Tet is coming, journalists, let's relax!

1. The year ends, Tet (Lunar New Year) approaches. The general feeling among everyone, regardless of circumstances—whether they've just won the lottery or are unemployed and penniless—is a sigh of relief: "Tet is here!" From time immemorial to the present day, regardless of the socio -economic forms humanity has experienced, the human sentiment has always been the same: joy and hope: "On the thirtieth day of the lunar month, debts pile up, kicking the poor out the door / On the first day of the new year, drunk and tipsy, welcoming the god of fortune into the house."

Only then can people truly "chill" in the most enthusiastic way. A term currently used by young people is "let loose"—roughly translated as relaxing and enjoying all the joys of life; to do so, they are free from any pressure. Because if, during the Lunar New Year celebrations, there are still lingering worries in their hearts, how can that be called "chilling"?

Reporters from Vietnam News Agency (VNA) at work during Tet holiday. Photo: VNA

2. A question has been posed: "What does 'chilling' about Tet (Lunar New Year) look like from the perspective of a journalist?" In other words, how would a journalist "chill"? This is a very interesting and engaging question for readers. To answer this question, first, it's necessary to understand that, unlike other professions in society, journalists pursue a profession that is… "unlike anyone else," of course, this is a self-deprecating, humorous way of speaking.

For example, even during Tet (Vietnamese New Year), while everyone else is present at amusement parks, Tet markets, or spring flower festivals – enjoying the sights, admiring the beauty, and shopping according to their needs – what about journalists? Of course, journalists are the same, but they perceive the events and things there from many different perspectives, not just glancing around or stopping wherever they like, but rather observing with a purpose.

Therefore, they must conduct thorough research in order to provide accurate and complete information to readers; or encountering a current event or incident also serves as an excuse for journalists to present their views and opinions to contribute to building a better society. Clearly, when celebrating the Lunar New Year, journalists are like everyone else, but their mindset is different. Is this something readers demand? No, because as journalists, they themselves feel a responsibility towards certain issues. Thus, this requirement stems from the professional ethics that compel them to act this way.

As I write these lines, I am reminded of the cultural figure and journalist Phan Khôi when he came from Quang Nam to work as a journalist in Saigon. On the afternoon of the 30th day of the Lunar New Year in the year of the Snake (1929), he went to the Tet market like everyone else, but because he was a journalist, he also had to "work." Journalists today, in the 21st century, if they truly love their profession, are no different. Here, I quote the article he wrote that year not only because it is still relevant but also to show that journalists, regardless of the time of year, even during Tet, never allow themselves to... rest.

Reporters from Vietnam News Agency (VNA) at work during Tet holiday. Photo: VNA

Mr. Phan Khoi wrote: “On the thirtieth day of the lunar month, I went to the Tet market and saw a row of vendors selling identical statues. Each one depicted an ‘old man eating chili peppers with a bright red face.’ One side showed a young, handsome man, while the other showed a man who looked like a Javanese but was holding an ‘oversized knife for slicing pancakes.’ This was similar to what many people observed, but as a journalist, he didn't stop at simply reporting it. Mr. Phan Khoi continued:

“They said it was a statue of Guan Yu, or the Holy Guan Yu. People bought them like crazy, and they were all gone in a moment. This shows how much the people of Southern Vietnam worship Guan Yu. It makes me feel sorry for General Tran Hung Dao. General Tran Hung Dao was a Vietnamese, he rendered meritorious service in suppressing the enemy for our country, and he spoke of loyalty and military talent, no less than General Guan Yu; General Hung Dao also manifested himself at Kiep Bac, just like that red-faced man manifested himself at Ngoc Tuyen Mountain. Yet, only a few regions in Northern Vietnam worship him, while nowhere else worships him, instead they worship the Holy Guan Yu, a foreigner who is a complete match for Vietnamese people.” (Than Chung Newspaper, Tet Issue of the Year of the Snake - February 7, 1929).

So, when journalists go shopping at the Tet market in that mindset, can they really "chill"? I think not. Because, as we know, that's the nature of journalism; in a life full of information, even information that happens so quickly, can they be indifferent, "cover their ears and close their eyes" to enjoy the relaxation of "letting loose"?

Cannot.

3. So, does that mean journalists are always busy with work, even during Tet (Lunar New Year)? Whether that's true depends on one's mindset and professional conduct. However, one thing is certain: to truly "chill" during Tet, I think any journalist wants a peaceful and tranquil holiday, meaning a time without any "incidents" that would force them to immediately report on, whether they want to or not. I know some colleagues who have faced situations that surprised their family and friends. For example, right after returning home for Tet, my friend could have been relaxing with his family, but then he rushed out of the house again.

Why is that?

Simply because at that very moment, he received news of a serious incident. In a certain neighborhood, deafening firecrackers had just been set off, defying the government's ban on fireworks. A normal person might just listen, offer a few comments, and continue "chilling" without complaint. But a journalist couldn't. The newsroom might not have known about the incident, or assigned him to report it immediately, but as a journalist, how could he remain indifferent?

So, during the Lunar New Year holiday, can journalists truly "let loose," relax, and enjoy all the pleasures like everyone else? I think it's very difficult. Although no one forbids them from "going all out," turning off their phones, having fun as they please, getting drunk in the morning and intoxicated in the evening... they must still be aware of their responsibilities. Therefore, when speaking, every journalist hopes for a peaceful and tranquil New Year, meaning a holiday without any "incidents" in society – only then can they calmly enjoy themselves like everyone else.

Do you agree?

4. The way journalism is done today is different from the past. Information technology has provided journalists with many more advantages in their profession. Therefore, for journalists to be able to "chill" as they please, what is their greatest wish in this day and age? I think it's that they always want "smooth communication," reliable information so they can handle all news stories during their relaxing days at Tet (Lunar New Year).

And what do journalists think about everyone's "chill" Tet holiday? It seems that it's a common aspiration in society, a dream of a prosperous, peaceful life with a stable income, so that everyone can join in the nationwide festivities and celebrate the arrival of spring.

Le Minh Quoc

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/tet-den-roi-nha-bao-oi-chill-thoi-post282352.html