Israt Miah FIQWS

10/02/2023

Explanatory Essay

As media and political advertising have developed over time, they have altered not only how we view and interact with politics but have also fundamentally changed what democracy is all about. They have challenged the fundamental ideas of an open and informed electorate and shifted the difference between information and manipulation. From Walter Cronkite’s influence on the Vietnam War to JFK’s fear about the impact of television on Americans about the presidential election, everything relates to the way that various media outlets have influenced political agendas and viewpoints among the general public, sparking interest in the media’s rapidly expanding influence over politics and societal concepts. Articles such as “Did the news media, led by Walter Cronkite, lose the war in Vietnam?” by Joel Achenbach and “A Force That Has Changed The Political Scene”: JFK’s Essay on His Favorite (and Most Feared) Technology” by Alex Pasternack highlights how media utilizes psychological strategies including emotional appeal, terror, or persuasion on how they have affected viewers’ perceptions.

Walter Cronkite was an important figure during the era of the Vietnam War. Jack Achenback investigates the intricate relationship between media coverage and popular opinion during the war, recognizing the importance of characters such as Cronkite. According to Achenbach’s research, while media coverage did contribute to anti-war sentiment and popular discontent, it was only one of several factors that decided the outcome of the war. The Vietnam War was a complicated conflict with a number of military, political, and diplomatic components, with media coverage playing a part but not being the primary predictor of its outcome. John F. Kennedy’s thoughts on television’s impact as a transforming force in politics. He recognized television’s ability to affect public perception, interact with people on a personal level, and impact political campaigns in his article. JFK’s grasp of the impact of television debates, particularly the 1960 presidential debate against Richard Nixon, is cited by Pasternack as a watershed point in American politics. This article emphasizes how Kennedy valued and feared television’s effect, understanding its ability to affect elections and transform the political landscape. Overall, JFK’s thoughts on the importance of television in modern politics and its impact on his own career. The rhetorical situation in “Did the news media, led by Walter Cronkite, lose the war in Vietnam?” by Joel Achenbach is that as part of his argument and analysis, he provided an analysis of the role the news media played during the Vietnam War. The intended audience may include people interested in journalism history, the Vietnam War, and the role of media on public perception and political choices. The essay’s major message is the question of whether the news media, led by Walter Cronkite, had a significant impact on the outcome of the Vietnam War. It investigates the possibility that media coverage influenced public opinion and government actions throughout the war. The rhetorical situation in “A Force That Has Changed The Political Scene”: JFK’s Essay on His Favorite (and Most Feared) Technology” by Alex Pasternack is that he presented JFK’s views and his analysis on the role of television in politics. The intended audience for this article can be readers interested in JFK’s presidency and his television opinions, the role of media in politics, and the impact of technology on political campaigns may be interested in this article. The purpose of this article is to shed light on how TV’s influence on political campaigns was both admired and feared by JFK. These articles are concerned with the impact of media and technology on political events. Pasternack’s article investigates John F. Kennedy’s views on the impact of television on politics, whereas Achenbach’s study examines the role of the media of Walter Cronkite, in the context of the Vietnam War. Pasternack’s essay is set in the 1960s, at the development of television as a political instrument. Achenbach’s essay is set during the Vietnam War, which received enormous media coverage resulting in being situated in distinct historical periods. The authors of both articles give insights and analyses of significant figures in politics and the media.The intended audiences for both of these articles include readers interested in media, politics, and historical events. Paternack explores JFK’s views, while Achenbach examines Walter Cronkite and the news media’s potential impact on public opinion and the war’s outcome.

