Journalism In The 1890s
A man steps out onto the crowded down trodden streets of New York on his way to work at the factory. He cuts through the hustle and bustle of Monday morning crowds as he piles on the bus and begins to skim the newspaper. The cover story is yet another political soiree, which is all the media ever seemed to cover. Pertinent issues such as blue-collar salaries and the lack of much needed labor unions were kept in the shadows of the high-class society. As a result the search was on for writing that deterred from the filtered and artificial stories being printed in the newspapers. This would have been a typical scenario in the 1890s. During this decade a change would occur, the effects of which can be seen in America to this day. Journalism
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boomed as a publicity empire was built, increasing newspaper subscriptions over twenty fold. The gilded age came into play in which the problems of the middle class were blurred by focusing on the lush lives of the wealthy. Decadent and aesthetic works revolutionized literature by presenting a new focus of writing. The 1890s demonstrates the significant impact and importance of perspective through journalism, the gilded age, and aestheticism as well as decadence.
Journalism was largely popularized in the 1890s and plays an immense role in U.S.
history. The unprecedented power of the press and publicity was demonstrated through the uprising of newspapers. The influence of the media is well known in today’s day and age, but in the 1890s this concept was new. The fourth estate’s grip on society stems from the newspaper’s substantial demonstration of dominion. The newspaper domain was man made and it took great entrepreneurship to create its evident success. William Hearst is one of the people behind this formidable industry. He arrived in New York with the intent to revolutionize journalism (Rosenthal 1). Hearst was an instigator of yellow journalism; this type of reporting focused on embellished details and over exaggerations (“Milestones” 1). The perspective of yellow journalism was grandiose and was impactful with its far out claims which would have forced readers to seek out insights to gain their own sense of …show more content…
perspective.
The perspective of journalists’ were clear to see in yellow journalist formatting. Papers would have stand out headlines and expressive illustrations in order to catch the reader’s eye. Clearly this tactic was successful as the newspapers spread. Yellow journalism’s claim to fame was when deleterious reports about Spain were printed, presenting Spanish ruling as cruel. In 1898, The Maine, a U.S. ship, sunk and papers falsely reported it as Spain’s doing, although, years later, it was discovered to be an internal explosion (“Milestones” 2). At this point in time journalists were writing blatant lies for stories, which represents yellow journalism in its most extreme state. Yellow journalism stories such as this surely attributed to the United States and Spanish war with the Philippines and Cuba (“Milestones” 1). Hearst’s most famous quote “You furnish the pictures, I’ll provide the war” is essentially his way of promoting the war and sensationalizing it, which was the way of yellow journalism. Hearst and his paper’s perspective on worldly topics, specifically the war with Spain was heavily present and impactful for the common reader. It was so influential for the reader because the journalist’s perspective was being heavily pushed and one-sided arguments were presented that would force the reader into at least acknowledging what seemed to be the validity of their claims.
As yellow journalism dominated the world of publicity with it’s outlandish claims the industry as a whole also rose.
There were two other moguls besides Hearst who had a great effect on journalism. One of them was Joseph Pulitzer, who bought three of the leading newspapers, one of them being The New York World (Rosenthal 2). In his newspapers the articles were simply written with the pages majorly taken up by advertisements and illustrations. He did this in order to make it easier to read on the go and would be ideal for his audience of immigrants. Pulitzer also published comics about crime and other national events while his main intent was to juxtapose fraudulence and other corrupt or dishonest acts. E.W. Scripps, another magnate, owned over forty newspapers that spanned the country and provided national news. Most important about his newspapers was that the target audience was the labor force and middle class. Scripp essentially sided with the common man regarding federal policies and worker strikes ,setting his paper apart from others (“Mass” 1). Because newspapers were accessible, forty-eight in New York alone, and they were catered to a plethora of social groups literacy had an exponential increase (Rosenthal 1). The perspective of everyone was understood and advertised from the poor to the affluent. These moguls sought to make sure every perspective was seen or understood, whether or not they agreed with it.
The extremity of the claims made in articles accentuated in yellow journalism’s press can be seen in aspects of today’s tabloids and some newspapers although it is more tame now. The most important aspect of this writing is that the whole audience’s view on a topic could be easily swayed by the reporter’s opinion. There were not as many platforms for different perspectives to be expressed, therefore whenever a perspective on a topic was publicly conveyed it would have been impactful. The point of view of the reporter was key for the information the reader would receive, therefore making the writer’s perspective critical and highly persuasive, exemplifying the importance of perspective.
