This letter is associated with the following article:
Letters
Thursday, December 7, 2006 12:00 AM

I love journalism but I hate asking uncomfortable questions

Have I chosen the right field? Or am I too shy?

Read other letters about this article

  • Thursday, December 7, 2006 09:19 AM

    Comfort is over-rated.

    Some of my most memorable life moments spring from situations where I was uncomfortable. Discomfort is rooted in fear. Fear is a fundamental part of the human condition. It keeps us safe so that we can propagate our species. But it's the fundamental nature of the human spirit to conquer fear. These are the times when our character is tested. When questions are asked that determine the essence of our individual being. How will we perform? Will we continue in pursuit of our goal? Or back off, back down, give up, compromise?

    You went to journalism school for precisely that reason - deep down inside, you want to challenge yourself. And boy, are you being challenged! It's getting down to brass tacks. You're not just digging up stories, you're digging into yourself. It would make anyone uncomfortable. What you do from this point is what will separate you from the pack (or solidify your status as member).

    My advice? Don't give up. Like others have mentioned, it gets easier. It's a slippery slope. And when it does get easier, you'll probably get bored! You'll search for different things that make you uncomfortable all over again so you can conquer those, too. So don't give up. Push on. Take the excellent advice given by so many who have been in your position. It will make you a better journalist. And a better person.

    Good luck!

Most Active Letters Threads

516

The crazy, irrational beliefs of Muslims

Tom Friedman explains the real problem: stupid Muslims think the U.S. is about war and aggression.
426

A key British official reminds us of the forgotten anthrax attack

A vast array of establishment and expert sources do not believe this episode was really resolved.
401

The face of rotted Washington

Evan Bayh demands more debt-financed war - fought by others - while boasting that he's a stern "deficit hawk."
210

Is Obama's civil liberties record understandable?

Was it unreasonable to expect him to adhere to his commitments regarding the Constitution?
182

Bigotry wins in Switzerland

By voting to ban the construction of minarets, Switzerland apes the most extreme intolerance in the Muslim world

View all »

Letters Help

Currently in Salon