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.