98% of the people who get the magazine say they read the cartoons first - and the other 2% are lying.
David RemnickRead
Every good journalist is aware that his trade may one day go the way of phrenology-and, what's more, the population will hardly protest the extinction.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote warns that journalism could become obsolete, much like phrenology, without strong public concern.
David Remnick's quote reflects the precarious nature of journalism, suggesting that if the profession fails to adapt or maintain its integrity, it may face extinction, similar to the discredited field of phrenology. It highlights the idea that society's engagement with journalism is crucial, implying that a lack of protest against its decline may indicate a troubling indifference toward the truth and accountability.
Themes
JournalismTruthIntegrityPublic InterestCommunication
In practice
Example use cases
In a media ethics seminar to illustrate the importance of journalistic integrity.
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Everybody has a cartoon of themselves. Mine is: I write very fast, and I'm ruthlessly efficient with my time.
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Journalism, some huge percentage of it, should be devoted to putting pressure on power, on nonsense, on chicanery of all kinds and if that's going to invite a lawsuit, well, bring it on.
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