During this period of time when the Gilded Age focused on the wealthy the recognition and distinguishment of every classes’ perspective was valuable. All of the differing perspectives were important to express the different needs of the country that could be seen in the Gilded Age.
The gilded age contradicts the ideals of the newspaper in that it is exclusive and contained to an aristocratic society. This period was focused on the wealthy who lived in Mansions and had extravagant summer homes while the middle class worked in factories for a salary of ten dollars a week (Kowalski 2). Most people were living in poor, run down areas with no government programs to support them (Kowalski 1,2). However, the social blemishes were concealed by the gaudy upper-class. The middle class’ situation was not aesthetically appealing like the wealthy’s was, therefore it was not presented. Looks were heavily important and were intended to deter from the corruptness of their society, which is why the middle class was not shown and the wealthy were (Blanchard 1). Political corruption was seen everywhere presenting a dirty yet thriving business (Kowalski 2). Politicians and those nominated for political roles would bribe influential and wealthy people for their vote, industry leaders would also bribe people like this for their votes to pass laws that would benefit them and their company (Kowalski 2). This political perjury was all too common during this time. The people bribed therefore did not vote based on their perspective on a problem causing this political corruption. People were not expressing their perspective through voting which would result in a country geared toward the preferances of the extremely affluent and the poor left for themselves, showing the impact of perspective.
Corruption was not exclusive to politics, as scandals in the work force came up. The wealthy being self driven were focused on the best way to better themselves. Andrew Carnegie, who claimed the position of richest man in the world, and Henry Clay Frick, who also had a thick wallet, were the faces of the strike at the Homestead Steel Mill. Carnegie and Frick were business partners and this duo, although dynamic, was also merciless. The labor unions were pushed aside as work shifts of eight hours were maximized to twelve and with the increasing hours came reduced paychecks. In return to these injustices a protest erupted. The real scandal occurred when people who were sent in to disperse the strike killed some of the workers (Harlte 2). Shortly after this incident, Carnegie began to donate to churches, give money to scientific research, create pension plans for college professors, and start up two philanthropic organizations (Hartle 2-3). Frick also became involved with charity at this time. At a glance, one might think these two had a change of heart and wanted to become better people, though a different perspective would show they only wanted to distract from the unfair treatment of their workers and other scandals they had been associated with (Hartle 3). Perspective was prevalent through the lower classes view of the wealthy and the wealthy focusing on their image so people would see them with a positive perspective.
As the superficial ways of the Gilded Age grew in relevancy society was in need of a breath of fresh air, the literary movement of Aestheticism and Decadence would provide that. With it’s non-classical, against the grain style it was refreshingly real and authentic unlike the false stories in journalism and the focus on the glamorous life.
Aestheticism was a new and ground-breaking way of literature, and art as a whole.
Aesthetic writing deliberately veered traditional Victorian writing in a way never seen before. Works highlighted sensuality, which was seen as highly distasteful. However what would truly appall the Victorians was the encouragement of sexual, artistic, and political experimenting. This juxtaposed much of what the Victorians stood for in that they believed literature held a virtuous role in society. According to them, writing should encourage moral and reward good behavior or provoke deep and meaningful emotion. Aestheticism stepped out on the edge showing no relation to ethics in the least. This was significant as completely stepping away from the Victorians to present new independent, and over all liberating concepts. Aestheticism argued art for visual and superficial enjoyment not to seek moral. In fact, the main focus of Aesthetic work was to refine taste and strive for aesthetic appeal. This was their focus to go against the Victorians and showcase non-classical ideals (Burdett 1). The writing was euphonic with a plethora of figurative language and presented risqué themes such as desirability, savagery, inhumanity, and savagery. (Burdett 2). Because of this unorthodox style, Aestheticism was mocked by society. Society ridiculed it because they were so focused on appearing prim, proper, and perfect, bold or genuine (Burdett 1). People of the Aesthetic movement held a
different perspective than the Victorians which caused the new and untraditional concepts and themes to be expressed. These differing perspectives were the source of a whole new writing style.
Apposing the Victorians was a new concept done by both Aesthetic and Decadent writers. Decadence shares much in common with Aestheticism but introduces even more new ideas.
