Nobel Prize lecture: Maria Ressa, Nobel Peace Prize 2021

This is the nth time I’ve watched this speech, and it still continues to astound me every single time I watch it. The first time I heard about her reward, and the first time I watched her speech, I was in complete awe. I can say that Maria Ressa is one of the many people I look up to, she inspires me a lot because she lives a meaningful and fulfilling life. The career and field that she is in, Journalism, is a difficult and scary field especially here in the Philippines. Because of all the political discussion, they are vulnerable to all discrimination and a lot of the higher-ups will inevitably tear them down. Not all would have the courage to stand up with the truth and fight for it. But as she said, the more she got attacked for her journalism, she became more RESOLUTE. That leaves me astonished, there I have realized that she really does deserve the Nobel Prize. The line that struck me the most would be “We are standing on the rubble of the world that was, and we must have the foresight and courage to imagine what might happen if we don’t act now, and instead, create the world as it should be – more compassionate, more equal, more sustainable.” Maria Ressa is a role model for everyone, she needs to be especially seen by the youth. Our country, and even the rest of the world is experiencing a lot of hardships. Rather than bringing each other down, spreading false information or intentionally blinding ourselves from the truth, we must be good and believe that there is good even if we are faced with overwhelming news. We must accept the truth and provide action for it, not hide the truth with anger. Rappler is a source that we all trust and it shines against the fake news that continues to manipulate the media and the minds of people.

Based on watching Maria Ressa’s Nobel Prize lecture, what resonated with me most was her accurate elaboration of the problem and the solution to the current crisis we are facing today, that is the uncontrollable power of social media. It is indeed true that social media is such a big platform where one can further their agendas as it can reach millions of people all over the world which is at the same time a disadvantage when that agenda is not for the common good, but for the fall of a certain industry. Maria Ressa emphasizes on how journalists are targeted worldwide for delivering only the truth yet only to end up in jails or worse, in graves. It is ironic why such administrations attack journalists as they only accept their version of the truth which is immoral and unacceptable. Furthermore, journalists around the globe must be protected at all cost as they are what keeps society oriented. As a liberal arts student, there are a lot of ways to help restore facts in order for independent journalism to survive. First is to be an advocate of the truth and fight for the rights of journalists through the same platform that is being used to destroy it. Second is to combat all kinds of fake news we encounter everyday in social media that may help lessen it. I would also like to insert a quote that I have read somewhere that says “lucky are those who speak as they are the reason why those do not” which I think can be a tribute to journalists for speaking up bravely and dedicating their lives to fight fake news and all kinds of historical distortion. We, students, are privileged to be educated and enlightened and we must not let this opportunity go to waste by just being a mere observer.

When I get caught up in social media manipulation, I come back to this. Thank you, Manang Maria.

We need to listen to this repeatedly. And get in action, repeatedly. Thank you Maria Ressa! Proud Filipino American and in alliance with you and the world community committed to kindness, education and the truth. What are you going to sacrifice to create the world we want?

Congrats Maria powerful speech. Thanks to the Noble Peace Prize Committee for recognizing the work of people like Maria.

One line caught my attention in her Nobel piece: “Without facts, you can’t have the truth. Without truth, you can’t have trust. Without trust, we have no shared reality, no democracy, and it becomes impossible to deal with the existential problems of our times: climate, coronavirus, the battle for truth.” Nobel Peace Prize winner Maria Ressa uttered these words at the awarding ceremony as she gave her speech. As the fourth estate of democracy, journalism is frequently referred to as being essential to keeping the public informed and holding the powerful accountable. The workday of a journalist is an exciting trip full of obstacles, thrills, and a dedication to the truth. We will examine the numerous roles that journalists perform, their difficulties, and the significance of their work in society as we look into a typical journalist's day in this article. News gathering is one of a journalist's core responsibilities. Attending news conferences, conducting interviews, following up on leads, or pouring over numerous sources, including official statements, paperwork, and social media, are all examples of how to do this. Due to the potential repercussions that can result from inaccurate or misleading reports, journalists must confirm the information they gather to assure its authenticity. Journalists begin writing and reporting after gathering the essential facts. They write news pieces or reports that accurately and engrossingly explain the facts and happenings. This process entails condensing complex material into clear and intelligible text for their audience. Journalists must abide by ethical standards, including objectivity and fairness, to preserve credibility. What are you prepared to give up for the truth? Ressa asked. What am I willing to give up for the fact? Freedom, comfort, and dignity? Following her remarks, Facebook is the most significant news distributor in the world. Studies have proven that lies packed with rage and hatred spread more quickly and widely than the truth. Our primary tool is social media. Misinformation is still commonplace, though. We need to understand why we are fighting. We must consider both the good and the bad. We can learn valuable lessons. The first is a push to take a closer look at the connection that we could take for granted too much between media, democracy, and freedom of expression. The second goal is to better comprehend journalism outside the West, including its manifestations and distinctive regional issues. Journalism, the democratic process, and freedom of expression are undoubtedly related. However, they are intertwined with one another and the social, political, ideological, and material realities they evolve in, alongside, and in opposition to. They are incredibly path-dependent and depend on how they unfold at any moment. As with all systems, the entire cluster will be affected by any movement, alteration, repositioning, vibration, or transformation in any components or relationships. However, they must be sufficient to bring about long-term political change. For this to happen, journalism must be a part of more significant participatory cultures and processes, which call for the participation of political actors, NGOs, and the general public, as well as institutional transformation, new practices, norms, and imaginative frameworks.

