Gonzo journalism was “discovered” in 1970. The use of the word “discovered” can be used loosely because of Dr. Hunter S. Thompson’s heavy use of drugs and alcohol that inspired his writing that was coined as “gonzo.”
Before Hunter S. Thompson, journalism was, for the most part, dry and boring. The inverted-pyramid method, which traces back to the U.S. Civil War, needed to be turned upside-down once again.
The inverted-pyramid began during the Civil War when the telegraph lines were being cut to prevent information from spreading from the South to the North. This caused the style of writing to change where journalists would put the most important information at the beginning of the story so if the telegraph lines did get cut, the information needed most would have already been transmitted. There was no narrative, no development and no real storytelling involved.
Throughout this course, we have been taught to invent our style of learning, just as Thompson invented his style of writing. We have studied our careers and blogged about them to analyze what has been successful.
Throughout this course, we have been taught to invent our style of learning, just as Thompson invented his style of writing. We have studied our careers and blogged about them to analyze what has been successful.
When Hunter S. Thompson wrote about the Kentucky Derby in June of 1970, he used satirical devices to describe the social setting of the sporting event instead of covering the race. He continued this style throughout his life. This was described at the essence of Gonzo Journalism.
As I began dabbling in the career choice of journalism, I came across Gonzo journalism while reading Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas by Hunter S. Thompson. The book began with one of the best ledes I have ever read and, arguably, one of the best ledes in journalism.
I realized that with a good lede is only the beginning of a great story. The basic information is needed, but it does not need to be dry and boring.
Growing up, I was used to the basic newspaper stories, when I found this style of journalism I was hooked.
Growing up, I was used to the basic newspaper stories, when I found this style of journalism I was hooked.
Hunter S. Thompson is the last thing that comes to mind when you think of the word scholar, but he has earned honorary degrees from multiple universities for his groundbreaking work in developing storytelling through journalism.
Just like what is encouraged in this course, Hunter S. Thompson invented a new style of writing by studying what has already been written in the past by viewing himself from the perspective of "the others." He did not write his articles like the typical reporter. As a child, Thompson would retype novels on his typewriter to get the feel of what it was like to be a great writer. Authors like F. Scott Fitzgerald and Earnest Hemingway were the basis of his narrative style of writing.
In choosing a career, I needed to fall head over heels. This writing/discovery of Gonzo journalism would fuel a passion for storytelling. I view my career not as a job or work, but purely enjoyment. I have never worked a day in my life because I love my career so much. This style of Hunter S. Thompson showed that you do not have to be mundane to be considered a serious journalist.
In the future, I hope to change the way people view journalism just as Hunter S. Thompson changed the way people read stories. Using new multimedia techniques and studying the way people view media will be the foundation for my work as a journalist.
