Today, I am thankful for those who take a stand for others.
Modern technology has afforded us the unique opportunity to liaise in a facile manner with others around the globe. The stupendous invention known as the Internet allows us to instantaneously connect with friends from elementary school, classmates from college, and colleagues from prior occupations. Unfortunately, its ease of use has also led to the rise of a new phenomenon – cyberbullying. Unfortunately, we’ve become accustomed to the nefarious practices of ‘trolling’ on Facebook, verbal attacks on Twitter, and embarrassing memes on Instagram.
Sadly, bullying is not a new behavior. It existed way before our technological advances created the on-line community. For as long as we have lived in social circles, humans have used the tactics of intimidation, coercion, and threats of physical harm to influence others for their own personal gain. However, I’m not here to lecture others on the ills of bullying.
Rather, in a world where evil behavior can run amuck, I wanted to raise the tenor of the conversation, by taking a moment to laud those who courageously take a stand against the bully. I thought I would do so in the context of a historical tale that transpired nearly 70 years ago on this day (Mar 9) in 1954. At that time, the United States was in the midst of the Cold War. The spread of Communism in Russia & China led to the rise of the Red Scare, and, in turn, certain politicians, such as Senator Joseph McCarthy, used his position of power as a bully pulpit to criticize anyone or anything unaligned with his own personal views as akin to sympathizing with communism. However, one renowned American journalist decided to take a stand.
Edward Murrow had gained significant prominence as a war correspondent during World War II. After the war ended, his weekly broadcast of Hear It Now gained further momentum on the radio. With the advent of television, his show was re-branded as See It Now, with Murrow utilizing televised segments to discuss pressing issues facing the nation. As McCarthy’s smear tactics spread, Murrow dedicated an entire segment of his show to counter his argument. Murrow painted McCarthy as reckless, ruthless, and downright mean, and he did so in a calm and factual manner, ultimately using the senator’s own words against him: “This is no time for men who oppose Senator McCarthy’s methods to keep silent…We can deny or heritage and our history, but we cannot escape responsibility for the result.”
The public response was enthusiastically in his favor, provoking thousands of letters, telegrams, and phone calls in his support. McCarthy would join Murrow’s show a month later in a televised interview to defend himself, even resorting to accusing Murrow as a communist sympathizer. His bullying backfired, and McCarthy’s power and influence eventually waned.
It takes courage to stand up to bullies. Journalists like Murrow remind us that human decency, a calm reasoning, and love will always persevere.
Good night, and good luck.
Comments