I am deeply moved by your Nobel Lecture, which not only captures the challenges faced by journalists worldwide but also serves as a beacon of hope in these turbulent times. Your unwavering commitment to upholding truth and accountability is truly commendable, and I extend my heartfelt congratulations on this well-deserved recognition of your courageous leadership in the field of journalism. Your impassioned plea for greater protections for journalists and your visionary call to action inspire us all to reflect on our roles in shaping a more just and equitable society. Your resilience in the face of adversity and your unwavering dedication to the pursuit of truth is an inspiration to journalists and advocates worldwide. Congratulations once again on this prestigious honor and thank you for your tireless efforts to defend press freedom and uphold the integrity of our information ecosystems.

Never before have so many journalists been killed in the world as in 2021! Since 1935, various public figures have received the Nobel Peace Prize, and journalists have not been among them all these years. In 1935, this prize was awarded to journalist Karl von Osiecki (he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1936 in 1936, but was banned from traveling to Norway and accepting the prize. in a Berlin hospital). It is because of the aggravation of freedom of speech in the Russian Federation, the Philippines and other countries, the persecution of journalists who do not promote happy life in totalitarian countries, but investigate crimes against humanity, protect the defenseless, expose dishonest rulers and police officers, despite threats persons. And it is not only journalists who are in danger of speaking freely - anyone who sets out on this path puts a brick in democracy and freedom of spirit! And these murders of journalists and on the conscience of those who decided to give up freedom of speech as a basic value of democracy!

I REALLY ADMIRED THIS WOMAN, SO AS HER PARENTS, THE MOM ESPECIALLY, TO LET AND BRING MARIA RESSA INTO THIS WORLD, THE PRIDE OF THE FILIPINO. SHE IS ONE IN A MILLION BECOZ WOMAN, THIS BRILLIANT IS BORN EVERY 10,000 YEARS, IMAGINE!!!!

I pray for your safety always, Maria Ressa. Thank you for holding the line.

Although said two years ago, Maria's words " the part of our humanity that makes miracles happen" is a call to answer the invitation to the dialog table.

Every time I hear her speak I really get teary-eyed.. love you so much ma'am Maria Ressa, thank you for fighting for our rights. 😥😭🙏💖💞

In my 40 years living as a Filipino American, I am completely inspired by Maria. She is the jewel of inspiration from my own culture I’ve been wondering that is unhindered by colonization or oppression. She is truly a free and courageous spirit that leads with love.

A role model has been identified and awarded the Nobel Peace Prize!

Maria Ressa's acceptance speech for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2021 is a global call to act to create it now and fight to maintain peace in communities around the globe. Human rights and truth with facts and not putting journalists and people in prison that are doing this pursuit of truth needs all our solidarity.

Protect Maria at all cost!

Maria Ressa is such a genius and a masterful communicator. She truly has her finger on the pulse of the problem and has formulated the solution. Protect the TRUTH! Too bad she can't be our President.

Thank you Nobel commity for honoring Maria.

CONGRATULATIONS MARIA REZZA, FILIPINA, NOBEL PEACE PRIZE WINNER 2021, SHE MAKES A LOT OF SENSE. .

Such an amazing Filipina! Proud of you, Maria Ressa! ❤