Re: Mr. Jefferson
Thomas Jefferson once said, “advertisements contain the only truths to be relied on in a newspaper.” He appeared to be quite critical of newspapers, or as it would be called today, the media. But considering Jefferson’s biography, his skepticism towards the media is understandable.
Jefferson is best known for being one of the Founding Fathers who served as the third president of the United States from 1801 to 1809. He also acted as vice-president of the U.S., a statesman, a diplomat, a lawyer, and an architect. It is safe to say that for a good part of his life, he was very familiar with politics, law, and government.
Although the freedom of the press was important to Jefferson, it also threatened him as a politician. The media is often used to spread lies and misinformation to the masses. Therefore, to Jefferson advertisements were the only reflection of truth in newspapers, confirming his skeptical perspective of the press.
Media, then
Today, journalists are often accused of altering or exaggerating facts to influence public opinion or drive newspaper sales. It seems that Jefferson had the same concerns about journalists in his time. Joseph Ellis, a U.S. historian who has written extensively about the former president, stated, “In his second term, in response to serious criticism from the New England newspapers … [Jefferson] instructed the state attorney generals in New England to prosecute the newspaper editors for sedition.” In other words, Jefferson felt that newspapers were being used to push political agendas and launch personal attacks in the political arena. He believed critiques and opinions against him in newspapers to be false, so he concluded that the press could not be relied upon. In fact, as he has stated, advertisements were the only truthful aspects of newspapers.
However, Jefferson’s attitude towards advertisements is interesting. Like news articles, advertisements also push an agenda by manipulating the public through slyly-written offers. So why did Jefferson feel so differently about advertisements? Or did he call ads truthful simply to emphasize how dishonest the press was?
Media, now
Advertisements and news articles are still critical aspects of modern media. I believe, however, that in contemporary society, advertisements are no more truthful than the news. Ads are often misleading in order to drive sales, which automatically invalidates their authenticity, because they are then not truthful representations of what is being sold. In some ways, the news can be more truthful and reliable.
There are two main types of media in modern society. Broadsheet newspapers and media are considered to be reputable sources of information, whilst tabloid newspapers and media are often thought of as sensational news. Although both forms of media inevitably contain bias, the former tends to take the responsibility of maintaining the integrity of the press more seriously. It also prides itself on its serious and important reporting of the news. Tabloids resemble the media in Jefferson’s era a lot more, whilst broadsheet media is why Jefferson still ultimately supported the freedom of the press.
Broadsheet media’s goal is to inform the public about relevant news, and although it may be impacted by ulterior motives, such as support for specific organizations or people, this form of media has united the world and created awareness amongst the masses about global events. A perfect example of this is when the media reported the situation in Syria as it was on the ground, during the country’s civil war. Everyone could learn about how civilians were being affected, instead of being fed information through propaganda. No longer can the public feign ignorance about what goes on around them, not when they have easy access to news and information.
Modern media brings international atrocities and affairs into the public eye. Now, when President Trump, for example, threatens war with Iran, citizens can use the news to learn of a more well-rounded idea of circumstances, and what it could mean for them. Thomas Jefferson was wary of newspapers because of the way they led political attacks against him; similarly, Trump is critical of modern media, believing that the press treats him unfairly. But we must keep in mind, if the media did not publish any material about him, it would have been much easier for him to manipulate the American people to rally behind him.
Therefore, I believe that the modern media is a double-edged sword: on one side, Jefferson was right. If used unethically, newspapers can spread misinformation and lies; but, considering the alternative, if used correctly, the media encourages free speech and enlightens the public. That is why, even though he disliked newspapers, Thomas Jefferson still understood the importance of the freedom of the press, and the positive ways it can be used.
By Zainab Mirza
Please note that opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect the views and values of The Blank Page.
