The article “Code of silence, finally broken” by Kim Barker (copyright ProPublica — Feb. 22) was thought provoking. The brutal attack on the CBS correspondent, Lara Logan, shameful and appalling, cannot be brushed aside on the ground that she somehow invited it upon herself. Those who are to blame are the men in Tahrir Square who exploited the opportunity to hurt her.
It might have been mob mentality gone wild, but some unsavoury elements worked this to their advantage. In a dynamic profession like journalism, where men and women compete equally, issues of sexual harassment are overlooked in order to maintain an aura of professionalism. The media must give this sensitive issue the seriousness it deserves.
Blessy Chinnu Abraham,
New Delhi
The article reinforces the bitter truth that women are considered sexual objects. Given a chance, most men do not fail to exploit them. It is rather ironical that men who gathered at the Tahrir Square to celebrate their hard earned freedom offended a woman journalist's dignity and honour.
I have great respect for women journalists, especially those covering conflict zones, for their determination and courage. If it were not for them, some of the most sensitive stories from conflict zones would have remained unheard.
Sabana Basumatary,
New Delhi
Lara Logan's harassment, I am sure, is not an isolated instance. It is worth recalling Nora Beloff, yesteryear British journalist's advice that a woman journalist needs “inexhaustible stamina, insatiable curiosity and a thick skin” to survive in the profession.
Mahalingam Yaaman,
Tuticorin
