Introduction
This paper critically analyses the book “Stories that Changed America: Muckrakers of the 20th Century” by Carl Jensen. This will involve trying to put the book into various perspectives so as to improve a better understanding of Jensen’s work. To undertake a critical analysis, the writer will examine the foreground and the background of the author. Examining the author is important because she is the pivotal point of influence in the analysis and understanding of the book. Apart from examining the author, the paper will go ahead and analyze the various themes which were portrayed by the book. Finally, the paper will analyze the book to establish whether the author, Carl Jensen, clearly and thoroughly discussed her thesis of the book or he has failed to do so.
Thesis of the Book
The core thesis of this book involves the evolution of American society, as they changed over time to become one of the most adaptable countries. Jensen emphasizes of the sacrifices, and the compromise that the American community underwent to accomplish these changes. It is the nature of human beings to resist change and to stick onto the current status quo. The main reason why people tend to be conservative is the fear of the unknown. Some people fear that a change in status quo will have a negative effect on their social life. There are also various journalists and authors that have made efforts to significantly contribute to the understanding of Jensen’s book and imparting the idea of change among the readers. These journalists extensively discussed various topics of change in the context of the United Stated States of America: their eloquence and literary skills are so compelling and overwhelming that you have no otherwise but to sort them out and examine their literary piece. The journalists/authors herein include John Steinbeck, I.F. Stone, Upton Sinclair, Rachel Carson, Bob Woodward, Carl Bernstein, and George Seldes. For the purpose of this paper, we will discuss only three journalists but ensuring that the chosen journalists spread over the entire period of 20th century.
According to John Steinbeck the works of Jensen could really influence change. With the rapid changes in our society, people should learn to manage changes. Even though it is the nature of human being to resist change, it is imperative that to find better ways of managing these changes an in our society. One of the common ways of managing these changes is by bringing in new administrations. John Steinbeck used the idea of employing the novel in impacting changes in the American society. This strategic step will push him a notch higher in his competitive literary business. According to Steinbeck, there is crucial need to ensure that the envisaged changes are managed, lest the opposing forces will mischievously act in a way to ensure that these changes are not affected. It is, therefore, the duty of the administration to use their expertise to envisage the oppositions and come up with mitigating measures before it is too late. It is the duty of the administration to sell the idea of change to the public as well as other stakeholders. For example, the administration can organize seminars and training to discuss with the public or stakeholders in issues such as new leisure facilities.
Isidor Feintein Stone existed in the period when the media was being fought for. In his works, he exposed the truths in the media industry which was influential in several changes that took place in the industry. During the period of Isidor Feintein Stone, United States of America was losing power over the influence in media. His work brought changes that ensured that there was absolute freedom of media. He wrote that any policy or legislation which is curtailing the freedom of press and media was both retrogressive and redundant and therefore must be met with the necessary forces. According to Jensen’s work, there was a point in which the government’s intention was to control the work of media so that media can only report what they believe to contribute positively to the cleaning of their reputation. According to Isidor Feintein Stone, this was misuse of power and the public had to retaliate with the equal force. The contribution of Stone in the book, “Truth in Journalism” was instrumental in making the important steps toward the media freedom.
In her book “Silent Soring” Rachel Carson advocated on the stoppage in the use of chemicals as she argued that the resultant effect of chemicals in our ecosystem is not commensurate to its economic returns. She emphasized that in consideration of the ecosystem, both animals and human beings should be put into account. In her book, she uses a fictional town, and in this town everything dry up as a result of using chemicals. When the book was published, it received so much prices, as much as criticisms. Some critics even went to an extent of demanding the banning of the book. Carson’s book is related to the work of Jensen as it focused in the change of our industrial operations to ensure sustainable development. The fame of the book grabbed the attention of the then president of the United States, J. F Kennedy who promised to take actions that will put into consideration the recommendations of the book.
According to Bob Woodward, it is imperative that the administration assure the citizens that they will not lose jobs as result of the envisaged changes. The main reason why most of the employees fear change is because they believe that change may render them redundant hence making them lose their jobs. It is therefore imperative that the administration ensure that the changes which are to be effected have a positive impact to the society. For example, changes should only be impacted when they result into better pay and benefits among the employees. This will improve their living standards, thereby they will welcome changes with both their arms. This, therefore, calls for leadership with impeccable characters if changes are really meant to improve the life of the society. The leaders also should have good interpersonal skill to enable them lead effectively and implement changes with a lot of efficiencies. Leadership is therefore the point of contact between the government and the citizens.
Conclusion
This critical essay paper has endeavored to put into critical perspective the aspects of Carl Jensen’s book, “Stories That Changed America: Muckrakers of the 20th Century”. The critical analysis has examined the foreground and the background of the author so as to influence in the analysis and understanding of the book. The paper has also looked at the major theme of the book, which is change. Moreover, the paper has successfully analyzed other journalists who were instrumental in discussing the themes of this book. We can therefore say that change is inevitable and that change, in many cases, is always for the greater good of the society.
Bibliography
Jensen, Carl. Stories that changed America: Muckrakers of the 20th century. Seven Stories Press, 2011.
