In chapter one of Cole’s book, he references Agee’s work and how he became intertwined in a culture that consumed him and made it difficult for him to separate his personal life from his work life. Cole references location as “how a particular writer or researcher decides to commit himself or herself with respect to others being studied, watched, heard..(Cole, 32). With this idea, Agee became beyond committed so much so that he entered crisis mode, essentially pushing his original work aside and instead, took on a different role, a personal interest and investment in the individuals he surrounded himself with for both moral and personal reasons. Cole is successful in illustrating how location affected Agee in his work and how he could no longer follow a “script.” Instead, Agee needed to take a larger role aside from the magazine and instead of detaching himself from the situation he embedded himself even more so in it. As Cole discussed, Agee’s commitment displayed a side to him that most journalists avoid because it is not widely accepted. In many ways, Agee has made me think of times when I have lived amongst others that varied from my lifestyle and how I survived in those situations. While quite different from Agee’s situation, looking back, I realize that it is truly eye opening to surround oneself with others, seeing things from different perspectives, while trying to keep a neutral point of view. Finding empathy, being respectful and even shoeing a deep level of understanding of others has actually opened my eyes to a life in journalism/media. My idea of location will essentially be challenged as I continue on this journey, and like Agee, I hope to tell my truth, without being restrained by higher authorities in the business.
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