning experience after living overseas for five years. However, when looking at the end product, knowing how much reporters are manipulating the news, whether it is intended to shield public officials or hide issues from the public, it brings into question the efficacy of the industry. Why carry the label of a journalist or a reporter when, in the end, it seems more like public relations for local government offices? In the Philippines, perhaps they’re seen as the same thing; maybe it’s another side effect of growing up abroad, but it does not feel right to mix the two.
Yes, other outlets worldwide operate in a similar manner, but those are initiatives taken up by media outlets and not an industry standard.
Putting that aside, coming home to reminders of mistakes made during the day; constant recaps of what to improve when it comes to physical appearance, in the form of, “If you do this, then you’ll be alright” – just “alright;” being told not enough is being contributed to the household; and the ever-present suggestion that life is incomplete until one marries and bears offspring.
It’s inescapable.
However, with great friends back in New York City to chat with, that offers an escape. A chance to sit back, joke, and have relaxed conversation – not ones concerned about “hidden meanings” or resulting in conflict because of a language barrier. Having people like that brings perspective to the matter. Sure, professionally, it’s experience; but will overall quality of life improve if a change of scenery is brought about?/PLL, WDJ