An interesting read about one of American Idol's most successful contestants. There's only one item that might keep him from a win: he might be, could be gay. While this is an issue we discuss a lot here at MA and in the Bay Area, what do you think of this piece as a reflection on the nation as a whole, on the issue of homosexuality in the mainstream media. Please be especially considerate with your comments as this is a personal subject.
Is this just a sentimental attempt to get us all to rethink our connection to print journalism? Or is there some truth to this piece? Is there some magic in being a journalist? some crazy power that few other jobs hold?
Yea for April! Next it's May and then it's June!!! And then it's SUMMER!
9 comments:
DISCLAIMER: I wrote this assuming that Adam Lambert is actually gay. It must be stated that it is not proven that Adam Lambert is a homosexuality. In any case, here goes:
The issue of a person's homosexuality is something that causes many people to become uncomfortable in America. However, of all of the American "industries", entertainment has emerged as the most tolerant; it's the business where it's okay to be gay. As the author said, look at Neil Patrick Harris and Clay Aiken (who was hilarious in Spamalot if I do say so myself) - their careers haven't taken any hit thanks to their sexuality. I think that Americans won't have a problem voting Adam Lambert as the next American Idol. I won't vote for him though, mostly because I stopped watching once Devon's tenure on the show was done.
The reason I think that Americans who would normally be "afraid" of homosexuality aren't afraid of Adam is because he's harmless. His singing won't "ruin the sanctity of marriage" or any of the other horrific propaganda messages spread by the anti-gay lobbyists. If Lambert can keep up his singing, America's newest Idol is about to be a MAYBE gay man.
In response to the article regarding "the magic of Journalism":
Although I, most likely along with my fellow staff writers/editors, cannot reminisce in such memories as described by the author of the piece, it does invoke a sense of pride in being a journalist. I dont think that this article is meant to enlighten those who have no experience as writers for a newspaper, but instead is intended to inspire and connect with current writers of newspaper articles. Whether one is writing for the Boston Globe or the Marin Academy Voice, this article shows how journalists are unique, and although the title of Journalist is not as revered as before, it definitely means something. Journalism is not like creative writing, or narrative writing; it is not simpy a style of writing, but instead it is a culture. Every Journalist shares a common goal: get the story. We all pursue the story, conduct the interviews, and sho off our finished piece. There is truth to the author's words, and although telling someone that you are a journalist may not invoke a look of reverence and admiration, it still is a large part of any Journalists identity.
I definitely get a feel for what it was like to be a journalist 50 years ago from the magic of journalism piece. I sincerely agree that there is a quality that sets journalists apart as a different breed. The nature of the work and the "cult-like" feeling of belonging that it inspires binds journalists together and defines them with a certain identity that cannot be obtained in any other line of work.
I fear that this special quality that sets journalists apart has begun to disappear from the equation as newspapers have lost money and have been forced to cut back on production. This spirit and sense of pride that goes along with producing the paper shines through every aspect of a paper and is the richness that draws readers back to a column or a writer. This spirit is something that journalists must hold on to during this turbulent time when newspapers threaten to close their doors or adopt cheaper, easier blog sites to replace the newsprint versions.
Journalism Culture:
I can understand the sense of some sort of camaraderie with other journalists; a goal we all share. In the newsroom, there is a sense of urgency, and an understanding that we do whatever is necessary to "get it done." Like Hossain said, we are all going thru the same process to get our story to print.
While this determination lies within every journalist across the country, I feel like we are losing personality and spice in the industry. As more and more newspapers must resort to blogs and online papers, the writing is becoming less exciting, the work becoming less nerve-racking. Ebert reminisced about the characters in the newsroom, and the excitement over getting the paper done... Although news is supposed to be non-opinionated, there has been a slow shift to a very liberal bias. Not that I'm against the views of many journalists, however there isn't as much variety as Ebert talked about.
Journalism could be turning into a less of a treasured "insider culture." A shift in attitude to "ok, let's just get out another paper," could mean an even further decline in print and even web based news. Journalists have to continue a passion for writing and getting the job done (even on low wages) to keep the journalistic pride, as well as the industry, alive.
