The Truth in the Media

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The Truth in the Media

When most individuals pick up a newspaper, or magazine, or any other form of well-noted journalism, they expect that it will be truthful. By that, I mean that the consumer anticipates receiving factual documentations. That ideal has been well expressed, however, since the beginning, journalists have added their more than objective points of views. For journalists, it has become harder and harder to keep their opinions to themselves. The "hotter" the topics, that they cover become, the more they are personally drawn to them. It is then instinctively natural for them to contribute their experience and opinions in a more than ideally objective way. Opinionated journalism, as apparent as it is in all subjects, has practically been deemed more than appropriate, and even acceptable in sports reporting. In one related article entitled "U.S. men still playing catch-up," by Elliott Almond, there are many instances of so-called slanted journalism.

In his article addressing the unfortunate underrating of men's Gymnastic events, he distinctly expresses his opinion in favor of the under-appreciated athletes.

Elliot Almond begins to show his personal preference for the U.S. male gymnasts in his first two paragraphs. He begins his article with writing, "One year away, and nothing changes in men's gymnastics." Because this is only the first sentence of the article, the reader does not necessarily know what it is in reference to, but he or she can definitely tell that the writer has used a relatively strong statement—with a word such as "nothing"—to start his article. As the reader progresses into the next paragraph, he or she realizes what the first sentence relates to. "Prospects didn't look good...

... middle of paper ...

... male gymnast wants a chance.

Almond concludes his article with placing Macready's thoughts alongside his story. Through all of Almond's subjective statements, the reader will have come to realize that he is definitely in favor of one side more than the other. He is unquestionably more supportive of Macready and his wake-up- to- male- gymnastics cause. It has been said time after time that everybody is entitled to their own opinions, and this is strictly what the writer of this article has entitled himself with. It is basically harmless, but it does pose interference. This interference may not be a significant threat, but because of slanted journalism, a reader may be wrongly persuaded towards the other side. Just as every person is entitled his or her own opinion, every person is permitted to form his or her own conclusions with unbiased information.

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