Decadence was known as the writing of modern culture in which man made work was valued over nature made. The writing was often times sumptuous, amatory, and humorous, which was unique for writing. Decadence is most commonly identified with The Yellow Book, a jocular and lavish periodical. It was written by Edward Carpenter, who was an activist for gay rights, which during this time would have been very controversial (“Burdett 3,5). His perspective on topics would evidently differ from any other person’s based on his background. For example, if written by a priest, the book would have been much more tame and arguably not a decadent piece. This writing was a radical change. Decadence was against symbolism and turned to satire and paradox (“Modernism” 1). The main focus of Decadent works was to release literature of acquisitive standards that focused on worldly possesions and instead focus on non-materialistic pleasures (“Decadance” 1). One’s perspective on this writing style may be that it is charming and entertaining while another might see it as blunt and distasteful thus calling on each person to choose their perspective on it.
Decadence and Aestheticism were highly influential literary movements that inspired people to think differently and view ideas through a different perspective. These new concepts were a major change from the classic Victorian ideas. Because of this people were able to develop a perspective about fresh topics and the writing style as a whole
Overall, perspective is a key factor to consider when evaluating information. An individual’s perspective is shaped by many factors including life experiences, economic status, day-to-day environment, and education level. Each person’s own unique perspective would allow for individualism and the creation of new ideas. This individualism and formation of new ideas is what leads to new or greater things such as new media platforms, ages, and literary movements.
Perspective is apparent in all three of these highlighted occurances. The explosion of newspaper circulation afforded a rapidly expanding field of reporters a platform on which they could reach a broad scope of readers and influence their beliefs and views of current events through their own perspective. Through the growth of the industry and as different audiences were targeted, different perspectives on the same events were being printed. Because of this, readers could see some of the different perspectives to induce thought and reflection on the topic revealing their own perspective. The importance of perspective was everywhere in the gilded age. The peniless’ perspective of the upper class was different from the press. Different views provide the individualism necessary for a functioning society. Aestheticism and Decadence promoted looking for a new perspective. Although society disapproved of the perspective of non-ethical art, it found its way into society. The impact of perspective is present in the 1890s through journalism, the Gilded Age, and Aestheticism as well as decadence. These two events and the literary movement exemplify the importance of perspective. The common American at this time might have felt neglected by the newspaper or as if their perspective does not matter. However, behind the scenes reporters strove to represent them and their problems were seen. Whether it be through interpreting or forming your own perspective, is key to understanding. Without perspective life would be stagnant and unchanging with no establishment of new ideas to potentially better the world.
boomed as a publicity empire was built, increasing newspaper subscriptions over twenty fold. The gilded age came into play in which the problems of the middle class were blurred by focusing on the lush lives of the wealthy. Decadent and aesthetic works revolutionized literature by presenting a new focus of writing. The 1890s demonstrates the significant impact and importance of perspective through journalism, the gilded age, and aestheticism as well as decadence.
Journalism was largely popularized in the 1890s and plays an immense role in U.S.
history. The unprecedented power of the press and publicity was demonstrated through the uprising of newspapers. The influence of the media is well known in today’s day and age, but in the 1890s this concept was new. The fourth estate’s grip on society stems from the newspaper’s substantial demonstration of dominion. The newspaper domain was man made and it took great entrepreneurship to create its evident success. William Hearst is one of the people behind this formidable industry. He arrived in New York with the intent to revolutionize journalism (Rosenthal 1). Hearst was an instigator of yellow journalism; this type of reporting focused on embellished details and over exaggerations (“Milestones” 1). The perspective of yellow journalism was grandiose and was impactful with its far out claims which would have forced readers to seek out insights to gain their own sense of …show more content…
perspective.
The perspective of journalists’ were clear to see in yellow journalist formatting. Papers would have stand out headlines and expressive illustrations in order to catch the reader’s eye. Clearly this tactic was successful as the newspapers spread. Yellow journalism’s claim to fame was when deleterious reports about Spain were printed, presenting Spanish ruling as cruel. In 1898, The Maine, a U.S. ship, sunk and papers falsely reported it as Spain’s doing, although, years later, it was discovered to be an internal explosion (“Milestones” 2). At this point in time journalists were writing blatant lies for stories, which represents yellow journalism in its most extreme state. Yellow journalism stories such as this surely attributed to the United States and Spanish war with the Philippines and Cuba (“Milestones” 1). Hearst’s most famous quote “You furnish the pictures, I’ll provide the war” is essentially his way of promoting the war and sensationalizing it, which was the way of yellow journalism. Hearst and his paper’s perspective on worldly topics, specifically the war with Spain was heavily present and impactful for the common reader. It was so influential for the reader because the journalist’s perspective was being heavily pushed and one-sided arguments were presented that would force the reader into at least acknowledging what seemed to be the validity of their claims.
