I decided then that if I was to succeed in a...

I decided then that if I was to succeed in a profession that is all about truth-telling, I couldn’t tell the truth about myself.

While Steve Myers acknowledges the legitimacy of Jose Antonio Vargas’ recent decision to out himself as an illegal immigrant, he explores how a journalist withholding information affects journalism. The article asks the question, “when is truth telling worth the risk?”

For a somewhat related take, Slate’s Jack Shafer explores the honesty needed between a reporter and editor and suggests that Vargas’ deception over the years destroys that, as well as the trust needed between a news organization and its readers.

Steve Myers, Poynter. “Vargas’ revelation may be a victory for immigration advocates, but not for journalism.”

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