Movie Reflection: Shock and Awe

'Shock and Awe' directed by Rob Reiner is a movie I wish I could experience for the first time again. The thrill, excitement, and even worry at times that filled my veins watching the series of events unfold is something only few movies can do. The urgency and dedication that was seen throughout the movie from the Knight Ridder journalists represents what it means to be a true writer, especially what it means to have the job and right to tell the world the truth. 

That was the difference seen in the movie between the Knight Ridder journalists and a lot of the journalists we often see in the real world, such as The New York Times or Fox News. The Knight Ridder publication and their ability to tell the raw truth that is backed up by sources is what other established journalists should strive for, especially in times where the state of the world is uncertain. 

What really stuck out to me throughout the film was the journalist's commitment to obtaining multiple sources and their sense of urgency to get the truth out to the public. The two star journalists Strobel and Landay were constantly writing, making calls, and doing interviews with multiple individuals within multiple different organizations. 

This built up their credibility as truthful writers within their publication, but also to their boss Walcott, whose goal was to publish the honest truth for his community. Walcott's role also showcased the dedication and responsibility of a publication as they published multiple stories in one day in a time of urgency. But also, during a time where not only was the truth hard to obtain, but sources that were supposed to be telling the world the truth, were telling pure lies to the public. 

Shock and Awe was set during a time where America and its government was in pure chaos, and it was up to journalists to make sense of it to the public. Though this was a difficult job for journalists as many sources that were US officials wanted their statements to be anonymous as they were worried of the consequences it may have. 

Yet, it was difficult for writers to publish the whole truth without confirmation from a credible source as if news stories constantly had all their sources as anonymous then readers naturally question if the story is really true. Strobel and Landay did the job of a dedicated journalist in which during a time where famous publications and the press were feeding the nation lies, they produced the truth within their newsroom. 

The role of journalists is to constantly question; report and fact find as a way to seek the truth for the public. It is our right as an American citizen to question and criticize the government, it is our right that is written within the first amendment, and this film shows the significant of freedom of the press. 

What was seen in the film is something we are still seeing today among popular news agencies, as the government is spoon feeding them misinformation and propaganda. The Knight Ridder's stood out to me as a publication as their only intentions behind their reporting was reporting for the people of America and through all their challenges they continued to find the truth.