Quote by John Swinton, a toast before the
There is no such thing, at this date of the world's history, as an independent press. You know it and I know it. There is not one of you who dares to write your honest opinions, and if you did, you know beforehand that it would never appear in print. I am paid weekly for keeping my honest opinions out of the paper I am connected with. Others of you are paid similar salaries for similar things, and any of you who would be so foolish as to write honest opinions would be out on the streets looking for another job. If I allowed my honest opinions to appear in one issue of my paper, before twenty-four hours my occupation would be gone. The business of the journalist is to destroy the truth; to lie outright; to pervert; to vilify; to fawn at the feet of mammon, and to sell the country for his daily bread. You know it and I know it and what folly is this toasting an independent press. We are the tools and vassals of the rich men behind the scenes. We are the jumping jacks, they pull the strings and we dance. Our talents, our possibilities and our lives are all the property of other men. We are intellectual prostitutes.
Summary
This quote is an impassioned critique of the state of journalism and the lack of independence in the press. It suggests that journalists are not free to express their honest opinions because they are constrained by external influences, such as financial incentives and the power of those in positions of wealth and influence. Instead of seeking and spreading the truth, the quote argues that journalists are motivated to distort, deceive, and prioritize personal gain. It presents a cynical view of the profession, portraying journalists as mere puppets serving the interests of the privileged few rather than working in the public's best interest.
Topics
Media
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