Essays by Norman Mailer and Their Influence on Modern Journalism

Norman Mailer was an influential American novelist, journalist, and critic who wrote a number of essays that have had a profound impact on the development of contemporary journalism. This article outlines the lasting influence of Mailer's essays on the practice and perception of journalism, discussing the ways in which his use of literary devices and first-person perspective has been adopted by journalists across the globe. Ultimately, this paper will demonstrate how Mailer's essays have left a lasting legacy on the profession of journalism.

Mailer's Definition of Journalism

To understand the influence of Mailer's essays, it is important to first consider his own definition of journalism. For Mailer, journalism was a creative endeavor that could be used to tell stories in a compelling and meaningful way. He argued that the best journalists should be able to “tell stories that are both moving and entertaining, while also providing insight into the human condition and the world around us”. 

Mailer's Use of Literary Techniques

One of the most influential aspects of Mailer's essays was his use of literary techniques. He was fond of using symbolism, metaphor, and other literary devices to craft his stories in a vivid and engaging manner. He was also unafraid to experiment with narrative structure, often using unconventional techniques such as stream of consciousness to capture the emotion and immediacy of a situation. His willingness to experiment with literary techniques made his essays stand out from the competition and inspired a new generation of journalists to use such devices in their work.

The Impact of Mailer's Use of First-Person Perspective

One of the most influential aspects of Mailer's essays was his use of firsthand perspective. Mailer was a firm believer in the power of personalization, often using first-person narration to bring his stories to life. He argued that personalization was a way to make journalism more emotionally engaging, and his essays often featured his own opinions and experiences in addition to the facts. His advocacy for personalization has since been adopted by many journalists, who have used first-person narration to bring a more human element to their stories. Mailer's use of first-person narrative has been seen to improve the academic excellence of the published works, as the personal element allows for a more in-depth exploration of the subject matter. Additionally, the use of first-person perspective has helped to make journalism more accessible and relatable to the public, as readers are able to connect and empathize with the writer on a more personal level. As such, Mailer's use of first-person perspective has had a lasting impact on the practice and perception of journalism.

The Impact of Mailer's Essays on Journalism's Cultural Significance

Mailer's essays have had a profound impact on the cultural significance of journalism. His use of literary devices and personalization has made journalism more popular and accessible to the public. Mailer's essays have also helped to change society's perception of journalism, making it more widely seen as a creative and meaningful profession.

The Impact of Mailer's Essays on the Practice of Journalism

The influence of Mailer's essays can also be seen in the practice of journalism. His essays have encouraged journalists to focus more on storytelling, rather than simply reporting the facts. His essays have also helped to broaden the mediums of journalism, with many journalists now using multimedia platforms such as podcasts and video series to tell their stories.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Norman Mailer's writings have had a significant and long-lasting impact on how journalism is practiced and seen. Journalists all around the world have been inspired by his use of literary devices and the first-person perspective to convey their stories in unique and compelling ways. His works have also contributed to changing society's opinion of journalism, making it a more recognized and significant profession. Thus, Mailer's essays have had a long-lasting impact on the field and will continue to be an inspiration to writers everywhere.