The allegorical defense of journalism
This memoir is an attempt to express what it was like to become the famous reporter Martin Fletcher was known to be. We see that it was not like he picked "reporter" at the job fair and then made television segments for fun. For Fletcher, journalism is a true art rooted in passion and the need for information. As an allegory for journalism, his personal life shows the risks of a life of truth-pursuit. He also shows a part of journalism that people often neglect until it is time for tragedy; a newscaster must be in tune with human death on a daily basis as they report about deaths. Fletcher's story isolates that aspect of journalism by his extreme experience of life-threatening situations.
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict
In Fletcher's personal life, the conflict between Israel and Palestine is a serious turning point in his story. He knows from that moment on that he would always try report the truth about difficult situations, even from the most dangerous and terrifying situations. He is excited by the risk of the bullets flying around him. In a way, this is naturally symbolic, because his attempt to understand the truth about humans puts him right in the middle of the dark side of human nature. He must understand the truth about warfare and violence.
Afghanistan
Years later, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict became less urgent for American viewers and Fletcher was sent to report in Afghanistan. He ends up being a major spokesperson in that region through the decades of conflict there, and his insight provides helpful knowledge to viewers at home who might not have appreciated the scope of the conflict by just reading about the events. That footage is part of what sealed his fame in the news community, because he was able to show footage in his journalism that could only be attained by actually going to these war zones and living among the army.
The government motif
What is the news designed to educate its viewership about? In Fletcher's memoir, the answer is clearly the activity of the government. The news as Fletcher shows it is supposed to educate people about what the government is accomplishing in its various military efforts. Fletcher reports an urgent fondness toward foreign peoples, so that his reporting is not Americana. He shows the real effects of war in local economies and explains the specific reasons that America is involved. This often means he has to have his nose right up in government business which is truly intimidating—especially since he knows what the government is capable of.
His Jewish heritage
The memoirist does not only cover the situations that his journalism covered. He also pulls back the veil on his own mind and personal beliefs. He participates in his Jewish heritage and celebrates his ethnic identity, remembering the horrific evils done against his people in the 1940's and throughout other periods of history. By invoking religion and filial duty, he suggests that his identity is naturally suited for his vocation, as if by destiny. He feels he honors the Holocaust victims by giving over knowledge to the public about geopolitical happenings.
