Some people spend ungodly amounts of time idolizing superheroes. Be it Marvel, DC or any other comic company, they’re easy figures to admire. Though they have their moments in their individual comics, television series or films, superheroes can hardly do much wrong in our eyes.
On a completely different hand, journalists are often criticized for their work. Not only columnists who are brave enough to share their opinions in a professional setting, but also journalists who factually report on controversial issues and face heat from people who are upset about the coverage. It’s indisputable that journalists face a lot of backlash, and most of the time it’s over uncontrollable factors.
However, people journalists and superheroes have more in common than some may think, and on more than one occasion, they have been synonymous.
The first, and most obvious example, is Superman. Known professionally as Clark Kent, he works as a journalist for The Daily Planet, a newspaper in the fictional American city of Metropolis. By day, Kent acts as one of the top reporters for the paper, alongside fellow reporter and love interest Lois Lane. By night, Kent becomes Superman and is one of the most recognized fighters of crime in the world.
Spider-Man, or Peter Parker, is also a freelance photographer who primarily sells his work to The Daily Bugle. By day, Parker works to get the best photos for various people and publications, and by night, he turns into an epic crime fighter who works tirelessly to keep New York City safe.
Superheroes and journalists have been synonymous for quite a long time. Even if it isn’t super blatant that’s what the point is, the subconscious idea is enough to spark conversation. Journalists aren’t getting the respect they deserve when they are a form of superhero to the public.
Journalism is a civil service, just like the work superheroes do. Though we aren’t out physically fighting crime with our fists or various super powers, we are tackling issues and informing the public one article, photo or video at a time. The work of a journalist is to inform citizens of all topics, be it political, entertainment-based or the latest breaking news. If it weren’t for journalists, people would lack important knowledge to go about their everyday lives.
The final rundown: while journalists may not come with the glitz and glamour that superheroes receive, our jobs are just as important. We provide a civil service to the general public with our words and writing. Though it makes sense why people take the time to idolize superheroes, journalists deserve similar respect and adoration from citizens, rather than copious amounts of criticism.
Riley Runnells is a sophomore studying journalism at Ohio University. Please note that the views and opinions of the columnists do not reflect those of The Post. Do you agree? Let Riley know by emailing her at rr855317@ohio.edu.
