Gonzo Journalism Essay

Around the time of the novels publication in the late 1960s, a new literary genre had begun to surface: New Journalism. New Journalism sought to combine the elements of news writing and journalism with the elements of fiction writing. Described as being a form of literature that “engages and excites”, it sought to challenge its readers not only “emotionally” but also “intellectually”. Typically, New Journalism consists of four major characteristics such as

Clay Shirky who wrote Newspapers and Thinking the Unthinkable (1993) argues that society doesn’t need newspapers society needs journalism to save society. Shirky supports this argument by giving a historical background to the problems newspapers face and how the problems have developed over time and the solutions society has came up with. The blogger concludes that in order for journalism to go farther new models must be created in place of past molds. Shirky directs this blog toward the current and future generations in attempt to motivate new models and methods of journalism.

Literature is considered a mirror of the society. The pool of content in literary writing stems from the environment in which the writer is placed. A writer will use this environment to advance his/her views of the society and at the same time drive into the audience/readers important information that he/she wishes to pass. Hunter S. Thompson has used his creativity in the novel Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas written in the 1960s to reflect on American society with Las Vegas as the point of reference.

For many years, American journalism has been remarkably different from other parts of the world, particularly Europe. The European style

Journalists are infamous for their motivation to produce hard hitting editorials, twisting the truth for their own selfish benefit. Steve Chapman strays away from this stereotype by ensuring integrity in every article. Continuously, Chapman strives to present the public with his analytical opinions. Douglas Adams describes the drive of Steve Chapman; “To give real service, you must add something which cannot be bought of measured with money, and that is sincerity and integrity”. Steven Chapman, who writes weekly op-eds for the Chicago Tribune, delivers insight into national headlines using suggestive rhetoric appeals to address the reader’s fears of uncertainty followed by accredited reasoning, a condescending tone targeted at the written subject, calling the reader for reformation within society, and dashes to separate general statements from definitive fact, shifting from a mission-based point of view to thought-provoking opinionated writing in order to spark motivation within his readers using his opinions so that they can take action to better their communities in hopes of improving future national development.

“I aimed at the public’s heart, and by accident I hit it in the stomach.” A quote by Upton Sinclair from his best known novel The Jungle. Sinclair, a social crusader from California, was an activist writer whose work often uncovered the social injustices occurring during his time. At the age of 14 Sinclair proved to be a force to recon with when he started attending City College of New York. After graduating Sinclair began grad work at Columbia University supporting himself by writing dime novels. In 1904 Sinclair was sent to Chicago by the socialist newspaper Appeal to Reason to write an exposé. It’s intentions were to sympathise with the appalling treatment of the immigrants working in the meatpacking industry. After spending weeks undercover researching, Sinclair wrote a manuscript that would become The Jungle. In 1906 The Jungle became his sixth and most successful novel. The novel exploited the quality and impurities in processed meats and in results

Hunter S. Thompson was the man responsible for what is known today as gonzo journalism. This type of journalism is written in the first-person narrative and places the reporter in the middle of the action, allowing for personal experiences, emotions, and biases in a way that defies traditional journalism. Thompson’s subversive style of journalism was so radical that according to Jennifer Marinelli’s (2010) post on the Michigan Online News Association, “Thompson didn’t just create a new form of journalism. He created a new way of thinking that is still important in today’s society” (para. 2). In other words, he didn’t just transform journalism; he transformed people’s minds. Perhaps this should not come as a surprise that such a man could

Upton Beall Sinclair Jr., was an American writer in the early and mid 1900’s. Having written over 100 novels none have stood the test of time and secured Sinclair's legacy other than “The Jungle.” Having exposed the terrible conditions of the meat industry, “the Jungle” managed to “secure [the] passage of the country's first Pure Food and Drug laws”(Arthur, n.d.). Although much emphasis is put on the novel, not many know about it’s author, Sinclair, and how his upbringing/education, personal life/politics, and final years shaped him.

The Jungle not only impacted food and labor laws, it also helped refocus American attention on Progressivism. Through Sinclair’s journalistic depictions and socialist beliefs, he helped fuel the Progressive Movement. During this time, Americans worked on improving working conditions and lifestyles, exposing corruption, and expanding democracy. Arguably, Sinclair’s work inspired Americans to demand change. Sinclair, like every other powerful writer, educated his readership and forced them to reevaluate their societies. In his case, the pen really was mightier than the

“What inspired me to become journalist is I was always was a pretty good writer. I wanted to write in a field where work would be consistent and I could play a part in spotlighting things that needed to be discuss in society.” stated Hooley. Journalism became Hooley’s life and

As a candidate for the socialist party he launched unsuccessful bids for Congress due to him founding a California chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union. That same year Sinclair became a candidate, he also spent seven weeks observing the flaws in the meatpacking industry to gain inspiration. His novels during this period received favorable review but with the onset of the Great Depression his political activities deepened. (http://www.thefamouspeople.com)

“A Tale Intended to be After the Fact…” is how Stephan Crane introduced his harrowing story, “The Open Boat,” but this statement also shows that history influences American Literature. Throughout history, there has been a connection among literary works from different periods. The connection is that History, current events, and social events have influenced American Literature. Authors, their literary works, and the specific writing styles; are affected and influenced by the world around them. Authors have long used experiences they have lived through and/or taken out of history to help shape and express in their works. Writing styles are also affected by the current trends and opinions of the period they represent. By reading American

Through critical analysis, historical research, and textual evidence, a study on Kurt Vonnegut’s background will be conducted in order to display the effects that the era in which he lived had on his writing.

The turbulent societal changes of the mid-20th Century have been documented in countless forms of literature, film and art. On the Road by Jack Kerouac was written and published at the outset of the counter-culture movement of the 1950s and 1960s. This novel provides a first-hand account of the beginnings of the Beat movement and acts as a harbinger for the major societal changes that would occur in the United States throughout the next two decades. On the contrary, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, a Hunter S. Thompson novel written in 1971 provides a commentary on American society at the end of the counter-culture movement. Thompson reflects on the whirlwind of political and social activism he experienced and how American society had

Have you ever had an original thought? Why do we dress the way we do, watch what we watch or even live the way we do. Through our means of entertainment, it is almost a guide in how one should live their life. With the technology we have in our world we are persuaded to believe what is right and what is wrong. Although we create our own world, our thoughts were imposed upon us since the day we are born. “What if the world is some kind of show. What if we are only talents assembled by the Great Talent Scout Up Above! The Great Show of Life! Starring Everybody! Suppose entertainment is the Purpose of Life,” says Gabler. We wake up in the morning where most of us have a daily routine we go through. Why do we put on