Mightier Than the Sword: McCarthyism

Mightier Than the Sword's chapter ten helped clarify the "climate" of the 1950s and the role of journalism by focusing on the prominence of Joseph McCarthy. The chapter centers McCarthy's manipulation of public opinion during the Red Scare, and the examination of his methodology is fascinating. The man was brilliant. He knew exactly how to work the mechanics of the news industry at the time to his advantage, from the immaculately timed blows to the exploitation of journalistic rhetoric (objectivity).The main idea behind exposing his tactics is that the knowledge of the power of the press--the power of journalism--is what gave him control. I guess you can say he established a specific interpretation of "knowledge is power."

The spotlight then shifts to Edward R. Murrow. Again, Streitmatter emphasizes the indispensability of public opinion. Murrow's journalistic reputation and persona earned him public trust, which I believe substantially aided him in his brave stand against Joe McCarthy. If America did not know Murrow, people might have been more hesitant about risking their lives to support such a bold move. Murrow also constructed a case in which journalism gives a "voice to the voiceless," and this voice helped reinforce our "culture of accountability." In the midst of all the fear and paranoia, people forgot the foundation of their country's values and beliefs, and McCarthy was able to run a fascist operation under the pretense of justice and democracy. However, by rising above the vice grip of fear, Murrow challenged the tyranny of McCarthyism while changing the face of journalism with television broadcasting in the process.

This also brings to mind the idea of journalism changing, or rather, evolving with the times. The flourishing of television broadcasting manifested another dimension to journalism in that it strengthened the power of its usability and impact. Albeit McCarthy demonstrated the magnitude of the power of journalism in a negative way, its potential is still significant to the ultimate good it contributes to society. The dynamics of its structure does not change the essence of its purpose; "broadcasting recaptured its soul" as soon as it once again served the people.

Women Inspiration

In the interview with Monica Bertran, I found her stories of how she integrated herself in the journalism world most interesting, especially as a colored woman. She was inspiring as she talked about the things that she did to get where she wanted to go--she took risks regardless of what was expected of her. It made me think about the kind of people who succeed in the realm of journalism. Although there are many different kinds of people, it was interesting to see how her personality worked for her. She exuded strength and independence but in a way that was unpretentious and somewhat amiable, and I could see why she was able to keep her "bridges" even after moving from place to place. I utterly admired her for it. It was also interesting to acknowledge the fluidity of her personality in moving with the times (e.g. starting off in the radio industry). I think that her apparent passion for her work was what really captured her listeners. I could see this in the response to the question that I had for her after the interview: I asked, "During which time period would you choose to thrive as a journalist, in terms of the issues that speak out to you?" Her reply, after a moment's pause, was that she would remain where (or when) she was because of everything that is going on in the world. I felt an implication of a genuine interest and enthusiasm for the world as she sees it as well as an allusion to a personal history with no regrets.

Election Day 2012

          It is six in the evening, and I am in P.S. 112, Queens, in line seventy, the longest line to vote. There are four lines, filled with people of varying ages and ethnicities. Many children are running around while their mothers explain to them what they are doing there or where they are going to stand before they run off to play with the others in this crowded gymnasium. I walk up to an older black lady sitting at a table by the entrance of the gym to figure out what the voting process is, as I am only prepared with my state I.D. and my vote. I tell the Election Information worker that the last time I voted in this school was my first time, four years ago, when Barack Obama first ran for president. She looks up my address from a thick book in front of her, but before she sends me off to my line, she advises me that the best thing to do in the election process was to vote every year to secure my name in the voter database. I felt humbled by her lecture and as I reflected on the lack of activity on my part, even to learn who the senatorial candidates were. But I am here and it's a start. 

          As the line moves, a lot of confused faces search for their designated queue as the people who have already found theirs wait patiently to fill their ballots. I am filled with a sense of purpose that defeats my post-school lethargy, and as I look around me, I imagine others feeling the same way. How many of these people just got out of work or curtailed their schedules in time to be here? Which of these people were postponing dinner plans to make sure their votes counted? I entertain myself with a warm feeling of solidarity as I project my own sense of purpose onto the faces of the strangers around me. But whether I was creating imaginary realities for the voters that I saw, their presence at that place was intrinsic of volition and of concern for their lives, for the lives of their families, and perhaps even for the lives of those standing in line beside them.