A Descriptive Essay About ‘Spotlight’

The actions of the reporters in the film ‘Spotlight’ exemplify the qualities of journalism I admire. The film is based on the story of sex abuse of children by clergy of the influential Roman Catholic Church in Boston. The journalists pursued the story and found hundreds of scandals prior to 2002. They brought a shameful issue to the attention of the readers of the Boston Globe, an important outlet of print journalism.They persevered and did the hard work of telling the whole story.

Their challenge to authority, dedication to the truth, and adherence to duty are ideals of the journalistic profession.

The Roman Catholic Church has been a powerful influence on the people and politics of Boston for hundreds of years. The reporters’ investigation in 2002 revealed the sex abuse of minors by Roman Catholic clergy and its treatment by three archbishops. The church's efforts to cover up the scandals were undone by the reporters. Their work challenged the prestige and position of the Roman Catholic Church and exposed similar scandals throughout the United States.

These journalists persisted in their task. Their work was published in the Globe for over two years. The results have publicized these scandals and resulted in lawsuits around the world to bring closure to the victims. Their hard work exemplifies the dedication to their profession that reporters regard as their duty.

Their efforts brought light from darkness. Their attitude toward their work could be called a "sword." As Macduff exclaims to Macbeth in their final battle, ‘My voice is in my sword.’ Their work eventually exposed scandals in the Catholic Church across the United States and around the world.What began as an investigation in the Boston church has exposed these practices in many countries.

The work of the Spotlight reporters shows the power of journalism. They challenged the power of the Roman Catholic Church in Boston, where it had influenced the powerful and the populace for hundreds of years. They persisted in their efforts for years in a show of dedication to their profession. They brought news of scandal and the pain of hundreds, if not thousands, of victims around in many countries to light. They demonstrated the strength and integrity of professionals doing their duty to their readers and the world.