Prepare for the discussion by reading the following contemporary account about the assassination of President Lincoln.
Begin the discussion by responding to the following prompt:
This 1865 account has a certain style and tone that differs from news stories today. What effect do you think such a report had on readers in 1865? Keep in mind that citizens might have read the report several days after the event occurred. How would today’s 24-hour news cycle affect reporting on such a tragic event? How might those changes alter the way citizens today respond to tragedy? Give your opinion and support it with examples.
Post a detailed response to the 1865 Reporting Discussion prompt. Then respond to two classmates' posts.
The 1865 account of the assassination of President Lincoln has a certain style and tone that differs from news stories today. The language used in the report is formal and descriptive, with a focus on providing details and facts in a straightforward manner. It is evident that the report was written with a sense of gravity and respect for the event and the individuals involved. This style and tone would have had a significant impact on readers in 1865.
In that time period, news traveled much slower than it does today. Citizens might have read the report several days after the event occurred. This slower dissemination of information allowed for a greater level of reflection and contemplation on the part of the readers. The detailed and descriptive nature of the report would have allowed readers to imagine the event and its consequences more vividly, creating a sense of connection and empathy with the tragedy.
In contrast, today's 24-hour news cycle would drastically alter the reporting on such a tragic event. The need to quickly gather information and report it as soon as possible often leads to a rush to judgment and the release of incomplete or inaccurate information. News stories today are often characterized by sensationalism and an emphasis on the emotional aspects of a story rather than the factual details.
For example, in the case of a tragic event like the assassination of a president, the focus would likely be on capturing the emotions of the moment, such as the shock and grief of the nation. The constant barrage of news coverage from different sources would also create a sense of saturation and desensitization, where the initial impact of the event may be diluted over time.
The changes in reporting brought about by the 24-hour news cycle would also alter the way citizens today respond to tragedy. The constant exposure to traumatic events can lead to a numbness and an inability to truly process and empathize with the victims. It can also contribute to the spread of misinformation and the manipulation of public opinion.
Moreover, the rush to report breaking news often results in a lack of in-depth analysis and reflection on the underlying causes and consequences of a tragic event. This creates a superficial understanding of the event, preventing citizens from engaging in meaningful discussions and debates on how to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
In conclusion, the style and tone of the 1865 report on the assassination of President Lincoln had a profound impact on readers at that time. The slower dissemination of news allowed for deeper reflection and empathy. In contrast, the 24-hour news cycle of today fosters a rush to report and sensationalism, which alters the way citizens respond to tragedy. These changes in reporting can lead to desensitization, the spread of misinformation, and a lack of meaningful discussion and reflection.
Response:
The 1865 account of the assassination of President Lincoln certainly differs in style and tone compared to news stories of today. This is partly due to the limitations of communication technology at the time, which meant that news traveled much slower and reports were written in a more narrative, detailed style. Additionally, the 1865 account carries a certain level of solemnity and grief, which reflects the shocking nature of the event and the feelings of the author and readers.
In 1865, citizens would have experienced a delay in receiving the news of President Lincoln's assassination, likely reading the report several days after the event occurred. This delayed dissemination of information allowed for a more reflective and thoughtful response from readers. The emotional impact of the tragedy would not have been diluted by the constant bombardment of news seen in today's 24-hour news cycle. Readers in 1865 had time to process the news, mourn, and discuss the event within their communities before being flooded with subsequent news stories.
Contrastingly, in today's 24-hour news cycle, there is a demand for immediate updates and breaking news. The constant flow of information can lead to a desensitization to tragedy. New reports are quickly replaced by the next story, without allowing sufficient time for reflection, mourning, or a collective response. Emotions may be expressed on social media platforms, but the long-term impact and depth of understanding may be compromised.
For example, consider the tragic events of 9/11. In 2001, news coverage saturated every media outlet for days, allowing people to witness the devastation, absorb the scale of the attack, and come together in solidarity. In contrast, the recent terrorist attacks in various parts of the world often receive a fraction of the news coverage and public attention due to the constant stream of other news stories. This diminishes the ability for citizens to collectively mourn, understand, and respond to these tragedies.
In conclusion, the 1865 account of President Lincoln's assassination had a profound impact on readers due to its detailed narrative and the delayed nature of news dissemination at that time. Today's 24-hour news cycle, with its constant flow of information, alters the reporting on tragic events, often leading to desensitization and a lack of collective response from citizens. This can result in a diluted understanding and an inability to fully process and respond to tragic events in today's society.