EOTO 2: Reaction

Political Commentary

Learning about the history of political commentary and criticism was extremely interesting, especially given the hostile environment journalism and American politics currently live in.  

Americans have always been outward about expressing differing political opinions, considering it was one of the first rights granted in the Bill of Rights after we declared freedom from Britain. 

I have always found it so inspiring and patriotic to look back at what the Founding Fathers fought for and how they always declared their opinions in hopes of developing American to be a great nation. 

I've always seen the political cartoon, "Join or Die" but I was fascinated to learn about it's significance and

history. Created by Ben Franklin, it was used to united the American colonies against the French during the French and Indian War. When we are unified, American is at her strongest, which is something we need to remember during these times of division in our political climate.

I also found in interesting how in the 17th and 18th century, the people had strong faith in their political candidates, especially after the Sedition Act of 1798. I think it's very interesting how such a suffocating law brought people closer to democracy by being more active participants. I think if that were to happen today, people wouldn't be as active in their response. 

Learning that political op-eds didn't exist until the 1920's was very surprising as I would imagine that they would exist earlier with the invention of newspapers and the significant political and social developments of the 19th century. It's interesting that they didn't exist until the 1920's, a time of a booming economy and a happy culture in American so I wonder why American's felt the need to publish their opinions now. 

Muckraking

As a developing journalist and inspiring historian, I've always been enthralled with the subject of muckraking. It is the work of muckrakers that have developed parts of history and American to be better

and more just. 

One of the most famous, and most interesting muckrakers in history was Ida B. Wells, who was a
journalist, suffragette and an activist in the civil rights movement and the anti-lynching movement. I didn't know she was an investigative journalist who played a crucial role in reporting the murder of Emmett Till. 

Wells an inspiring, influential, and important figure of American history, and within the Civil Rights Movement, and its a shame she hasn't been highlight much throughout history. 

Muckrakers are fundamental people in sustaining true democracy and their bravery maintains a balance between the people, leaders, and creates law to unify and give power to all.