9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Like the little girl with the curl...., July 30, 2002
This review is from: Muckraking!: The Journalism That Changed America (Paperback)
The original meaning of the word "muck" is "excrement"; the more general term "dirt" is a 14th century development. Given this etymological context, the contemporary meaning of the term "muckraker" is obvious. What we have here in this volume, edited by the Serrins, is a detailed and enlightening examination of "the journalism that changed America." since the mid-eighteenth century. Certainly there has been no shortage of material to attract the interest and reward the efforts of journalists such as Robert S. Abbott, Ray Stannard Baker, Carl Bernstein and Bob Woodward, Nellie Bly, Frederick Douglass, David Halberstam, Seymour Hersh, Arthur Jones, Edward R. Murrow, Tom Paine, Drew Pearson, Lincoln Steffens, Randy Stilts, and Ida M. Tarbell. For many readers such as I, at least a few of these names are unfamiliar as are several of the publications represented (e.g. Chicago Defender, Grand Forks Herald, Jewish Frontier, and McClure's) in which many social and political reforms were eloquently advocated.
The Serrins skillfully organize more than 100 works of varying length within 13 sections, each of which has a general subject (e.g. sports, poverty, war, politics). No doubt many of the journalists represented in this volume had little (if any) idea of what would eventually be uncovered when they began their "raking." Of special interest to me are Douglass' appeal for support to abolish slavery ("Escape to Freedom," 1834), Steinbeck's examination of migratory workers ("Harvest Gypsies," 1936), Nader's indictment of the automobile industry ("Unsafe at Any Speed," 1965), and Hersh's expose of atrocities committed by American troops in Viet Nam ("The My Lai Massacre," 1969). Actually, I found all of the authors well-worth reading (or re-reading) and am grateful for the opportunity to share the thoughts and feelings of several previously unfamiliar to me.
The Serrins have assembled material which suggests how principled as well as passionate investigative journalism can help to achieve at least some reforms within a society which continues to be a "work in progress." Today, journalists continue to investigate allegations concerning corporate fraud (e.g. Enron, Arkadelphia, Global Crossing, and WorldCom), pedophilia (e.g. American priests within the Roman Catholic church), insider trading (e.g. Martha Stewart), and self-serving investment counsel (e.g. Merrill Lynch). It remains to be determined to what extent (if any) any of these current investigations result in any legal or social reform. Meanwhile, it is imperative that those now under investigation, unless confirming the allegations against them, be presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Too often, in my opinion, the reverse has been true and the news media must share at least some of the blame for damage done. Investigative journalists should not be exempt from the same rigorous and relentless scrutiny to which they subject others. Question: Who will do that?
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A powerful argument for a free press, September 6, 2010
This review is from: Muckraking!: The Journalism That Changed America (Paperback)
This book is a well-edited collection, providing many examples of the power of investigative journalism and editorial opinion. These stories are sensational and mostly ugly, but they're also true and gripping. Especially disgusting to me are the stories about injustice and corruption during the last fifty years. Unfortunately, the need for fearless reporting is no less now than it was during the days of the robber barons.
This appears to have been written as a textbook, an invitation to young journalists to be courageous reporters. It would also make a good second or third text in college courses on US history, to show the seamier side of history and the individual tragedies that are frequently the price of progress.
I cannot match the writing skills of the previous reviewer, but I agree with his 5-star rating. Such a good book should be receiving more attention.
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