Muckraked: meaning, definitions and examples
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muckraked
[ ˈmʌkˌreɪkt ]
journalism ethics
Muckraked refers to the act of investigating and exposing misconduct, corruption, or scandals, particularly in politics and business. The term originates from the early 20th-century journalism, especially during the Progressive Era, when journalists, known as 'muckrakers,' revealed injustices and unethical practices to the public. This investigative work often led to significant social reforms and changes in legislation. Muckraking has played a crucial role in holding powerful figures accountable for their actions and promoting transparency in various sectors.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The journalist muckraked the corrupt practices of the local government.
- After being muckraked, several politicians faced public outcry.
- The magazine is known for its muckraked articles on corporate fraud.
Translations
Translations of the word "muckraked" in other languages:
🇵🇹 exposto
🇮🇳 खुलासा किया गया
🇩🇪 aufgedeckt
🇮🇩 terungkap
🇺🇦 викритий
🇵🇱 ujawniony
🇯🇵 暴露された
🇫🇷 révélé
🇪🇸 revelado
🇹🇷 açığa çıkarılmış
🇰🇷 드러난
🇸🇦 مكشوف
🇨🇿 odhalený
🇸🇰 odhalený
🇨🇳 揭露的
🇸🇮 razkrit
🇮🇸 afhjúpaður
🇰🇿 ашылған
🇬🇪 გამჟღავნებული
🇦🇿 açıq-aşkar edilmiş
🇲🇽 revelado
Etymology
The term 'muckrake' has its origins in the early 20th century, particularly associated with investigative journalism that sought to expose social injustices and corruption. The concept was popularized during Theodore Roosevelt's presidency, where he used the term in a speech in 1906. Roosevelt described certain journalists who focused on exposing the darker sides of society as 'muckrakers,' referencing the character in John Bunyan's 1678 allegory 'Pilgrim's Progress,' who was too busy raking muck to look up and see the treasures above. This metaphor highlighted the importance of digging into societal issues while acknowledging the tendency of some journalists to focus extensively on negative aspects without presenting constructive ideas. Since then, muckraking has evolved to encompass a broader range of investigative journalism that aims to inform the public about issues that may not be widely known, ultimately serving as a catalyst for societal change and awareness.