PART II: PHILOSOPHY AND THE NEW
JOURNALISM
Philosophy
is the driving force behind The New
Journalism. Therefore a mere writer cannot comprehend, and make the proper
analysis of the ongoing disregard for the law of God and man. Thus, White
mainstream media usually refuse to make an analysis or make unqualified
attempts at depicting the events of the Black experience. Also, for the record
many Black writers have accepted a Euro-Centric view of the world and the Black
community. Thus, the people are misinformed and confused. Therefore, academic
degrees in journalism are secondary to being a thinker. Also one has a
responsibility to write Truth and not record the history of man from a
prejudiced point of view.
Being
a thinker takes on a philosophical attitude. Philosophy does not solely deal
with a specific subject matter like biology for instance. The distinguishing
factor of philosophy over other fields of study is its broad scope. Philosophy
is an attitude and a method that will allow one to investigate and explore any
area presented.
During
these trying times with the gross absence of independent Publishing houses,
newspapers and other forms of media, The
New Journalism is in the vanguard. This new vanguard movement will never
ignore nor hide or cover-up whatever is relevant to human life events.
However
for a better understanding and the greatest degree of Truth, let's define and
examine philosophy as the three levels of attitudes. These attitudes are
ongoing attempts to examine life critically, to appreciate life and to examine
events etc. as a whole.
One
must be critical about meanings and beliefs. Prejudice and prejudgment brings
on ignorance and slanted conclusions. The philosopher is the Truth seeker, and
he must take the high road. The stroke of the unbiased pen is not learned nor
taught. Yet this factor of fairness sets him apart from the mere writer of his
day.
Secondly
the philosopher appreciates life. He is not a pessimist. He is not apathetic.
Although as a normal and caring human being he is often disgusted, however, he
continues. He understands that criticisms promote sound thinking. The written
word enhances life. The Truth-Seeker receives great joy from understanding
factors related to the spiritual, historical, political, economic, sociological
and psychological impact on the people of the world. Thus, the independent
thinker can appreciate the journey of life and the never-ending series of
events. Also, it is the greatest Truth seeker that explores the negative and the
positive effects of these events. Therefore, the most logical way for the
philosopher to explore these events is to look at the whole situation. He cannot
be narrow minded. At times he may not agree with a particular organization or
group. However this does not mean that he will not read their literature etc.
The
philosopher seeks wholeness. Many areas of study deal with a specific fact and
dismiss other facts as irrelevant. For example a pure sociologist or political
scientist cannot capture the greatest degree of Truth about a systematic
attempt to exploit and control poor people.
There
are many other schools of thought that must be considered such as history,
psychology and economics. No particular science confronts all the facts
presented by a situation. Thus, one-sided and elitist scientific inquiry
systematically limits inquiry toward other schools of thought and becomes
ineffective.
Philosophy
on the other hand looks at the large picture and attempts to harmonize and
integrate the various components of human events and activity. Therefore, this
critical whole view of life poses the question why?
Finally
the philosopher must ask the question. He must ask a question, about anything
of interest to man. A good question is clear and to the point. Underlying and
hidden assumptions hamper a good question. Also one should pose questions that
will allow confirmation and validation if possible. Non-productive questions
are vague and slanted and have very little meaning.
Update
FreedomJournal Press 5 June 2009. As we continue to make the transition
that is required of the inspired writers we bow to our on-going conversion. Therefore
we have developed a new genre of writing that takes on Poetry and Prose. Thus
ProVerse is born. We have also as of this month moved from posting documentation
about the historical Censorship of the FreedomJournal Press. Therefore we now
refrain from some of the descriptive words used to describe those that
challenged our right to Free Speech etc. Meanwhile we continue to listen to the
Spirit and hope to continue to hear from God as to where we go. However we do
know that we follow a narrow and straight road. But we come in the flesh asking
for the prayers of the brethren just as did Paul.
Email all questions and concerns to carl@freedomjournalpress.comcastbiz.net