Sy Hersh and Watergate (Investigative Journalism Essays)

One of the classes I had to take while in University was one on Investigative Journalism, and it was easily one of my favourite classes, I never missed a lesson and actively enjoyed Dr O'Neill's lectures about the side of journalism where "you get to take down the bad guys".

While undoubtedly a romantic view of the profession, I have nothing but respect for investigative journalism and those who engage in it especially as a profession. I was so passionate about the class that I began working on one of the two essays I was meant to submit for the class, immediately.

I could've gone for the Arizona Project, a very interesting and important story in its own right, however I simply had to go for Sy Hersh's uncovering of the My Lai massacre. I still remember the lecture that covered this Hersh fellow, and being utterly captivated by it, it was my first time hearing about it but I already knew I wanted to know more. Given my early affinity for Hunter S. Thompson, it could be argued that I find an appeal in "bad boy" journalists that remain professional but use unorthodox methods, another such figure being Truman Capote.

As for the second essay, I admit I was filled with a bit of dread, as I knew I had to discuss Watergate, and my lecturer just happened to be a knowledgeable expert on Watergate (rivaling only Ernest Hemingway and Mike Tyson in terms of expertise) I felt like a scrappy kid that plays football in alleys after-school telling Diego Maradona how to score a goal.

Nonetheless, I soldiered on with the article and to my surprise, while both articles received very positive marks (at the expense of my other classes I'm so sorry Allan) the Watergate essay marked slightly higher (72%) than my Sy Hersh essay (70%) which should teach me a lesson or two in self-confidence.

You can read the following essays via these links.

Why was the My Lai massacre investigation by Seymour Hersh regarded as significant in the annals of investigative journalism? Why Hersh’s My Lai investigation matters.

The event known as ‘Watergate’ has produced books, documentaries and films since c.1974. Explain why you think The Washington Post’s reporting of this issue merits such attention and accolades in relation to its contribution to investigative journalism.

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