Muckraking: meaning, definitions and examples
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muckraking
[ ˈmʌkˌreɪkɪŋ ]
journalism, politics
Muckraking refers to the journalistic practice of investigating and exposing corruption, scandals, and injustices, primarily within the realms of politics and business. It gained prominence in the early 20th century during the Progressive Era in the United States, where journalists sought to highlight social issues and advocate for reform. Muckrakers played a crucial role in raising public awareness and prompting change through their investigative work. The term can also imply a certain level of sensationalism in reporting.
Synonyms
expose, investigative journalism, scandal sheet, yellow journalism.
Examples of usage
- The muckraking journalist uncovered widespread bribery in local government.
- She honed her skills in muckraking by writing for a reform magazine.
- His muckraking articles led to significant changes in public policy.
- Muckraking during the Progressive Era helped catalyze numerous social reforms.
Translations
Translations of the word "muckraking" in other languages:
🇵🇹 exposição de escândalos
🇮🇳 घोटाले का खुलासा
🇩🇪 Skandalaufdeckung
🇮🇩 pengungkapan skandal
🇺🇦 викриття скандалів
🇵🇱 ujawnienie skandali
🇯🇵 スキャンダル暴露
🇫🇷 révélation de scandales
🇪🇸 exposición de escándalos
🇹🇷 skandal ifşası
🇰🇷 스캔들 폭로
🇸🇦 كشف الفضائح
🇨🇿 odhalení skandálů
🇸🇰 odhalenie škandálov
🇨🇳 揭露丑闻
🇸🇮 razkrivanje škandalov
🇮🇸 afhjúpun á hneykslum
🇰🇿 жанжалдарды ашу
🇬🇪 სკანდალების გამჟღავნება
🇦🇿 skandalın ifşası
🇲🇽 exposición de escándalos
Etymology
The term 'muckraking' originated in the early 20th century and is derived from the metaphor of a 'muck rake' from John Bunyan's allegorical poem 'Pilgrim's Progress.' In the poem, a character is depicted as raking muck or filth instead of looking upward toward heaven. The phrase was notably popularized by President Theodore Roosevelt, who used it in a 1906 speech to describe certain journalists whom he believed were too focused on exposing the negative aspects of society rather than promoting a more balanced view. It was a time when investigative journalism began to flourish, with writers like Upton Sinclair and Ida Tarbell leading the charge to reveal corporate malfeasance and social injustices. Muckraking became synonymous with the Progressive movement, highlighting the need for reform and accountability in American society. Over time, the term has evolved and may carry a critical connotation, suggesting sensationalism or a one-sided portrayal of events.