This American system of ours', he shouted, 'call it…
““This American system of ours', he shouted, 'call it Americanism, call it capitalism, call it what you like, gives to each and every one of us a great opportunity if only we seize it with both hands, and make the most of it'. A month later in New York I was telling this story to Mr John Walter, minority owner of The Times. He asked me why I had not written the Capone interview for the paper. I explained that when I had come to put my notes together, I saw that most of what Capone had said was in essence identical with what was being said in the leading articles of The Times itself, and I doubted whether the paper would be best pleased to find itself seeing eye to eye with the most notorious gangster in Chicago.””
About This Quote
Source Interview: Memoir of a Journalist, 1940s
The speaker claims America offers great opportunity, but the journalist doubts publishing a gangster's interview would please the newspaper.
In simple terms: America promises opportunity; publishing a gangster may clash with newspaper interests.
Key Takeaway
Consider the conflict between truth and editorial bias.
Themes
opportunity
media
ethics
politics
capitalism
Mood
critical
reflective
skeptical
Type
advice
political
journalistic
When to use this quote
- Newspaper editorial meetings
- political commentary
- public speaking
- media criticism
Key Concepts
Americanism
capitalism
journalistic integrity
public interest
Questions to Reflect On
- Should journalists prioritize truth over audience expectations?
- How does capitalism influence media decisions?
A Different Perspective
Publishing controversial voices may alienate readers or sponsors.