In today’s competitive workforce, to be successful in the world of journalism is particularly difficult. Ironically, a journalism degree is not even necessary in order to pursue a career in media. As such, students expecting to be successful right out of college are often disappointed to face the fact that beginning reporters and editors do not make high salaries. As a copy editor, it is often hard to gain the respect and praise in a newsroom. However, adopting an existential philosophy and being can benefit copy editors in a busy newsroom. As Susan Keith explains, copy editors have a vital role of being the last line of defense against errors. With existentialism; however, they also have the potential to serve as the last line of defense against violations of ethically challenged journalists to reject a “herd mentality” and embrace freedom and responsibility.
According to existentialism, humans must experience angst to experience the possibilities of life. Therefore, instead of feeling isolated in a conflicting niche as a journalist in society, existentialism allows a copy editor to take a leading role in their own choices and actions. In order to succeed as a copy editor, existentialism shows that one can not merely sit as a passive receiver of jobs and responsibilities, but must take matters in his or her own hands and be an active supplier of autonomy. The difficulty in being a copy editor is that potential and motivation are often hidden behind daily obligations and certain expectations. Copy editors are rarely allowed to create their own content or choose the topics they get to work on. An existential copy editor finds a way to demonstrate individualism by creating their own ethical standards and expressing himself.
Journalists are usually taught to be objective when providing information. What is interesting to note about an existential copy editor is that he or she rejects the idea that any human can produce a truly objective report, what Merrill called the “objective-neutralism” fallacy. Therefore, while copy editors are often taken for granted, existentialism can allow them to connect with the readers, and even perhaps making changes in their newsroom or the media field by volunteering for difficult assignments and embracing new technology. Existentialism can improve the difficulties that copy editors face because they will no longer be looking for the respect when wishing to advance – “the existential copy editor is an internally motivated steward of good journalism.” The existential copy editor is engaged and committed wholly and is not afraid of speaking out. If budding, young journalists adapted existentialism as their personal mantra, then they would challenge their superiors and contribute to a more diverse newsroom.
