“It’s not what’s in the story, but how you tell it that’s important.” ~Thich Nhat Hanh
In 2008 Thich Nhat Hanh was invited to become guest editor of the Times of India for a special peace edition. During a news meeting preparing the edition, news of a terrorist bombing and fatalities arrived. The journalists looked to Thay for guidence, this is what he said:
“Report in a way that invites readers to take a look at why such things continue to happen and that they have their roots in anger, fear, hate and wrong perceptions. Prevent anger from becoming a collective energy. The only antidote for anger and violence is compassion. Terrorists are also victims, who create other victims of misunderstanding.’’
~
“Every reader has seeds of fear, anger, violence and despair, and also seeds of hope, compassion, love and forgiveness, as journalists, you must not water the wrong seeds. The stories should touch the seeds of hope. As journalists, you have the job of selectively watering the right seeds. You must attempt to tell the truth and yet not water the seeds of hate. It’s not what’s in the story, but how you tell it that’s important.’’