What a Free Press Means to America
| Freedom of the press has been an active right in
the United States since democracy’s birth. It has allowed the American
people to publicly express their ideas and criticisms. It has permitted
the lowly citizen to poke fun at their “mighty” leaders; however, free
press also has been used for more diabolic purposes. Through the
effects of yellow journalism, the American people have rushed into wars
and rallied behind poor leaders. Overall, the term “free press” arouses
many different and contrasting feelings.
One of the first thoughts about free press is a remembrance of colonial days. At this time in history, to say anything against the British monarchy led to immediate repression and punishment. Many revolutionaries disguised their writings to avoid persecution. When the colonies were finally independent, the founding fathers quickly established the right of free press. Many looked upon it as a great step towards total freedom. It is these days that create positive reflections on free press. Recent times, however, have brought about a new connotation to “freedom of the press.” Today people think of all the negative side-effects. They focus on the paparazzi and the unreliable TV news magazines. Americans begin to question whether reporters should be allowed to “stalk” celebrities and politicians. |
Zealous journalists are on the verge of infringing on the
“right to privacy.” The free press is also jeopardizing the entire
nation’s well-being. Recently, Time’s Bruce Nelan wrote an article
entitled, “How the Attack on Iraq is Planned,” that gave details on the
American strategy in the Persian Gulf. The American population sees
these things and realizes that they are detrimental to the health of the
country. The press does not help itself either. Often competing
papers or magazines will sling mud at each other causing the entire industry
to look untrustworthy.
In the end, most well educated citizens realize that free press, like most things in life, presents a paradox. It can not be abolished; then the people would have no voice. On the other hand, it cannot be allowed to continue at the same awful extent. Discerning individuals force themselves to make wiser decisions in selecting reading material and try not to fall prey to the glamorous but often fictitious side of the press. Free press awakens unique emotions in every individual. Whether viewed as a proverbial right of man or a leech on the wholeness of society, most will agree that freedom of the press is a situation that applies to an age old saying: “You can’t live with it and you can’t live without it.” |