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| Image: "The Writer" by Debbie Ohi |
Muckracker was a term that was born in the 1900's and was used to to refer to any journalist who was using media outlets to spread the results from their constant investigations regarding corruption and "fishy" behaviors of those in power. They exposed people in many different fields, including politics, economy and healthcare. This period of time in the history of journalism was very controversial and it is still studied these days because of the impact it had in American history and the practice of freedom of press.
Was it pessimism or were facts simply being stated? Were they refusing to look at the good side of things, or was it just a job that someone had to do? I think with all that was happening and still happens, it is necessary. I think corruption should be pointed out and criticized. You can surely kvetch about newspapers mainly containing bad news, but would you honestly rather have them publish fairytale pieces and keep you from the truth?
Telling the truth is the tricky part, however, and this is the point where my opinion faces a crossroad. I think there is a difference between journalists being the medium to open the audience's eyes and using this power to control the masses. Manipulated information gets out there every day and we are exposed to it. It comes from every direction and we're left not knowing what to believe or who to trust. Is it really achievable, then? Can the truth ever be genuinely exposed? Writers use words, and a single word in a sentence can change the whole meaning of what someone is trying to say, or to make others believe. The intention behind an article can give any situation a whole different context.
What do you think? Do you feel informed, or manipulated by the media? Do you care?
"Can the truth ever be genuinely exposed?"
ReplyDeleteI believe it can be genuinely exposed and this can only be done through objective reporting.
Of course, reporters will always be aiming at the wrong outcomes by placing attractive headlines which most of the times arise from subjective thinking.
"Do you care?"
Well, this is one of the most important problems since people really don't care or even worse, they do not even acknowledge they are being manipulated by the media.
Nicely written, you really got your point across... and I liked how you ended with the most important yet least thought about question.