Janet Malcolm Understood the Power of Not Being ‘Nice’
Janet Malcolm, the renowned journalist and writer, understood the power of not being ‘nice.’ Throughout her career, she challenged traditional ideas of journalistic objectivity and politeness, instead embracing a more confrontational and incisive approach to her subjects.
Malcolm’s work was characterized by her fearless pursuit of the truth, even if it meant ruffling feathers or making enemies along the way. She was unafraid to ask tough questions, to push boundaries, and to challenge the status quo. In doing so, she often uncovered uncomfortable truths and revealed the complexities of human nature in all its messy, contradictory glory.
One of Malcolm’s most famous works is her book “The Journalist and the Murderer,” in which she famously wrote: “Every journalist who is not too stupid or full of himself to notice what is going on knows that what he does is morally indefensible.” This provocative statement reflects Malcolm’s belief that journalism is inherently a morally ambiguous profession, that there is a fine line between truth-telling and manipulation, and that journalists must be willing to confront this uncomfortable reality.
Malcolm’s approach to journalism was not about being ‘nice’ or winning popularity contests. It was about getting to the heart of the matter, even if it meant being perceived as aggressive or confrontational. She understood that the pursuit of truth is not always a smooth or pleasant process, that it often involves discomfort, conflict, and confrontation.
In a world where niceness is often valued above all else, Malcolm’s work serves as a powerful reminder that sometimes, being ‘nice’ can be a hindrance to the pursuit of truth. By challenging conventional notions of politeness and objectivity, she paved the way for a new generation of journalists to embrace a more confrontational and incisive approach to their work.
Ultimately, Janet Malcolm’s legacy lies in her fearless pursuit of truth, her willingness to challenge conventional wisdom, and her refusal to be constrained by notions of politeness or politeness. In a world that often values comfort over confrontation, Malcolm’s work serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of pushing boundaries, asking tough questions, and embracing the discomfort that comes with pursuing the truth.