The joy of being a "village journalist"

- I started writing for newspapers in the 1970s, when I was a soldier in the army. During that time, my subjects were collectives and individuals with outstanding achievements in emulation movements such as: "All for the front lines," "All to defeat the American invaders"... Sometimes I also used articles in newspapers about the courageous fighting and outstanding achievements of the military and people of both North and South Vietnam to apply to the unit's tasks in order to encourage and motivate the movement.

An indescribable joy.

During those early days of writing, I would anxiously await the results of my submissions, like "waiting for my mother to return from the market." But only to a modest degree; I would simply hope the editorial office would notify me that my article had been received and offer some words of encouragement, never thinking about it being published. Because I knew some contributors had to write over a hundred articles before a newspaper used their work.

Words cannot express the joy I felt upon receiving the complimentary copy of the newspaper, which included my article. I stopped what I was doing, opened the newspaper, and immediately searched for my article. I read it over and over, comparing it to the draft, looking for words that needed correction to improve my next piece. That night, I was so happy I couldn't sleep. Many people (especially youth union members) passed around my article – the one that talked a lot about them – and friends gathered around to encourage and congratulate me. Some even enthusiastically called me a "journalist."

After the war ended, I was transferred to a cultural information agency. I resumed writing for newspapers, a job I had always been passionate about and loved. A close friend said, "You're able to write for newspapers partly because you love reading them..." I felt he was right, and it perfectly reflected my intention to summarize my experiences and draw lessons about journalism.

Indeed, I have never neglected reading, studying, and following the news. Thanks to learning and studying from the news, I have internalized the Party's viewpoints and guidelines, the State's policies and laws, ... enhancing my ideological awareness, helping me to orient my thoughts and actions, and enabling me to perceive life and judge right from wrong.

In real life, I've discovered that good deeds deserve praise, and bad deeds deserve criticism. The best and most effective way to do this is through media coverage.

Starting with short news articles, short stories, stories about good deeds, essays, etc., I carefully studied the writing principles of each genre. I would read them aloud to those around me for their comments and suggestions, then revise and rewrite them before sending them out. To date, I have had hundreds of news articles published and used in newspapers, magazines, and on central and local radio broadcasts.

Journalism is not an easy profession; it's incredibly challenging and arduous. To produce a good, accurate article requires not only a certain level of professional skill but also direct experience, going to the scene, observing, and understanding the situation, gathering data, and then rewriting and revising it many times to ensure the article meets the requirements and isn't deemed dry or lacking in substance by readers.

I also know that to produce a good, well-designed newspaper that is published on time and meets the needs of readers, everyone from the editorial board leaders to the reporters, editors, technicians, etc., must invest a great deal of effort, intellect, and even their hearts and passion. That's why I understand and sympathize with all of you so much.

The function of a newspaper is to inform, so articles should be rich in new and relevant information, avoiding flowery language and empty platitudes, and must be truthful and accurate. Writing style is like cooking; the same ingredients and spices can be delicious with skill, while clumsy cooking will result in a dish nobody wants. It was through my love of reading newspapers that I learned how to write effectively.

Through my studies and training at school, as well as reading and writing articles, I have enhanced my ideological awareness, perspectives, and practical skills. This has helped me overcome difficulties and challenges, fulfill all my duties as a soldier while serving, as a government official after transferring to another sector, and as a citizen since retirement. Moreover, I have remained relevant to current events. Now, I consider journalism both my friend and my teacher.

The nuisance of "journalists" in… the village

Having been a journalist for over 40 years, I have written hundreds of articles about the land and people of my rural village (commune, hamlet), some of which have won journalism awards.

Even when I was working far away, my villagers always "followed my every move"—when they saw an article published in the newspaper, they would spread the word to each other to read it, and many were even "proud" on my behalf. Every time I came home on leave, they praised and encouraged me, even the children showed "admiration" for having a "journalist" from their village, which sometimes made me feel embarrassed... When I retired and returned to my hometown, some would say: "I have a great story, let me tell you so you can write about it"; others would say: "You must publish this in the newspaper to help our people..." And then they would say: "In this hamlet, that hamlet, in the village, in the commune, come and take pictures and write articles..."

Back in my ordinary life, living in my hometown, surrounded by deep-seated community bonds, I'm always cautious when I pick up my pen. What should I write, and how should I write it? Should I avoid the "dark and gray" aspects for the sake of "safety"? That would be too monotonous!

In the countryside, and not just in my hometown, the dark side is still present in every aspect. There are outdated customs regarding marriage and funerals, superstition, and nonsensical fortune-telling. There are bureaucratic and authoritarian officials. There is theft and gambling. There are unruly and disruptive young people. Then there is selfishness, jealousy, and envy. There are also issues like livestock roaming freely, causing unsanitary conditions and indiscriminate dumping of waste, polluting the environment. There are land disputes. And there's the insensitive doctor, the woman scolding her child for "foolishly" returning lost property. And there's domestic violence in all its forms... so much more.

When choosing to write these "stories," I mostly express them in the form of lighthearted, critical "short pieces," hoping to contribute a voice of awareness. The articles don't name anyone in the village or commune specifically, but only sign with my real name. Yet, after some articles were published, people in the village or commune told me: "You're too harsh, but it's good. That old man is exactly as you wrote; that's why he's avoiding you." Others said: "That's just something happening in our village, in our commune; why write about it? 'Show the good, hide the bad,' don't 'expose your back to others'..."

It turns out that when writing this type of piece, I use "I" and sign my name instead of a pseudonym, so many people assume I'm writing about them, alluding to this person or that person. So, I have to explain what constitutes a short piece, and what constitutes... to those who are well-intentioned and want to chat with me. As for those who are guilty of something, after reading my article, from then on, whenever we meet, their faces are as cold as ice; they look at me like strangers, full of resentment. Although they don't say it out loud, I guess they're very upset inside.

Sharing these thoughts with fellow writers and readers, I realize that living in the countryside and being a "village journalist" is indeed prestigious, but it can also be quite troublesome. Nevertheless, I still find it enjoyable and really love writing short stories.

Source: https://baolangson.vn/niem-vui-va-su-phien-toai-cua-nha-bao-lang-5049437.html