With the passing of Hunter S. Thompson earlier this year, the mantle of socially critical writing has been passed onto a new generation. Sadly, this new generation of journalists have taken Gonzo journalism and formed Bozo journalism from it.
While Hunter S. Thompson and Jack Kerouac had edges to their writing that cut straight to their respective thesis revealing the nerves, vessels, and bones of society, guest commentary writer Ivan Miller (“Trip to the ballpark uncovers mass apathy; need to drink more beer,” ODE, Aug. 3) simply cudgels the subject (and the reader) with his dull wit. Like the mad drunk, Miller strikes out without provocation, purpose, or grace leaving those, who were unfortunate enough to be dragged into his public embarrassment, confused and disheartened at the newest low displayed by humanity. This letter is somewhat superfluous in that Mr. Miller admits to his own dissembling aims in the last sentence when he reveals he is left “…soaking in [his] own hypocrisy.” All I wish to say is that Mr. Miller and the Emerald would do better to develop higher aims; for his sake, the paper’s sake, and journalism’s sake.
Sincerely,
Dennis Hebert
Eugene