David Hare, in his 1982 play, A Map of the World, depicts points of view that run counter to each other. Who can know when personal ideologies nor only shape but go further and compromise any observer’s objectivity? We all desire the good as we see it, and we all depict the good as we see it or as we need to see it. Journalism is always editorial.
Hare prefaces his play with a quotation from Oscar Wilde’s , “The Soul of Man Under Socialism.” “A Map of the World that does not include Utopia is not worth even glancing at for it leaves out the one country at which Humanity is always landing. And when Humanity lands there, it looks out. and. seeing a better country, sets sail. Progress is the realization of Utopias.
Journalists provide us with Maps of the World, and Pope Francis’ intention for October is that journalists in carry out their work, may always be motivated by respect for the truth and a strong sense of ethics.
One does not have to be a Pontius Pilate in our contemporary world of political misinformation —-one may consider for example recent political debates south of the border — to ask, “What is truth?” or to be a self-conscious post-modern thinker to grasp that ethics depend on perspectives, and that perspectives manifest Vision.
It seems to me that when the Pope asks for motivation he is asking for a conversion which includes but goes beyond personal interests, political ideology, humanistic principles, or even Utopian desire. He is asking for a lived relationship with a Mystery who incarnates itself in every single human breast so that we can recognize ourselves as we have been recognized by that Mystery. As loveable, capable of loving, and committed to sharing the vision by which we have been recognized as such.
Journalists have the apostolic mission in presenting to the world the ways in which we are recognized and are mis-recognized. This goes beyond favouritism or personal bias. They do not just present the news. Like the prophets of old they present, through personal encounter, an image of God’s interaction in the world.