Peace Journalism: One ingredient in Kashmiri peace recipe
AWANTIPORA,
INDIAN-ADMINISTERED KASHMIR—As our last peace journalism class ended at the
Islamic University of Science and Technology, one student couldn’t restrain
himself as he asked me the million dollar/rupee question: How would you solve
the conflict in Kashmir?
I tried not to
answer flippantly, since the question is important. However,
I was honest. I responded that after two weeks in Kashmir, that of course it
would be impossible for me to come up with a solution that has been elusive to
the world’s best minds since 1947.
I do understand
the young man’s impulse, and the feelings of everyone here who want answers and
solutions to this ongoing conflict. Indeed, I was asked repeatedly during my
peace journalism classes if implementing PJ would solve the crisis here. The
answer, of course, is that good, responsible journalism is just one of many
ingredients required for peace to occur. This led to a discussion of Dr. Johan
Galtung’s principle of “positive peace,” wherein peaceful societies possess the
conditions necessary for all citizens to reach their full potential. Positively
peaceful societies are those without discrimination, where access to quality
education and health care are rights and not luxuries, and where economic
benefits are equally distributed. Peace journalists, I suggested, have a
responsibility to lead societal discussions about these elements of positive
peace.
Aside from the
role of media in achieving peace, the second major overarching theme of my
seminars and lectures inevitably veered into objectivity vs. subjectivity,
whether this involves language (martyr, tragedy, oppressor) or story framing
(casting or implying blame). I was reminded how difficult it is for reporters
in conflict and post-conflict situations to set aside their biases. If your
brother or cousin or neighbor was harassed or even killed by authorities, how
can you report objectively about this? Reporting without bias may not be possible,
especially here in Kashmir. But, I said, reporting as objectively as possible,
presenting all sides as much as possible, is still a laudable goal.
As I told my
colleagues and students at the Islamic University, it was my good fortune to
have the opportunity to visit this beautiful place and to learn about the
opportunities and challenges in Kashmir. We are already planning future
projects that will expand the scope of peace journalism here. Based on the support we received this month, it's hard to not be hopeful for the future of PJ in this breathtaking, troubled place.
SUBMIT TO THE PEACE JOURNALIST MAGAZINE: See link for details on how to submit an article for the October edition of the Peace Journalist magazine.
SUBMIT TO THE PEACE JOURNALIST MAGAZINE: See link for details on how to submit an article for the October edition of the Peace Journalist magazine.
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