A+History+of+News,+Chapter+2

Stephens provides examples from 19th century Africa in the second chapter to explain how preliterate societies transferred news. The interesting part recieved by the reader, is the story of the Zulu tribe and the means of communication to relay news to others in faraway villages. Whether it be relaying news of Taboo or the death of a king it puts European settlers in complete and utter amazement. For these groups of people to relay news so fast and effeciently without a printing press, or anything relatively close is truly incredible. This also shows the power of human emotion, and ultimately the urgency/desire for news. African tribes would often be known for women to wail loud cries of lament. These cries could be heard from neighbor to neighbor, and eventually reach the next village. Stephens uses the expression "human wireless telegraphy" to describe this ancient form of news travel used so frequently in preliterate societies.

As I read through the chapters, I began to find a similarity between each culture listed, whether from the past or the present. In today's society, it is difficult to sort through the evidence provided by any news provider simply because it often times is presented through biased eyes and explanations. This was also true for many of the cultures that spread news by word of mouth; emotions and ideas cast a cloud over the cold, hard facts. Unlike the villagers, modern journalists are given the tools of technology and the consumer is still not getting the very facts of the matter. Is it okay to present news through opinions or should the consumer retaliate?

-Kimberly Mahoney