New Journalism Seminar Reading

Radical Chic – Tom Wolfe.

This is the epitome of New Journalism, delving into great detail and describing every possible moment. Wolfe describes every detail of the party down to the hors d'oeuvres (appetizers). By giving such a lengthy description Wolfe highlights the ironies within the event, but it seems almost unintentional as he’s stating things so matter of fact.

The Black Panthers, who are supposed to be these extreme revolutionaries, are sipping drinks and eating nibbles in a posh penthouse suite. It’s not quite the image you would conjure up if you thought of them. Wolfe’s style of writing is similar to what you would expect from a feature, giving the reader a real feel for the room and the atmosphere.

In this time of revolution a lot of peoples focus seemed to be on not upsetting or offending the Black Panthers, as Wolfe goes into great length about the importance of having a white server that evening.  The thought of not having a servant is “unthinkable” to these people, it is seen as a necessity to their lifestyle.

Wolfe appears to take great joy in highlighting the fact there is still a divide within the party, not to do with race, but to do with status. Those attending the party are still concerned with what is thought of them by the servers and the doormen.

Serious issues and the agenda of the Black Panther movement is discussed and Wolfe chooses to record this in real voice colloquial language. This adds to the detail and really gives the reader a feel for the guests at this event.

The Kentucky Derby is Decadent and Depraved – Hunter S. Thompson

Thompson, like Wolfe, gives you a step by step construction of each scene in great detail, really giving the reader every inch of colour that can be added. But unlike Wolfe, Thompson gives a better insight to the character of the narrator, he is the main focus, whereas in Wolfe’s he’s simply an observer.

It also gives you an insight into the life of a new journalist as he mentions his journal which becomes whiskey covered and mud stained as he keeps it with him through every moment of the drink fuelled weekend. Thompson also sticks by the use of colloquial, true to life speech “naw, naw”.

Kentucky Derby is set in the same time frame as Radical Chic so the revolutionary, rebellious feeling is still very strong. The fact the narrator continually refers to the use of mace shows that there was an element of fear at this time.