The Post: Question of Shyness, Journalism Ethics, and Gender Bias

The movie The Post gives a unique perspective on the background and journalism process. It takes viewers inside the story of upholding the nation’s civil liberties. Katharine Graham, publisher of The Washington Post, and editor Ben Bradlee join forces to expose a decades-long cover-up. Although this may ruin their career and change the face of journalism, they pull through and bring the truth to light. Throughout the movie, many important concepts about the process of journalism appear. The lessons include the obstacles for women in leadership, the determination needed to be a journalist, and informing readers, no matter the consequence.

The Post demonstrated how determination, quality journalistic skills, and fighting for what you believe in are crucial when being a journalist. Despite the Nixon-led government’s attempts to keep the Pentagon Papers out of all newspaper companies, the team at the Washington Post did not listen. They decided to deliver the ultimate truth to people. First, this is shown by Meryl Streep. Streep’s character, Katharine Graham, gains control over the Washington Post after her husband passes away. Her advisors advised her not to give permission to publish the stories, as the resulting legal troubles could threaten the paper’s existence. Graham demonstrated not only the determination and strength needed to perform such tasks but also the willpower it takes to make the best decision for everyone. Furthermore, Tom Hanks’ character, Ben Bradlee, also does not shy away from fighting against the government. Bradlee believes the information should be printed for the sake of the public and The Post’s reputation. He shows the right behaviors that an editor should have.

Throughout the movie, the viewers also notice small moments where Graham faces obstacles as a woman in leadership. The newsroom is filled with men who seem to be the leaders, and Graham is only following when she should be leading. Her passion and focus on keeping her family business in place and combating gender bias derives from sending out a quality product that the industry can respect. In contrast, she is portrayed as someone who follows the orders of men. However, as the film goes on, the decision to publish the Pentagon Papers lies on her shoulder, and she transforms from a shy owner to a strong newswoman. Overall, The Post portrays strong women taking a stand for themselves.

Another lesson that I learned from this movie is the idea that was notifying readers about everything objectively is the most important part of journalistic ethics. The citizens need to be informed, including information showing what is going on with those who govern them. Sometimes this means sending the reporters to a war that they know they can’t win. With the failures in the Vietnam War, the Pentagon Paper was never intended for public consumption. However, it ended up in the public eye because of Daniel Ellsberg, a reporter who leaked the study to the New York Times and the Washington Post. The Washington Post was left with two options; cooperate with the government or do what is morally right and risk jail and financial ruin.

In conclusion, the movie The Post gives a unique perspective on the background and the process of journalism. It discusses many important concepts that every journalist should grasp, including gender bias in significant operations, the determination needed to be a journalist, and always informing readers of the truth.

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