LIVE, LEARN, & LOVE
Do you take delight in watching films or
listening to pop music? For English learners, movies, songs, and books are one
of the most wonderful sources to explore the language! You can indulge in your
favorite pastime and still learn some expressions, words of wisdom, and
oftentimes good lessons while you’re at it.
#16. Good Night and Good Luck (film, 2005)
"We
must not confuse dissent with disloyalty. We must remember always, that
accusation is not proof, and that conviction depends upon evidence and due
process of law."
ð Edward R. Murrow argued that opposing the
government is a basic right in a democracy and should never be treated as an
act of treason or disloyalty to the nation. He made this statement during a
notable 1954 episode of See It Now, where he criticized Senator Joseph
McCarthy’s “witch hunt” methods. McCarthy often relied on unfounded allegations
to damage the reputations of individuals he labeled as “un-American.
“Good
night and good luck.”
ð During
the German air raids, people in London frequently ended their conversations by
saying “good night, and good luck,” since they were unsure if they would
survive to see one another the following day. Murrow later adopted this
expression, reportedly inspired after hearing a similar line used by Princess
Elizabeth in a 1940 radio broadcast.
It
became a defining feature of his reporting, reflecting a sense of personal
connection, the seriousness of the era, and a closing message that conveyed
integrity during both World War II and the period of McCarthyism.
“This
instrument can teach, it can illuminate; yes, and it can even inspire. But it
can do so only to the extent that humans are determined to use it to those ends.”
ð Murrow
believed television possessed an extraordinary ability to educate and motivate
the public, yet he worried that it was mostly being used for trivial
entertainment and commercial gain.
** Jean’s Small Thoughts:
Many times, we notice striking
similarities between the past and the present across different areas of
society. The manipulation or suppression of mass media and the spread of
political paranoia are issues that never truly become history. While watching the
2005 film Good Night, and Good Luck (directed by George Clooney), I was
repeatedly reminded of tightly controlled media and compromised newspapers in
various parts of the world.
The film portrays the
confrontation between journalist Edward R. Murrow (1908–1965, an American
broadcast journalist and war correspondent) and Senator Joseph McCarthy during
the era known as the Red Scare. It underscores the importance of journalistic integrity
and the responsibility of the media to keep the public informed, even under
challenging circumstances. Murrow devoted his career to pursuing the truth and
worked persistently to overcome the challenges journalists faced during a time
defined by political fear and suspicion. His lifelong commitment to honest
journalism and transparent ethical standards represents the kind of example
that is especially needed today.
No comments:
Post a Comment