As yellow journalism dominated the world of publicity with it’s outlandish claims the industry as a whole also rose.
There were two other moguls besides Hearst who had a great effect on journalism. One of them was Joseph Pulitzer, who bought three of the leading newspapers, one of them being The New York World (Rosenthal 2). In his newspapers the articles were simply written with the pages majorly taken up by advertisements and illustrations. He did this in order to make it easier to read on the go and would be ideal for his audience of immigrants. Pulitzer also published comics about crime and other national events while his main intent was to juxtapose fraudulence and other corrupt or dishonest acts. E.W. Scripps, another magnate, owned over forty newspapers that spanned the country and provided national news. Most important about his newspapers was that the target audience was the labor force and middle class. Scripp essentially sided with the common man regarding federal policies and worker strikes ,setting his paper apart from others (“Mass” 1). Because newspapers were accessible, forty-eight in New York alone, and they were catered to a plethora of social groups literacy had an exponential increase (Rosenthal 1). The perspective of everyone was understood and advertised from the poor to the affluent. These moguls sought to make sure every perspective was seen or understood, whether or not they agreed with it.
The extremity of the claims made in articles accentuated in yellow journalism’s press can be seen in aspects of today’s tabloids and some newspapers although it is more tame now. The most important aspect of this writing is that the whole audience’s view on a topic could be easily swayed by the reporter’s opinion. There were not as many platforms for different perspectives to be expressed, therefore whenever a perspective on a topic was publicly conveyed it would have been impactful. The point of view of the reporter was key for the information the reader would receive, therefore making the writer’s perspective critical and highly persuasive, exemplifying the importance of perspective.
During this period of time when the Gilded Age focused on the wealthy the recognition and distinguishment of every classes’ perspective was valuable. All of the differing perspectives were important to express the different needs of the country that could be seen in the Gilded Age.
The gilded age contradicts the ideals of the newspaper in that it is exclusive and contained to an aristocratic society. This period was focused on the wealthy who lived in Mansions and had extravagant summer homes while the middle class worked in factories for a salary of ten dollars a week (Kowalski 2). Most people were living in poor, run down areas with no government programs to support them (Kowalski 1,2). However, the social blemishes were concealed by the gaudy upper-class. The middle class’ situation was not aesthetically appealing like the wealthy’s was, therefore it was not presented. Looks were heavily important and were intended to deter from the corruptness of their society, which is why the middle class was not shown and the wealthy were (Blanchard 1). Political corruption was seen everywhere presenting a dirty yet thriving business (Kowalski 2). Politicians and those nominated for political roles would bribe influential and wealthy people for their vote, industry leaders would also bribe people like this for their votes to pass laws that would benefit them and their company (Kowalski 2). This political perjury was all too common during this time. The people bribed therefore did not vote based on their perspective on a problem causing this political corruption. People were not expressing their perspective through voting which would result in a country geared toward the preferances of the extremely affluent and the poor left for themselves, showing the impact of perspective.
Corruption was not exclusive to politics, as scandals in the work force came up. The wealthy being self driven were focused on the best way to better themselves. Andrew Carnegie, who claimed the position of richest man in the world, and Henry Clay Frick, who also had a thick wallet, were the faces of the strike at the Homestead Steel Mill. Carnegie and Frick were business partners and this duo, although dynamic, was also merciless. The labor unions were pushed aside as work shifts of eight hours were maximized to twelve and with the increasing hours came reduced paychecks. In return to these injustices a protest erupted. The real scandal occurred when people who were sent in to disperse the strike killed some of the workers (Harlte 2). Shortly after this incident, Carnegie began to donate to churches, give money to scientific research, create pension plans for college professors, and start up two philanthropic organizations (Hartle 2-3). Frick also became involved with charity at this time. At a glance, one might think these two had a change of heart and wanted to become better people, though a different perspective would show they only wanted to distract from the unfair treatment of their workers and other scandals they had been associated with (Hartle 3). Perspective was prevalent through the lower classes view of the wealthy and the wealthy focusing on their image so people would see them with a positive perspective.