I think Ebert wrote his piece to illustrate where the journalism industry has its roots. Today, there are far less newsrooms like the one Ebert described. Most are replaced with individuals at computers, many in their own homes, posting to the never ending stream of blogs and rather unofficial news websites. Ebert's piece definitely alluded to the specialty and power work as a journalist holds, and how what the job entails has shifted substantially over the years.
However, as far as I know, some of the newsrooms Ebert described still exist. Sure, they are modernized and people probably aren't smoking and taking drinks at their desk from University of Chicago students known to deal pot, but I imagine the camaraderie stemming from working on one common publication under a hard deadline still exists. Maybe my ideas are more fantasy than reality, but I certainly hope they are not - I agree with Ebert in saying a career in print media is pretty much as romantic and exciting as you can get.
-Sarah Strand
This is a response to the Times piece on Adam Lambert.
As uncomfortable as it may seem for American culture to have discussions on homosexuality, it must be mentioned that American society, as a whole, is beginning to coming to terms with homosexuality. The recent legislation in Iowa and Vermont are prime examples.
I think that one of the most important factors here is the public's perception. Once assumptions begin to be made about someone's sexuality, there is a media blitz. Eventually, though, the public gets tired and moves on. Right now, Lambert is under the microscope and the public wants to know. However, he is reluctant to reveal his sexuality. Like Clay Aiken he may in due time say whether he is gay or not. But, if he waits six years the public will not " bat an eye" since all the speculation has already been discussed. His career will be unharmed and over time we can only hope that even the immediate attention regarding celebrity's sexuality will become even less relevant.
Also, like Josh, I would echo the sentiment that Lambert is "harmless" in the eyes of those who are against gay marriage. Only the most conservative of people would refuse to vote for him because of his sexuality. We can only hope that those who vote do so based on talent.
adam
"The Magic of Journalism"
When I started to realize that I might want to be a journalist, I was inspired by romantic ideas like Ebert's stories. The concept of breaking news before anyone else did, working together in a big room with other journalists, and having the ability to inform the public pulled at me greatly. Unfortunately, I realize that journalism has lost some of the luster that it has had in decades past. This loss has come from the decrease in interest in print news, which diminishes the need for busy newsrooms with the sound of keyboards striking the air. While I myself get most of my news from the internet, for the sake of journalism and sentimentality I wish that people such as Royko still worked for newspapers. To me, some of "the magic of journalism" comes from the extraordinary individuals who are journalists.
However, I think that "the magic of journalism" also comes from something else that was alluded to by Ebert in his closing paragraph. Being a journalists means being able to inform the public and cover great events like "the moon landing" and be in the know about them before anyone else. The magic of journalism is about breaking a story and bringing it to the attention of the people in the world. In a sense, the magic of journalism comes from the duty of a journalist to their audience: To preserve the freedom of the press.
Journalism:
When I read this piece, I felt proud that I was learning to be a journalist. Ebert paints the position as such a noble profesion. He shows journalists as unique people who have an unquenched curiosity and who are responsible for giving the public all of their knowledge on current events. I especially liked the bit about having a byline, and how powerfula word "by" can be when it is written before one's name. It the sense of accomplishment that comes from writing an article in one word.
However, that being said, I feel like the value of having your name in print is diminishing. What with the internet it is becoming increasingly easy for people to get there work (and names) out to the public. The newspaper is no longer the source for news, it is one of many. The position of a journalist is beginning to lack admiration and respect from the public and therefore, I think that part of the draw of being a journalist is disappearing. It makes me sad to think that things are becoming almost too easy, anyone can be read by anyone on the internet.
olivia powers
The entertainment industry is one of the few places where even those who are generally intolerant seem to have little objection to gays. That may be because as a few people have said that they don't see gays in entertainment as a threat to their lifestyles. I also think the author has a point when he says that america has a fascination with gender ambiguity. The buzz around his possible homosexuality will probably make him more popular. Clay Aiken did well when people were unsure and i havn't really heard any thing about him since he came out because people lost their fascination with him. And, if he is the most talented I believe he will win regardless of whether he is gay or not.
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