Journalism Quote by Pearl Abraham
““And again the news offered no news: On CNN, a rerun of Larry King interviewing the widowed and the suffering. On CNN2, a rerun of Larry King interviewing a fatherless son. On CNN3, a rerun of Flight 11 flying toward the first tower, in slow motion. On CNN4, a rerun of the tower collapsing, in slow motion, and again the towers fell, again people jumped and died. On CNN5, a rerun of Larry King interviewing a motherless daughter, a daughterless father, interviewing the motherless, fatherless, wifeless, husbandless, childless, shameless--disgusted, Bill pressed POWER and beheaded King, exiled CNN, and the world went dark. They sat relieved in the silence and dark. Not much road traffic now, but somewhere in the distant overhead the honk and flap of southbound geese, instinct bound, in vees for victory. The turkey was still on the table; the sides were still out. Let all who are hungry come and eat. Let all who are tired come home.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Book of Daniel, 1998
The passage sat the relentless replay of tragedy in media, highlighting desensitization and the search for meaning amid catastrophe.
In simple terms: Media repeats tragedy, numbing us.
Key Takeaway
Seek authentic connection beyond headlines.
Themes
media saturation
trauma
desensitization
meaning
existence
Mood
somber
critical
thoughtful
Type
literary
social commentary
When to use this quote
- watching news
- discussing events
- personal coping
- community dialogue
Key Concepts
philosophy
psychology
media studies
Questions to Reflect On
- How does repeated tragedy affect your worldview?
- What can you do to stay emotionally healthy?
A Different Perspective
Continuous exposure can lead to emotional numbness.
