A couple months ago, I published an article I’ve dreamt of writing for years. One I always feared would be too challenging. But after a year of traveling + investigating, I finally wrote it:
An exposé on the abuse of African and Asian maids in Lebanon.
Yet, days before publishing, I almost backed out. I considered scrapping the whole thing...
Because I was terrified of people hating me 😬
If you’re unfamiliar, Lebanon’s a stunningly picturesque country -- with even better people, food, and history. But it gets terrible media attention. By highlighting Lebanese who abuse their maids, instead of those who treat them right … I worried my community would think I was adding to that problem. I’d just be another journalist making Lebanon look bad 😟
Then, I read something that changed my perspective ...
Khalil Gibran was once hated. The most famous Lebanese writer of all time was exiled from Lebanon and excommunicated from the church.
Why? For writing about how corrupt Lebanon’s rulers and church had become.
Did that mean he was making Lebanon look bad? Honestly, I think he was just trying to better his country. His voice was sometimes harsh, but it had to be for tyrants to listen.
In no way am I comparing myself to Gibran. I’m just saying, if you can’t tell by my blog, I’m obsessed with Lebanon. But sometimes, when you love something, you point out its flaws -- hoping it’ll become better.
My friends at “It’s All Journalism” invited me on their podcast -- and we discussed this very topic. We also got personal -- discussing how little money I make reporting in Lebanon, why I want to continue doing it anyway, and how the heck I’m gonna balance that with my relationship/job/life 😂
If you’re interested in listening, click here!