Physical appearance, charisma, and one present themselves can draw viewers tuning in to the primary event happening all play a factor in how an audience might be persuaded and drawn in. As stated “…and he didn’t hesitate to let the networks know it.” (Achenbach, 1) Many viewers might have felt they have drawn to him due to his transparency. Cronkite had firsthand knowledge of the Vietnam War, and his transparency and honesty allowed him to connect with his audience, making him appear more trustworthy because he was a reliable source. This relates back to JFK’s perspective on transparency about how candidates should present themselves during a presidential election on television. He states “It is in your power to perceive deception, to shut off gimmickry, to reward honesty, to demand legislation where needed. Without your approval, no TV show is worthwhile and no politician can exist.” (Pasternack, 1) Viewers may shape the quality and integrity of media by choosing what content to consume and supporting honest reporting. Their decisions can decide whether politicians succeed or fail, as well as whether their credibility is worth their support.

Alberto Manguel “The Shape of the Book” and M. Sophia Newman “So, Gutenberg Didn’t Actually Invent Printing As We Know It.” are both articles emphasizing how media production is evolving and improving over time. “The Shape of the Book” by Manguel analyzes the physical form of books and their impact on human culture and knowledge. Manguel dives into the history of books, from ancient scrolls and manuscripts to modern printed and digital forms, demonstrating how book shape and design have influenced how people access, interact with, and understand information. He expresses his ideas and analysis on the physical shape of the book and its impact on human culture and understanding. Manguel’s intended audience may include experts, readers interested in the history of books and the role of physical design in influencing knowledge and culture. He enlightens and assesses the role of the book’s physical shape in human history. Manguel sheds light on how the design of books has influenced how we access and engage with knowledge such as creating small-pocket sized books for it to be accessible among the people. According to the article, it states “As private libraries grew, readers began to find large volumes not only difficult to handle and uncomfortable to carry, but inconvenient to store.” (Manguel 254) Alberto discusses how he wanted to introduce smaller sized books for people’s accessibility, which increases media technology to help spread knowledge at a rapid pace using his creation. This relates back to Sophie’s article on how Gutenberg’s printing was the product of rapid knowledge spread from the Koreans and Chinese nobles. According to the article, it mentions “…revolutionary printing technology began in East Asia, with work done by Chinese nobles, Korean buddhists, and the descendants of Genghis Khan.” (Newman 2) It was claimed that Gutenberg’s printing product was not original; however, it was the result of media improving and evolving over time, as Korean and Chinese nobles had done centuries before Gutenberg was born, resulting in rapid knowledge spread through making media and advertising evolving over time. The essay’s major point is the importance of the physical form of the book in molding human culture, learning, and communication. Manguel investigates the possibility that the physicality of books has a significant impact on our relationship with information. The central message conveyed by the article is the need to reevaluate the historical narrative surrounding Gutenberg and printing. Newman presents evidence and arguments to support her assertion that Gutenberg’s contributions were part of a broader technological evolution in printing rather than a singular invention. Newman’s main point is that the historical story around Gutenberg and printing needs to be reconsidered. Newman provides facts and reasons to back up her claim that Gutenberg’s contributions were part of a larger technological evolution in printing rather than a single invention.

The link between media, political advertising, and democracy has changed dramatically over history. As we have seen the evolution of various communication technologies and their impact on political discourse, it has become evident that these changes have not only changed how we view and engage with politics, but have also redefined the nature of democracy itself. The media and political advertising have definitely affected the political scene and transformed our perceptions of and participation in democracy. While misinformation and polarization remain concerns, these challenges underline the necessity of media literacy, critical thinking, and ethical journalism in a democratic society. As we move forward, we must strike a balance between the benefits of media access and the requirement for a well-informed, involved, and deliberate public. Finally, the growth of media and political advertising should serve as a reminder that democracy is a dynamic notion that must constantly adapt to evolving communication technology and societal needs.

Works Cited

https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/did-the-news-media-led-by-walter-cronkite-lose- the-war-in-vietnam/2018/05/25/a5b3e098-495e-11e8-827e-190efaf1f1ee_story.html

https://www.vice.com/en/article/nzz7ax/a-force-that-has-changed-the-political-scene-when-j fk-schooled-america-on-tv-in-politics

Alberto Manguel “The Shape of the Book”
M. Sophia Newman “So, Gutenberg Didn’t Actually Invent Printing As We Know It.”