Publish and be damned!

In recent times many seem to want to outdo all others at being the first to spread some horrible news. Ha-ha! One wonders: is there money to be made in this one too? After all that is what appears to be the most magnificent motivator these days.

Some other social media news moguls are specialists in sending out the most horrible photos and videos. Even CNN will warn before sharing some disturbing materials. That is not for the social media news peddlers – they spill their horror photos and videos without “gafara!” (excuse/pardon)

Some others have the habit of delivering their unverified stories starting with the words “as received”, “copied” etc. as if these words will absolve them of responsibility. When one receives a story from another amateur news monger, it is only right to verify first before sharing or you can let the story stop at your phone’s doorstep. I honestly think there should be no compulsion or inordinate ambition to share a story that one cannot verify. Once you have decided to share, you share also in the responsibility of putting the story out there. That reminds me of the very instructive and relevant title of a 1953 book by Hugh Cudlipp titled: Publish and be damned!

Lastly, and with profound respect, I like to say that we share only what edifies, promotes love, understanding and peace amongst all peoples irrespective of their tongue, religious beliefs, race or color.