Gonzo Journalism?

Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor? Hell no!

John Belushi, Animal House

Actor Bill Murray recently blasted renown journalist Bob Woodward. The Ghostbuster literally to his proton pack accelerator to incinerate Woodward’s book Wired. Mr. Woodward reported on Murray’s fellow Saturday Night Live Cast Member and friend, John Belushi.

Mr. Murray, distressed by the controversial Wired, indicated that “I read like five pages of ‘Wired,’ and I went, ‘Oh my God. They framed Nixon.” Nypost.com .

Mr. Murray further said: “If this is what he writes about my friend that I’ve known, you know, for half of my adult life, which is completely inaccurate, talking to like, the people of the outer, outer circle, getting the story – what the hell could they have done to Nixon?” Nypost.com

Why do journalists get accused of inaccurate reporting? Societal narratives may play a role.

If the Germans did in fact bomb Pearl Harbor, the journalistic reporting would much different than what Mr. Belushi’s character Bluto declared in Animal House. His character’s inaccuracy, however, was greeted with “forget it, he’s rolling.” His cinematic speech was what the troops needed to be rallied, inspired. While untrue- and hilarious- it effectively pushed the narrative. The untruth was acceptable.

Thus, one of Belushi’s greatest comedic scenes illustrates the nature of history and journalism. Belushi’s character’s inaccuracy was “red meat.” It grabbed attention. It connected with the audience. It fed into the narrative. Truth, necessarily, was a casualty.

Journalists can get things wrong. This is especially the case when they have limited access. Mr. Murray, in his interview, effectively points this out: “You’re telling me that that guy over there, that guy who’s that far away from the center of things, is telling you the facts about John Belushi? That guy way the f–k over there is telling you who John Belushi is?” Nypost.com

The Narrative Problem

Too often, a journalist’s approach on matters is to take “the facts” and come up with the narrative. If the narrative is compelling, the facts can be re-visited to enhance the narrative. Limited facts, however, risks the creation of questionable narratives. Narratives formed in this pattern can be devoid of reality.

Additionally, facts can get in the way of narratives. Perhaps, Mr. Murray will take time and pen a book with a greater abundance of facts. Perhaps a different narrative of Mr. Belushi’s life will be revealed.

Conclusion

Narratives are not facts. Facts are not narratives. It is a journalist’s challenge is to lay out the facts. Once done, a narrative opinions and analysis are welcome. Too often, narratives supplant the facts. The results can be tricky.

Be well!!

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