You run a small office somewhere, doing something in particular. Let’s say in specific. You do something in specific. But it is not for public knowledge. It is not for public knowledge, so you talk around it, just as anyone else would do. Just as anyone else would do.
It’s your job, in some ways, to control the press. Don’t say censor. It is not your job to censor the press. You’d hate it if it were. You’d resign, you’d write an open letter. You’d make an awful fuss if your job was to censor the press. Instead, and quite reasonably, your role is a simple one. If an event occurs – and they do sometimes occur, very sadly – that risks the country’s social peace, the relations of our very cherished communities, you do something. You do something then. That’s your job: you step in. You have a word. You suggest that people be grown up and responsible and that their commentary, their coverage, represent that. You tell them to be their best selves, to act in the best interests of the country as a whole. And they do that, they do it. Just as anyone else would do.
Only in the spirit of being helpful, really – that’s why you suggest the things you suggest. Some might call that distraction, creating a diversion, but all you are doing is highlighting. Highlighting some other things people ought to talk about, at a time such as this. Big companies who might be responsible for whatever unfortunate event has occurred. Not unreasonable to ask the question! Other regulations – necessary regulations – for the internet. It needs more regulation, you know. All well-meaning, honest people agree. And so you suggest a couple of ideas, the odd little notion, to the press contacts you have, the people assigning others to work on this story. It’s simply your job. Just as anyone else would do.
And the victims, if victims there are. Naturally, someone has to go out to them, to comfort them, to give them some direction. Because after all, it has been a difficult business. It is a hard thing, being a victim, being the mother or father of a victim, knowing how to behave on such a big stage, knowing what best to say. So you give them a few pointers, from the folder you brought with you. A few little things other people have found helpful in the past. If they want to make a statement, best it’s contained in one of those. Nothing sinister! Nothing controlling, just looking out for their best interests, looking out for the interests of the country as a whole. Just as anyone else would do.
And when the crises come, as they must, you know what it is you must do. You must get people who are willing, leaders, civic figures, civil society, to say it firmly and well. They reject all ethnic divisions. They reject all divisive rhetoric. They reject the twin dragons of misinformation and disinformation, so much of it no doubt coming from the enemies of this great land. All the professors, all the researchers, they agree. And if people want to organise entirely spontaneous demonstrations, moments in time where locals can commemorate the event without rancour or bitterness, well, there are state funds available, state funds available, and stages to rent and set up, and public spaces for their use at such a dangerous and hopeful time. You tell them happily that we as a nation cannot look back in anger. We don’t look back in anger. It’s what you tell them. Just as anyone else would do.
It’s straightforward, simple. It’s not evil! It’s what you’ve been tasked to do, what you’ve been asked to do, what you’re paid to do. You go out into the streets of this country, visiting the grieving, the wounded, and you tell them what they can and cannot say. It’s for the greater good. It’s your vocation. Just as anyone else would do.