As the superficial ways of the Gilded Age grew in relevancy society was in need of a breath of fresh air, the literary movement of Aestheticism and Decadence would provide that. With it’s non-classical, against the grain style it was refreshingly real and authentic unlike the false stories in journalism and the focus on the glamorous life.
Aestheticism was a new and ground-breaking way of literature, and art as a whole.
Aesthetic writing deliberately veered traditional Victorian writing in a way never seen before. Works highlighted sensuality, which was seen as highly distasteful. However what would truly appall the Victorians was the encouragement of sexual, artistic, and political experimenting. This juxtaposed much of what the Victorians stood for in that they believed literature held a virtuous role in society. According to them, writing should encourage moral and reward good behavior or provoke deep and meaningful emotion. Aestheticism stepped out on the edge showing no relation to ethics in the least. This was significant as completely stepping away from the Victorians to present new independent, and over all liberating concepts. Aestheticism argued art for visual and superficial enjoyment not to seek moral. In fact, the main focus of Aesthetic work was to refine taste and strive for aesthetic appeal. This was their focus to go against the Victorians and showcase non-classical ideals (Burdett 1). The writing was euphonic with a plethora of figurative language and presented risqué themes such as desirability, savagery, inhumanity, and savagery. (Burdett 2). Because of this unorthodox style, Aestheticism was mocked by society. Society ridiculed it because they were so focused on appearing prim, proper, and perfect, bold or genuine (Burdett 1). People of the Aesthetic movement held a
different perspective than the Victorians which caused the new and untraditional concepts and themes to be expressed. These differing perspectives were the source of a whole new writing style.
Apposing the Victorians was a new concept done by both Aesthetic and Decadent writers. Decadence shares much in common with Aestheticism but introduces even more new ideas.
Decadence was known as the writing of modern culture in which man made work was valued over nature made. The writing was often times sumptuous, amatory, and humorous, which was unique for writing. Decadence is most commonly identified with The Yellow Book, a jocular and lavish periodical. It was written by Edward Carpenter, who was an activist for gay rights, which during this time would have been very controversial (“Burdett 3,5). His perspective on topics would evidently differ from any other person’s based on his background. For example, if written by a priest, the book would have been much more tame and arguably not a decadent piece. This writing was a radical change. Decadence was against symbolism and turned to satire and paradox (“Modernism” 1). The main focus of Decadent works was to release literature of acquisitive standards that focused on worldly possesions and instead focus on non-materialistic pleasures (“Decadance” 1). One’s perspective on this writing style may be that it is charming and entertaining while another might see it as blunt and distasteful thus calling on each person to choose their perspective on it.
Decadence and Aestheticism were highly influential literary movements that inspired people to think differently and view ideas through a different perspective. These new concepts were a major change from the classic Victorian ideas. Because of this people were able to develop a perspective about fresh topics and the writing style as a whole
Overall, perspective is a key factor to consider when evaluating information. An individual’s perspective is shaped by many factors including life experiences, economic status, day-to-day environment, and education level. Each person’s own unique perspective would allow for individualism and the creation of new ideas. This individualism and formation of new ideas is what leads to new or greater things such as new media platforms, ages, and literary movements.
Perspective is apparent in all three of these highlighted occurances. The explosion of newspaper circulation afforded a rapidly expanding field of reporters a platform on which they could reach a broad scope of readers and influence their beliefs and views of current events through their own perspective. Through the growth of the industry and as different audiences were targeted, different perspectives on the same events were being printed. Because of this, readers could see some of the different perspectives to induce thought and reflection on the topic revealing their own perspective. The importance of perspective was everywhere in the gilded age. The peniless’ perspective of the upper class was different from the press. Different views provide the individualism necessary for a functioning society. Aestheticism and Decadence promoted looking for a new perspective. Although society disapproved of the perspective of non-ethical art, it found its way into society. The impact of perspective is present in the 1890s through journalism, the Gilded Age, and Aestheticism as well as decadence. These two events and the literary movement exemplify the importance of perspective. The common American at this time might have felt neglected by the newspaper or as if their perspective does not matter. However, behind the scenes reporters strove to represent them and their problems were seen. Whether it be through interpreting or forming your own perspective, is key to understanding. Without perspective life would be stagnant and unchanging with no establishment of new ideas to potentially better the world.