It is the one great weakness of journalism as a picture of…
““It is the one great weakness of journalism as a picture of our modern existence, that it must be a picture made up entirely of exceptions. We announce on flaring posters that a man has fallen off a scaffolding. We do not announce on flaring posters that a man has not fallen off a scaffolding. Yet this latter fact is fundamentally more exciting, as indicating that that moving tower of terror and mystery, a man, is still abroad upon the earth. That the man has not fallen off a scaffolding is really more sensational; and it is also some thousand times more common. But journalism cannot reasonably be expected thus to insist upon the permanent miracles. Busy editors cannot be expected to put on their posters, "Mr. Wilkinson Still Safe," or "Mr. Jones, of Worthing, Not Dead Yet." They cannot announce the happiness of mankind at all. They cannot describe all the forks that are not stolen, or all the marriages that are not judiciously dissolved. Hence the complex picture they give of life is of necessity fallacious; they can only represent what is unusual. However democratic they may be, they are only concerned with the minority.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Journalism focuses on rare, dramatic events, ignoring the ordinary stability that actually defines most lives.
In simple terms: News highlights exceptions, not everyday normalcy.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and value the ordinary as equally important.
Themes
media bias
normalcy
exceptionalism
perception
truth
Mood
reflective
critical
thoughtful
Type
analytical
observational
commentary
When to use this quote
- daily life
- public safety reporting
- social statistics
- personal narratives
- community health
Key Concepts
news values
selection bias
representational ethics
Questions to Reflect On
- How might we report the ordinary without losing audience interest?
- What would a news cycle that celebrates stability look like?
A Different Perspective
The emphasis on rarity can distort public perception and cause unnecessary fear.