Blog Post 9: Whistleblowers and their Power

 The whistleblower is someone who exposes wrongdoing, most often from within an institution or government, by making it public, often through the media. The definition is simple enough, but the implications of whistleblowing involve considerably more than simply revealing the truth. In blowing the whistle, people risk their careers, their physical safety, and even their liberty in order to inform the public. The consequences of their acts can bring about justice and reform, but at the same time may initiate controversy and different reactions. 

Whistleblowing has the potential to bring benefits. Its greatest strength is that it can promote transparency and accountability. Especially in situations where powerful institutions—like governments, corporations, or police forces start to do illegal or immoral behavior. By whistleblowers showing that reality to society, it causes investigations and starts policy changes. In 1971, for example, the NY Times explains how Daniel Ellsberg leaked the Pentagon Papers about Vietnam, which revealed that the United States administration had misled both the public and Congress about Vietnam. His actions had a lasting impact on public attitudes and protected press liberty in a historic Supreme Court ruling.

Another example is that of the Guardian, and they state how Edward Snowden, who in 2013 leaked classified material related to mass surveillance operations by the National Security Agency. Snowden revealed evidence that showed that the United States administration was obtaining telephone and online records belonging to millions of people without their knowledge. The resulting discussion regarding privacy and personal rights led to international policy debates, which in turn led to legal adjustments related to data collection.

Whistleblowers often face consequences, such as loss of job, legal persecution, public consequences, and even threats to personal lives. For example, Snowden was accused of violating acts through the Espionage Act and is now living in asylum in Russia to avoid arrest, and before that, Hong Kong. In some cases, whistleblowing ends up causing harm to other people, especially in cases relating to matters of national security or confidential data. Such risks, like the one Snowden took, suggest that even though whistleblowing is an agent of justice, it requires cautious handling, and regardless of whether you are right or not, your fate is still always unpredictable. 

Whistleblowing can have serious cultural and political implications as well. It creates an enhanced societal concern for integrity, ethics, and accountability. Eventually, people start to see the corruption and scandal that might foster mass disillusionment with institutions. People also might begin to see all systems as imperfect or tainted, causing disengagement and distrust. Such disillusion might have adverse results if it deters people from actively being part of political or social movements that seek to bring about change. The impacts of whistleblowing are not experienced equally in all sections of society. Different groups are affected in different ways. Those who have financial means or institutional connections often have means by which to shield themselves legally or to sway public opinion. Those who lack economic resources may face more risks if whistleblowing leads to dismissal from their job or loss of financial security. Secondly, young people might feel more confident to challenge authority in order to support whistleblowers, but older generations might feel that whistleblowers act as agents for upsetting security or custom. Lastly, for instance, LGBTQ+ individuals and minorities might face added personal threats and less protection when speaking out. By them reaching out to the public, they may at the same time expose discrimination and oppression in systems that often silence marginalized voices.

On a personal level, I can see whistleblowing is something powerful. If I had a person in my inner circle who were to become a whistleblower, this situation might bring about both pride and adversity. This action might make them a hero in society's eyes; however, it might also result in their loss of employment, legal consequences, or emotional tension within my family. I would have my family or friends consider the consequences and think, is it worth it or not? 

Whistleblowing is especially relevant to Generation Z. This generation is coming of age in a world filled with information, activism, and digital media that enable wrongdoing. Generation Z tends to value transparency, social justice, and truth highly. It has been seen numerous times with George Floyd, Roe v. Wade, and so many other controversial issues. Nevertheless, they also face the psychological toll of being constantly exposed to disturbing information. In short, media whistleblowing plays an indispensable role in influencing society. At the same time, it involves risks, controversy, and complicated consequences for individuals and communities. Daniel Ellsberg and Edward Snowden are living proof of courage and determination in finding truth. It is important we look up to figures like Ellsberg and Snowden to realize there is a lot of corruption in this country, and we need to stand our ground and show our generation will not tolerate these issues.