Analysis : Gonzo Journalism

 


When you think of the word “Gonzo” what comes to mind? I think of a cartoon character running away after pranking someone. It sounds like a fun word but in retrospect it is serious business. What makes journalism exciting is the way some journalists break the fourth wall and the rules to traditional journalism. There are always those special few who break through the norm and Hunter S. Thompson is one of those few. He did things journalists during his time and now would not even think of doing. He lived the life of a gang member for one year just to write a book (Biography 2021). He almost died for the story but the reward from the story was certainly worth it. I would agree that his way of obtaining stories was more on the unconventional side but that is what journalism is. Inorder to understand the story you are reporting you have to live it. The audience and readers have to live it through the words. It was considered dishonest for some people because he was not doing it the traditional and professional way. He did it in a way he saw fit. He had an inclination for trouble that made him a journalist. He was after the excitement and thrill. He opened the minds of readers by not playing it safe and showing readers more to life. Hunter would be considered a reckless icon who made reading worth it.


Biography.com Editor's. 2014. "Hunter S. Thompson Biography." A&E Television Network. April 03 2014. https://www.biography.com/authors-writers/hunter-s-thompson

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