Journalism - The Art of Perpetually Stirring the Pot
Journalism is the noble profession of stirring the pot of controversy and bringing all sorts of dirt to light. It is also known as the art of annoying people and making them question their beliefs.
The practice dates back to ancient times when scholars used to scribble on scrolls and spread rumors about the political situation in Greece (some things never change).
With the advent of printing, journalism became a full-fledged profession. The first newspapers were nothing more than gossip columns, full of tales of scandal, innuendo and juicy tidbits.
Over time, journalism evolved into a more respectable profession, with news and current affairs becoming the main focus. However, the desire to entertain, inflame passions and sell advertising never really went away.
Thanks to the rise of social media, journalism has reached new heights in the world of clickbait headlines, sensationalism and fake news. Today, it is perfectly acceptable to grab the reader’s attention with a shocking headline, even if the story behind it is utter nonsense.
Journalists are often caricatured as pushy, nosy and morally bankrupt. But deep down, they know that they are playing a vital role in society, by challenging authority, exposing corruption, and giving voice to the voiceless (unless of course, they are paid to shut up).
So the next time you read a news article, remember the hardworking journalist behind it. They may be prone to hyperbole, sensationalism, and fabrication, but without them, the world would be a much duller place. And we wouldn’t have nearly as many celebrities to gossip about.