A Delusion* of Journalism: This is “Shafaghé Sorkh" (The Red Twilight)
Shafaghe Sorkh
A Daily Newspaper Published in Tehran
Thursday, 11 Esfand 1300, (2 Rajab 1340), (2 March 1922)
Editor-in-Chief: Ali Dashti
Issue No. 1
Finally my dear friends, at your insistence, l have taken up the pen as a newspaper journalist, but I cannot but admit that journalism in Iran is a delusory enterprise – that this is no more than an insane decision. But you too have to admit that it was your zealous insistence that reinforced this illusory desire in me, that has made this illogical enterprise seem logical.
Do you think that the decision to publish a newspaper in these gloomy, uncertain times, in a collapsed society, can be described as anything but delusional? These are conditions where everything – all things that are holy including journalism – have been degraded, and many thoughtful writers have broken their pens, choosing to take refuge in seclusion and isolation. Instead, a bunch of common folk with unoriginal minds have become journalists. In this scenario, do you not think that journalism is a delusion?
In an environment where people of disrepute, who are uneducated, ignorant and lacking in cognizance, and treat journalism like a convenience store or a brokerage firm in order to earn their puny income, have dared enter the realm of journalism, and because of their many sordid involvements, have destroyed its nobility and dignity. Do you not think journalism is a delusion?
In an environment where formulaic linking of soulless words has come to define journalistic publications, no real capital is required to set up such an enterprise. Much of their content can be described as a series of trite articles and common imitations. The result is a sense of public disgust and aversion towards most of the press. Do you not think journalism is a delusion?
In an environment where “freedom of the press” is abused [to a level where] to the general public this hallowed principle has come to mean abusiveness, insult, slander and defamation of character, while the ruling clique perceives its approval through compliments and praises [heaped upon them in the press], isn’t taking up the pen to write about thought and opinion delusional?
In my opinion in an environment where newspaper editors are a weak lot and have come under attack, journalism is not really a source of pride and honor.
Fortunately, the desire to get acquainted and mingle with notables and dignitaries was not among the reasons for establishing “Shafaghe Sorkh” because getting acquainted with those who have gained their prosperity and grandeur through the plight and death of thousands of Iranian people is not agreeable with the temperament of its founder.
On the other hand we cannot claim to have taken up the pen to reform the current corruptions in the press world, and by publishing “Shafaghe Sorkh” to provide a comprehensive model for journalism. Fortunately, we neither have such a high opinion of ourself nor of our pen, and the incompetence and hopelessness of writers who are currently involved in newspaper journalism, does not permit us to make such an assumption about ourself.
I admit that in my view, newspaper journalism is nothing but a whimsical sentiment or a delusional thought, and as the literati know, and as recorded in the works of some perceptive scholars. Therefore, in our inclinations and even in our beliefs and thoughts, we are condemned to be influenced by stronger factors than reason and logic.
This is my philosophy of newspaper journalism as it is of all whose thoughts and beliefs have forced them on this path.
As for the other newspapers …
These [newspapers] are mostly free and not dependent on any high official nor supportive of any dogma or political party. They are published to guide public opinion; to [help] make the country more prosperous; to [help] prevent corruption in government circles; to [help] protect the nation from foreign influence; to [help] support the impoverished; and to [help] uproot the foundation of oppression and evil.
Most have not been created to spread or promote education.
For the most part they “were created to show the integrity of their pen, to complement the principles of the constitution and to support the absolute independence of all of Iran”!
A recently published article by a journalist is really hilarious! This respectable journalist has provided a concise account of the material development of Europe and a brief account of the decline of civilization in Iran, and in conclusion, has fancied his own journalism to be the sole instrument capable of redressing this egregious difference!
To that end, after regretting the lack of air mail service in Iran, he wrote that he coerced his friends to sell their furniture in order to raise the capital he needed to start his newspaper that will usher the Iranian people towards the road to progress and prosperity!
This is a typical format of these [types] journalists in their opening articles heralding the launch of their newspapers.
For the time being, we will not judge the veracity or mendacity of these claims. And we will not enter into the argument, that with the exception of a group of journalists – who have taken up their pen to publish their thoughts and principles, and who have shared their concerns about these unfortunate truths with me and are not fearful of being associated with me – most other newspapers are in this business either to earn a living, for personal purposes, or for fulfilling other people’s objectives. Since the level of judgment of the public, despite all its deficiencies and weaknesses, has correctly evaluated the degree of success of each newspaper, I feel it superfluous to repeat the pronouncements of others.
In future editions of “Shafaghe Sorkh”, we will delve into [subjects such as] promoting learning, or support for the working class, or our dis-inclination towards foreigners, and other topics, all of which will better identify and introduce our newspaper.
And now about my beliefs and thoughts
As I have not leaned towards any particular side until now, I will probably continue the same trend. Considering the grave conditions in the world and the current environment in Iran, no reliable support exists in Iran from domestic or foreign notables, under whose patronage free thinkers could grow and flourish.
It is the civilized (!) England whose cruel claws are stained with the blood of our Indian and Egyptian brethren.
It is young Russia (Soviet Union) [whose leaders] live like the ostentatious Indian Rajas, with riches gained from the toil of their farmers and the proletariat, without showing any sign of hope [for the future].
It is human rights promoting (!) France that holds a bunch of laws promoting freedom on one hand while with the other quashes the spirit of freedom in Tunisia and Algeria.
It is peace loving America that under the guise of the “Monroe Doctrine”, continues to siphon off the world’s wealth, thus helping the prolongation of the plight of humans.
As for the patricians …
This class that has laid the foundation of its lofty perch on the lifeless corpses of the second and third classes [citizens]; these monuments of perversion who water their flower gardens and parks with the blood of the oppressed, in our opinion, are more deserving of death.
And political parties
Unfortunately, a powerful political party whose members’ profound beliefs have brought them together, and whose strength of faith would make them firmly endure the deluge of incidents, does not exist as yet, and the assemblies that have formed, grown and flourished based on friendships and recognition of political party interests, are not worthy of support by a free thinking individual or a free newspaper.
Therefore, as journalists, we will be subordinate to our own thoughts, bound [to be responsive] to our own society’s needs, and to a degree, will be in tune with the sentiments of our nation.