March 23

CH 11; Toxic Sludge: March 23

What is fit to print? Part of this chapter touches on the idea that certain things are published in the newspaper; e.g. mostly facts and the raw truth. When it comes to schoolbooks, however, information is sometimes sugarcoated. As a result, students (who aren’t informed on current events) will generally trust what is in their books. They won’t bother to research a topic beyond that, unless they have to. Therefore, they are missing out on the whole truth.
Also, they chapter made another interesting point. Today, due to popular culture, reporters are viewed differently than the strict professionals they are. The image of the profession has been altered by plays, movies, television programs, and books. I particularly liked the example of Clark Kent. He’s you average reporter, but of course is secretly the superhero, Superman. He spends the majority of his time rescuing people from danger; especially those following journalistic leads.
Another example could be Peter Parker. He was a photo journalist, but before he took this job a phenomenon occurred. He was bit by a radioactive spider and once again, we witness another journalist with supernatural powers.
Superman and Spiderman are merely popular culture representations of the new ways journalists are portrayed in today’s society. The two heroes alone have comic books, movies, and even action figures portraying themselves.
Popular culture has involved the news and the individuals who report it in various forms of media. Therefore, the presentation of current events is viewed differently than it was years ago.