We journalists love writing about eccentrics. We hate…
““We journalists love writing about eccentrics. We hate writing about impenetrable, boring people. It makes us look bad: the duller the interviewee, the duller the prose. If you want to get away with wielding true, malevolent power, be boring.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Journalists gravitate toward eccentric subjects, avoiding dull ones, which can mask their own power to shape narratives.
In simple terms: Writers prefer interesting people, fearing boring stories.
Key Takeaway
Challenge yourself to cover the ordinary.
Themes
media bias
storytelling
power dynamics
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
journalistic
philosophical
When to use this quote
- newsrooms
- feature writing
- documentary projects
- interview training
Key Concepts
narrative control
audience engagement
Questions to Reflect On
- How can journalists find value in mundane subjects?
- What ethical duties arise when shaping public perception?
A Different Perspective
Risk of reinforcing stereotypes by labeling people as “boring”.