Considering the consequences of our reporting in South Asia
I’m often asked about the peace journalism characteristic that asks journalists to consider the consequences of their reporting. Specifically, what does this mean? My response, to avoid disseminating content that pours extra gasoline onto the fire or that deepens divisions among groups and nations, is usually met with polite nods. However, I seldom see the light bulbs illuminate above my trainees heads.

Now, I have a good example of exactly what “consider the consequences” means.

I ran across an article* last month during the India-Pakistan violence that was well researched and well written. It critically analyzed a problem on the other side (an Indian analyzing Pakistan, or vice-versa), and reached logical conclusions that were supported by the evidence and quotes presented.

Sounds fine, right?

A quick perusal of the comments posted at the bottom of the article, however, showed that the story primarily succeeded in stirring up additional hated against “them.” The commenters wrote that the story confirmed the negative information that the writers already knew about “them” and “their” citizens. In fact, anyone who read the article on “our” side couldn’t help but come away with a more negative opinion of “them.”

Now, the story was correct as far as it went. What the article failed to mention was that the exact same problem that was spotlighted occurs just as much on “our” side as it does on theirs. The article had no context, only the misleading insinuation that this problem exclusively belongs to “them.”

A better, peace journalism article would’ve noted that the problem occurs equally on both sides. It would state that both Indian and Pakistani societies are damaged by this problem, and that both societies need to work to find solutions that address the issue.

Using this approach, bridges of commonality are being built instead of walls of derision and hatred. It’s a shame that the author didn’t consider the consequences of their reporting. The consequence of this article is that a few more people in the subcontinent have had their worst impressions about their so-called enemies reinforced.

*I’m not naming the article or journalist, since my goal here is not to shame anyone. I can say that the author was not one of the East-West Center’s cross border journalists who set an admirable example during the recent violence. See my blog for details: https://stevenyoungblood.blogspot.com/2025/05/amid-violence-pakistani-indian.html