The Decline and Abuses of Journalism: A Critical Analysis

Journalism, once regarded as a noble profession, is now beset by a myriad of issues that threaten its integrity. The pervasive presence of yellow journalism and the rampant spread of fake news have tarnished the image of journalists worldwide. This essay critically analyzes the current state of journalism, highlighting the four significant problems that plague the profession: invention over reporting, plagiarism, bias, and the intrusive 'I'.

The Sad State of Journalism

Today, journalism has plummeted to a new low, losing the trust and respect it once commanded. Decent individuals are increasingly disenchanted, and there is a growing sense that the profession has been subverted. What was once a reputable field has devolved into a hopeless morass, where anyone with a computer and a loose moral compass can claim the title of a writer.

Invention Instead of Reporting

The practice of invention over reporting has become a scourge in the industry. Reporters are increasingly resorting to creative license to fabricate stories, which not only undermines their credibility but also exposes them to significant consequences. This trend has led to the downfall of several journalists who were later caught fabricating their articles, leading to the destruction of their careers.

Plagiarism and Borrowing

Another critical issue is plagiarism, where journalists borrow from others' work without proper attribution or original contribution. This not only robs the original creators of their intellectual property but also compromises the integrity of the entire article or investigative piece. This unethical practice fosters a culture of laziness and subverts the true essence of journalism.

Cant and Bias

Journalistic bias, another pervasive issue, taints the accuracy and objectivity of stories. This includes the practice of 'balancing' stories in a way that creates a false equivalence, such as treating Russia with a GDP of one-tenth the U.S. as equally important in a global context. This distortion is not only misleading but also dangerous, as it can lead to significant policy errors and public misunderstanding.

The Intrusive ‘I’

The excessive use of the first-person narrative, often referred to as the 'intrusive 'I'', is another annoying and damaging trend. Journalists frequently insert themselves into the stories they report on, blurring the lines between the narrator and the subject matter. This practice can detract from the story's objectivity and lead to an overemphasis on the journalist's personal experiences, which have no bearing on the facts at hand.

Challenging the Narrative: The Anti-Constitutional Fascist Right

Journalism has also become complicit in the rise of an anti-Constitution, anti-American conservative right, which echoes the extreme ideologies of the American Christian Nazis of the 1930s to WWII. Figures such as Fred Trump and the Koch family have ties to Nazi Germany, highlighting the troubling roots of contemporary conservative politics. Additionally, leaders like Henry Ford and the German American Bund played significant roles in spreading extremist views within American society.

The rise of these fascist elements represents a significant threat to democratic norms. It is crucial to fact-check and challenge these narratives to uphold the principles of freedom and democracy. Readers must remain vigilant and engage actively in the verification of information, using tools like DuckDuckGo for reliable search results.

Conclusion

Journalism is in a state of crisis. The spread of yellow journalism, the rise of fake news, and the ethical lapses in the profession threaten to undermine the very foundation of truthful and responsible reporting. Addressing these issues requires a concerted effort from journalists, media organizations, and the general public. By recognizing and denouncing these abuses, we can hope to restore the integrity and trustworthiness of journalism.