The Journalist And The Murderer Book Summary - The Journalist And The Murderer Book explained in key points

The Journalist And The Murderer summary

Brief summary

The Journalist And The Murderer by Janet Malcolm explores the complex and often contentious relationship between journalists and their subjects, using the case of a convicted murderer and the journalist who wrote about him as a thought-provoking example.

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    The Journalist And The Murderer
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    Exploring the Ethical Quandaries of Journalism

    In The Journalist and The Murderer by Janet Malcolm, the author delves into the ethical complexities of journalism, using the case of Jeffrey MacDonald, a convicted murderer, and Joe McGinniss, the journalist who wrote a book about MacDonald's crime. The book begins with McGinniss's initial interactions with MacDonald, where the latter had agreed to allow the former to write a book in his defense. MacDonald believed that McGinniss was on his side, but as the story progresses, it becomes clear that McGinniss had already made up his mind about MacDonald's guilt.

    McGinniss's book, Fatal Vision, ultimately portrayed MacDonald as a cold-blooded killer, a portrayal that MacDonald felt was a betrayal of their initial agreement. The crux of Malcolm's argument lies in the inherent duplicity of the journalist-subject relationship. She contends that the journalist, in order to extract the most revealing information from the subject, must initially present themselves as sympathetic and trustworthy, even if they harbor contrary beliefs. This, Malcolm argues, is a form of betrayal, and one that is not acknowledged or rectified by the journalism profession.

    The Journalist-Subject Relationship

    Malcolm further explores the journalist-subject relationship, positing that it is inherently unequal and exploitative. The journalist, she argues, has the power to shape the narrative and the subject's story, often without the subject's full knowledge or consent. This power dynamic, she suggests, makes the subject vulnerable to the journalist's manipulation, and leaves them open to being misrepresented or exploited for the journalist's gain.

    Malcolm also examines the psychology of the journalist, suggesting that the profession attracts individuals who are adept at manipulating others to elicit the desired story. She argues that the best journalists are those who are able to conceal their true intentions and beliefs, and instead present themselves as sympathetic and trustworthy. This, she contends, is a form of moral duplicity that is inherent to the profession.

    The Lawsuit and Its Implications

    The narrative of The Journalist and The Murderer takes an interesting turn when MacDonald sues McGinniss for fraud and breach of contract, alleging that McGinniss had manipulated him to secure information for his book. The case raises important questions about the ethics of journalism and the extent to which a journalist is obligated to reveal their true intentions to their subjects.

    In the lawsuit, McGinniss's defense is that it is standard practice for journalists to conceal their true intentions, and that MacDonald should have been aware of this. The court ultimately rules in favor of McGinniss, setting a precedent that further entrenches the unequal power dynamics between journalists and their subjects.

    Concluding Thoughts on Journalism and Morality

    As The Journalist and The Murderer concludes, Malcolm offers a stark and unflinching assessment of the moral ambiguities of journalism. She argues that the profession is inherently duplicitous, and that journalists routinely exploit their subjects for their own gain. She suggests that this moral duplicity is an essential part of the journalist's toolkit, and one that is unlikely to change.

    In the end, The Journalist and The Murderer serves as a thought-provoking exploration of the ethical quandaries inherent in journalism. Through the lens of the MacDonald-McGinniss case, Malcolm challenges us to reconsider the moral responsibilities of journalists, and the impact their methods have on their subjects.

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    What is The Journalist And The Murderer about?

    The Journalist and the Murderer by Janet Malcolm explores the complex relationship between journalists and their subjects. Through the lens of a specific murder case and the resulting legal battle, Malcolm delves into the ethical and moral implications of storytelling and the betrayal that can occur in the pursuit of a compelling narrative.

    The Journalist And The Murderer Review

    The Journalist And The Murderer (1990) explores the complex relationship between journalists and their subjects, questioning the ethical boundaries of the profession. Here's why this book is a compelling read:
    • Challenges the traditional dynamics between writer and subject, prompting readers to reconsider the ethics of journalism.
    • Janet Malcolm dives deep into the blurred lines of truth and manipulation in storytelling, sparking thought-provoking discussions.
    • With its unconventional approach to examining journalistic practices, the book keeps readers captivated and engaged from start to finish.

    Who should read The Journalist And The Murderer?

    • Journalists and writers interested in ethics and the complexities of the profession

    • True crime enthusiasts who want to explore the relationship between journalists and their subjects

    • Readers who enjoy thought-provoking narratives that challenge conventional wisdom

    About the Author

    Janet Malcolm is an acclaimed journalist and author known for her incisive and thought-provoking works. With a career spanning several decades, Malcolm has written extensively for publications such as The New Yorker and The New York Review of Books. Her books often explore the complex relationship between truth, ethics, and storytelling. Some of her notable works include The Silent Woman, In the Freud Archives, and The Crime of Sheila McGough. Malcolm's unique perspective and investigative approach have solidified her reputation as one of the foremost nonfiction writers of our time.

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    The Journalist And The Murderer FAQs 

    What is the main message of The Journalist And The Murderer?

    The main message of The Journalist And The Murderer explores the ethical complexities in journalism and the power dynamics between journalists and their subjects.

    How long does it take to read The Journalist And The Murderer?

    The estimated time to read The Journalist And The Murderer depends on individual reading speed. The Blinkist summary can be read in a shorter time.

    Is The Journalist And The Murderer a good book? Is it worth reading?

    The Journalist And The Murderer is worth reading for its insightful exploration of journalistic ethics and the relationship between journalists and their sources.

    Who is the author of The Journalist And The Murderer?

    The author of The Journalist And The Murderer is Janet Malcolm.

    What to read after The Journalist And The Murderer?

    If you're wondering what to read next after The Journalist And The Murderer, here are some recommendations we suggest:
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